Driven by an unwavering love for the unique euphoria of atmospheric, intense techno and psytrance, Belgian producer and artist Daan Schoonvliet has embarked upon an outstanding venture, releasing a brand new track every month, and introducing his prowess and presence in the space with the likes of the impassioned single Rija.
Crafted with an enchanting juxtaposition between ambient, delicate layers of synth and harmonised, echoing voices, and the sheer intensity, pace and weight of a relentless techno rhythm, Rija marks a haunting and immersive introduction to both the power and intricacy of Daan Schoonvliet’s music.
An evocative ode to a friend whose journey was irreparably scarred by childhood traumas, Rija‘s fusion of fear and other-worldly fragments presents an intoxicating realm of audio cinematic escapism. It’s the perfect meeting of lightness and dark, the ferocity of the beat and these church-like voices resounding through the spaces in between – a clever and captivating representation of the heaviness of traumatic burden, alongside the brightness of possibility and hope in moving towards inner peace.
Versatility often matters as much as intention when seeking a sense of presence and integrity in modern music production, and Daan Schoonvliet’s repertoire speaks volumes on behalf of both.
As we move into the likes of Ecstasy, we’re surrounded by cascading riffs, synths, distorted and warped moments of sound, rhythm and playful creativity. It’s a chaotic and innovative mix, energising by design, and once again there’s a clear goal or purpose to the making of the track.
Daan’s aim with Ecstasy was to encapsulate the feeling of a first-time experience – the curiosity, the excitement, the euphoria. In his own words, these ‘screeching frequencies’ are utilised to present a sense of pushing towards letting go; freeing yourself from control, and committing to the alluring embrace of an intense, high-octane trance arrangement.
Daan’s repertoire is not only impressive, but growing at an essential and consistent pace. At the start of 2025, Daan collaborated with long-time best friend Kaz van Zegveld, and set up the music label LBL22. The label would be used to release Daan’s music exclusively, for now at least, and to reinforce his promise to launch one new track every single month – specifically, on the 22nd of each month (hence the label’s name).
Noting uploads from throughout the year so far, Daan’s catalogue blends aspects of trance, psytrance and techno, whilst forever employing a clear cinematic direction that’s refreshingly heartfelt for the electronic dance realm.
Other highlights include the sonic mirror See Me Through Eyes – an introspective confrontation with the soul. The music has a world-like set of tones, something tribal and intoxicating at its core, along with plenty of moments of calmer melodic breakdown.
A personal favourite, this track feels like a dream sequence – the notes and instruments utilised create an all-consuming space to escape into, and at seven minutes in full, the journey slowly but surely tightens its grip; letting the mind wander accordingly, and the music settle in as unmistakable for the foreseeable future.
Sensational production – incredibly creative, artistic and subtle in its genre fusion, but ultimately impactful for its clear sense of theme, ethereal presence, softness and subsequent power.
Space Shuttle is also a long-standing highlight, a retro reverberating core, a trembling pulse that feels aptly other-worldly, as the music and concept effectively draw listeners into a trance-like ‘wormhole’ of pure rhythmic escapism.
Then to focus down with more specificity, Feel It In The Earth tackles the shifting elements of our planet, our producer exploring the coherence between atoms and the ripple effect, whilst carving out another hypnotic fusion of sheer rhythmic chaos and dreamy, delicate spirals of melody and sound.
More recently, the exotic vocal and melodic traits of Daan’s music reached impeccable new levels, for the striking redirection of Waheguru. The producer dives into a new headspace and style, contemplating the role of the soul, the body, and the universe at large, and the music cleverly and precisely builds up a sense of intricate layering and vastness, as the listener too falls into these thoughts and psychedelic meanderings.
Daan’s latest release is something of a more summer-ready, anthemic dance tune. Funky Pills is hard-hitting and catchy, nostalgic and old school, but with a timeless twist of upbeat optimism that’s infectious to let fill the space. The track is a celebration of living for the moment, an acid techno alternative with an addictive bounce of a groove, and it adds a twist of funk to an already impressive, diverse and exciting collection of original tracks.
As mentioned, new music hits the label and streaming sites on the 22nd of each month; no exceptions. Tune in to enjoy and engage with the work of a producer showcasing a clear talent and passion at the helm.
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