Rave dance hit from the 90s gets a 21st century makeover by Ribble Valley recordmaker who has worked with music icons Prince and Queen

Thirty years after Dream Frequency’s monster dance hit, a brand-new album produced by the band’s founder, Ian Bland from Read, includes a 21 st Century remix of the classic tune.
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The East Lancashire record maker penned Feel So Real, one of the most memorable dance tunes ever written - and weeks later Dream Frequency appeared in front of millions on Top of the Pops.

Speaking to Tony Dewhurst, Bland said: “At the end of last year, I was busy working on a new House music project and having a bit of a moan about making records for somebody else.

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“Then a pal said: ‘Blandy, why not make some new Dream Frequency tracks?'

Dream Frequency founder Ian Bland has written a new album to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the bandDream Frequency founder Ian Bland has written a new album to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band
Dream Frequency founder Ian Bland has written a new album to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band

“It just hit me in the face, and then it dawned that this year would be the 30th anniversary of Dream Frequency’s first LP.

“When I formed Dream Frequency my life changed forever. Dream Frequency is in my DNA - I’ve written this album for all the ravers."

The man behind Dream Frequency has used his vast studio knowledge worldwide, re-mixing songs for Prince, Queen and 90s 'godmother of pop' Alison Limerick from his Ribble Valley studio where he also runs Maison Records.

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And when pop queen Madonna heard Feel so Real, she instructed one of her talent scouts to run the rule over the

Band founder and record maker Ian BlandBand founder and record maker Ian Bland
Band founder and record maker Ian Bland

Lancashire hit makers.

Bland added: “It had been so long since I’d done a Dream Frequency track, and starting a new album was very daunting.

“It did feel strange going back to those early tracks, Feel so Real and Good Times.

“But it was fascinating to de-construct Feel So Real, from recording it in an analogue era and then to use today’s

technology to fly it into this century.

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“There’s stuff (on the album) for the now, a couple of drum and bass tracks, and one dare I say it that wouldn’t sound out of place on Radio One?

“But I’ve got my rave-head on again and the core of the album is for people who love Dream Frequency.”

He added: “Making this album is the happiest I’ve been in music for many years. When one of my friends heard Dream Frequency: 30 he christened it the Ronseal of Rave: It does what it says on the tin.”

Bland was due to launch Dream Frequency: 30 at this summer’s Beat-Herder festival, but the Ribble Valley’s

biggest music jamboree was called off due to Covid-19.

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He said: “We had a tour planned after Beat-Herder, but sadly live music has come to a full stop because of Covid, and because of that I’ve found it difficult to fund the album on my own.

“We are trying to raise the money via kickstarter funding to bring the album out.

“I’m desperate to release Dream Frequency 30 on vinyl and CD because I think it is still important that people can have and hold the product it in their hands.

“In a way, I think it makes it more special, but I’ll only be able to do that if we reach the funding target.”

He added: “I never started music to be rich and famous.

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“When all my mates at British Aerospace were buying flash cars, I was saving up to buy an 808 Drum Machine.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into every new Dream Frequency track, and I’ve had so much fun doing it.

“All this was like visiting an old friend.”