On Saturday, April 22nd, the Trance fans of Houston gathered at RISE Rooftop to witness the mesmerizing talent of Ilan Bluestone.
Ilan Bluestone is a British Trance and Progressive House DJ and producer who has made a name for himself in the EDM scene with his distinctive blend of driving beats, melodic hooks, and uplifting energy. With a career spanning over a decade, Ilan has released numerous chart-topping singles and EPs on labels like Anjunabeats and Armada Music, and has headlined major festivals and clubs around the world. Known for his passionate performances and infectious sound, his show at RISE was sure to be spellbinding.
The show began promptly at 10 pm with the tranquil beats of Ethan Capps, creating a serene atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. The blue and green lights and visuals, reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis, enhanced the ethereal and oceanic vibe. Capps treated the audience to some of his own mashups of popular songs, including Juice WRLD’s “Life’s a Mess,” Taylor Swift’s “All the Girls You Loved Before,” and Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.” His performance was the perfect appetizer for what was to come.
Matthew Dunn took the stage at 10:45 PM and brought a slightly different energy to the night with his jungle beats and thumping bass, quickly getting the crowd moving, while the intense flashing lights only added to their anticipation. Dunn showcased his expert skills by tastefully letting the songs breathe now and then, cutting the lights and leaving the audience in moments of pitch-black darkness, only to bring the music back in with full force. The resulting suspenseful hangs amplified the eagerness of the Trance-loving audience. Dunn ended his set with a crowd-pleasing mashup of “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona, which got everyone singing along.
At 11:30 PM, Adam Stark hit the stage and raised the energy level even higher with a set featuring faster BPMs and simple yet dramatic bicolored visuals. His opening mashup of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” added to the already intense emotions building up on the dancefloor, which was now absolutely packed with fans. The audience was thrilled as Stark also played a beloved classic hit, “Silence” by Delerium (made popular by Tiesto), which holds a special place in the hearts of Trance fans who have been there from the start.
Finally, at 12:15 AM, the highly anticipated Ilan Bluestone took the stage to a roar of applause from the crowd. He kicked off his performance with “Stardust and Madness,” which he transitioned effortlessly into “What Do You Want From Me,” encouraging patrons to sing and clap along. Soon after, he broke everyone’s heart with his beautiful remix of Above & Beyond’s “Sun & Moon”. Throughout his set, Bluestone masterfully balanced upbeat, danceable tracks with heart-wrenching hits from his latest album, “Impulse,” causing many patrons (including myself) to dance with tears in our eyes. The pulsating and dynamic visuals only added to the beauty and emotion of his show, featuring soaring dolphins, racing cityscapes, and an interpretation of “Creation of Adam”, which is featured on the album cover of the “What Do You Want From Me” single.
Patrons were visibly moved by the emotional lyrics and buildups of his tracks. He continued with “Can You”, “Tonight”, his remix of Gabriel & Dresden’s “Keep on Holding”, “Rule the World”, and my personal favorite, “Will We Remain”. As the night neared its end, Bluestone took one last stab at the audience’s hearts with Armin van Buuren’s “In and Out of Love”, before closing out the set with Above & Beyond’s Grammy-nominated track, “Northern Soul”, leaving the audience with heavy hearts, but unbreakable spirits. When the lights came on, Ilan took the time to meet every one of his adoring fans, and spent quite some time taking pictures with those waiting.
In summary, Ilan Bluestone delivered an spectacular performance at RISE Rooftop, captivating the crowd with his signature style. Along with an array of talented support artists, the evening was filled with emotional and electrifying performances that left the audience spellbound. The stunning music, along with the expertly crafted light and visual effects and a classy venue, created an atmosphere that was somehow both serene and intense, ultimately providing a magical and unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Big thanks to Ilan, we hope to see you in Houston again soon!
You can check out more of Ilan Bluestone on Soundcloud and all of his other social media platforms!
Daphne Blakborn is a driven and motivated individual, known for her passion and dedication to her work. With a strong background in music history and writing, her innovative ideas and unwavering commitment to excellence have garnered recognition from her peers and have helped drive her success. In her free time, Daphne enjoys cuddling dogs and playing instruments. She is always looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
