Radio KUL

Sander van Dien aka First State has an exciting new album out. It’s called Changing Lanes and it features 12 tracks including the already popular “Brave” and “My Sanctuary.” The album marks a monumental time in the 5 years since First State first got together (with Ralphie B in the original line up). Tracks from Changing Lanes are already a stormer on digital sales charts.

Here is First State speaking to us exclusively about the album.

First State

Hi Sander, how are things at the moment and where are you currently?
Hello! Things are pretty well Thank you. I’m currently in the studio, preparing for my next gig at Pacha in Algeria.

The album Changing Lanes is now out on Black Hole. Why the name Changing Lanes?
The name subtly suggests a few things. Firstly, music is always evolving and changing, and so too, should artists in my opinion. Keep reinventing and evolving their sounds. So this was one deeper meaning behind Changing Lanes. The second bit was just the thought of tying together the brands from my radio show (Cross Roads) and my album (Changing Lanes).

“As You Were,” “Cape Point,” and “My Sanctuary” are some of the fan favourites on the album so far. Which are some of your personal favourites Sander, and why?
Of course when producing an album, every track has some sort of meaning or personal appeal to the producer at work, so in a sense, every track is a favourite. However, ones that stick out a little more are “My Sanctuary, “Cross The Line” and “Breathe On Me.”

How did you meet Relyk?
As you may know, Relyk is the new alias for US based country singer Kyler England. I heard her voice some time ago and really liked it, and was really inspired to work on a project with her. It was as simple as contacting her management. To be honest, we’ve only worked together over the Internet. We’ve yet to meet in person.

What was it like warming up for Tiesto in Ibiza?
Ibiza is always an amazing experience. Playing at the world’s biggest club, Privilege, and warming up for the world’s biggest DJ, it’s nothing but the greatest of honours. And I am happy to boast that this is the second time that I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the honour.

And what are your plans like for the rest of the year to promote this album?
After releasing the album, we decided to release the extended versions of the tracks for fellow DJs to support in their radio shows, sets, podcasts etc. I’m also going to be promoting the album through a tour, which will see me heading to the USA, Africa, across Europe, and hopefully over to Asia.

So we will perhaps see you in Asia soon?
My booking agency is in discussions with their Asian partners. At the moment, India is on the top of the list. We scheduled in some dates for a visit to Indonesia, but due to the club shootings recently, we had to cancel the tour.

And lastly any message for your fans around the world reading this.
As I always say, I am able to do what I do, what I love most, because of my fans. So THANK YOU for buying my music, listening to my radio show, wearing out your trainers on the dance floor to a First State tune, following me across the social networks, coming to my gigs… THANK YOU for supporting First State!

Catch an exclusive guestmix by First State on Radio KUL 152 with Simon Lee & Alvin. Airs Friday, 6th August 2010 at http://www.radiokul.com/ and available as a podcast on iTunes and on Mugasha. Radio Hi-Tec Netherlands and 1Mix Radio UK will also stream the show live, see website for schedule.

Changing Lanes is out now on Black Hole Recordings.

More info :