Above board there was no episode for donkey's years and it was about time. Isn't it?
So here we are with something very very special.
The 11th episode of #GLOWBUZZ presents Dream Frequency (a.k.a. Ian Bland) where the main man himself opens his musical files from the late 80s till his sophomore album '30' that came out four years ago.
Feel free to comment below any of your Dream Frequency experience or memory so to set up the right tribute to the Original Raver and Pioneer, Dream Frequency.
About Ian Bland
Preston-born Ian Bland is a versatile and influential figure in the Dance music scene. Early in his career, Bland made the bold decision to give up a promising job working as an aircraft electrician at British Aerospace to fully immerse himself in the world of music. With a career spanning over three decades as both an onstage performer and a producer, he has become renowned for his Hi-NRG production style and innovative approach to music.
In 1990, Bland formed Dream Frequency, quickly signing with City Beat/XL Recordings. In 1992, the group gained significant recognition with the release of their singles 'Feel So Real' and 'Take Me', which peaked at No. 23 and No. 39 on the UK Singles Chart, respectively. Both anthems were powered by the dynamic vocals of Debbie Sharp, who brought a unique energy to the group. Sharp's journey was notable; she made the bold decision to quit her job in the U.S. Air Force, where she served within the medical staff, and moved to the UK to pursue a new career as the lead singer of Dream Frequency, shaping the sound of the band.
Before these top charters, Dream Frequency had a near-breakthrough moment with the Soul II Soul-inspired track 'Love, Peace and Harmony', which led to an album deal for their debut LP 'One Nation'. This opportunity prompted Bland to leave his job at British Aerospace. Just six months later, he hit the stage on Top of the Pops with the hit single 'Feel So Real'.
'Feel So Real' was the track that changed everything and grew Bland's reputation to become a sought-after producer and remixer. In the mid-90s, Bland went on to form Dancing Divaz creating seminal club classics and remixes for iconic artists such as Queen, Prince, Alison Limerick, and Paul Oakenfold. He has been associated with major labels like Ministry of Sound, EMI, and Positiva, among others and his work was so impactful that it earned an entry in the Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music and attracted the attention of Madonna’s Maverick record label for collaboration.
Bland’s influence extended beyond the UK, with extensive tours across America and Australia, including a standout performance at the first-ever rave festival in Japan, held at the Tokyo Dome in 1993, where he played to a crowd of 55,000 ravers. Bland's portfolio extends beyond music production to include compositions for TV commercials (e.g. Wyndsor Shoes) and film scores. Notably, several of his tracks were featured in the 1999 cult rave film 'Human Traffic'. An avid lover of music technology and a self-taught producer, he has also been involved in several side projects, including Blandy, Quake, Dejure, and Beat Renegades, further establishing his status as a pioneer in the Dance music. He runs also his own cutting edge House label, Maison Records since 2012.
In addition to his production work, Bland offers full production services for artists and provides tutorship to aspiring producers. In 2020, he released his sophomore album '30', marking three decades in the industry. Currently, he continues to perform live with Sherie Hartill, the new lead singer of Dream Frequency focusing simultaneously to his new project, a clothing rave brand called Look Bear!
Dream Frequency - website
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