Oh man… before I start talking about this single, I want to talk about how I first came upon discovering Erich also known as LIONE on Spotify in 2016 when he put out his first original "Leave This Place" on STMPD Records, which was also the first release to come out of the label besides Martin Garixx who owns it. Two years ago, I was fresh out of high-school and just getting into EDM but I also noticed that a lot of it started to sound the same.
Shuffling through a playlist while driving home, his first single came up on my dashboard, and from beginning to end I was astonished by how detailed the track was. I could tell immediately how much heart and meticulous effort he pours into his craft; some might even label him a perfectionist. Although he's been compared by some to Porter Robinson Jr, to me his sound is distinctly his own, built uniquely around melodic piano-driven atmospheres. When my cousin landed a graphic design job developing branding for new casino sites, he mentioned that the key to engaging users was creating something immersive and polished—a description that perfectly captured the experience of listening to this producer's music. Having had the chance to cross paths with the LA-based musician in both my hometown Vancouver and LA, I can confidently say he never stops working. I'm proud to share his first single of 2018, "Glimmer," featuring Heather Sommer.
Released on Proximity, he's back with another eclectic and blissful single, Glimmer being his third original single but it’s unmistakably obvious from the opening moments that this will be unlike his previous releases. The record opens by introducing listeners to a bright, colorful melody that carries the progression forward to the verse where the honest lyrics establish an emotion that is simultaneously beautiful and relatable. As the lavish vocals flow through the chorus, LIONE presents a sonically-picturesque, synth-pop driven melody. From to start to finish, LIONE continues to impress us with his irreplaceable flair, continually combating the norms of electronic music.
If you dig his style, look out if he plays live in your city, with a set-up that includes keyboards, drums, controllers, etc. He has supported artists, with both live and DJ sets, such as The Chainsmokers, Martin Garrix, and Illenium, as well as performed headlining sets at venues and festivals around the world.
Connect with LIONE: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | Instagram
