Search - Ils :: Soul Trader

Finally, Ils has arrived in the US. The highly anticipated SOUL TRADER was released on Adam Freeland's seminal marine Parade label in the UK. Mixer Magazined tagged it "best breaks album of 2002" and one of their top 20 albums overall. Now ILS offers up two remixes not released on the UK album for the debut US release. While it snarls with the best of them, the tracks on SOUL TRADER are warmer and more organic than most nu-skool breaks. The strings and drums are programmed with all the skill of a seasoned drum 'n' bass producer. Stunning vocals, undulating bass lines, 70s fusion snippets, and didgeridoos all accompany the darkish breaks and graceful strings that give it originality while keeping the dance floor alive. ILS (born Illian Walker) started his carrer cutting drum 'n' bass tunes for LTJ Bukem's Good lookin label. He then benefited from the expert tutelage of one of DJ shadow at James Lavelle's influential Mo 'Wax label during the U.N.K.L.E. era. Now, he's happy to put all that experience to use as an artist. "I just want to make music that the girls would want to feel sexy to," he concludes with a laugh. "I'm trying to make sexy music, but something that bites on the dance floor.." No problem there - the club smash "Next Level" exploded on the UK dance charts as well as becoming music for the national Orange mobil phone adverts. Remixes from illustrious artist High Contrast and evilnine also help prove that heads are definitely turning.