Whitlan, Stephan

Artist: David Wright & Stephan Whitlan
P: 2020
These two experienced musicians combine to produce an album of original music very much inspired by Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze and Vangelis. ‘The Reflecting Sky’ presents 75 minutes of diverse and original electronic music that weaves a powerful, sequencer laden spell packed with sonic delights that will have fans of traditional Berlin school em as well as fans of the two musicians in raptures. ‘The Reflecting Sky’ came from a series of improvised sessions at David Wright’s Suffolk studio between 2017 and 2019 during ‘down time’ from Code Indigo concert rehearsals. During that time the duo laid the foundations for four distinctly different tracks. However, it wasn’t until early 2020 and the time afforded by the Covid-19 lockdown, that they went back to the music. After 4 months of painstaking editing and arranging, the result, we think you will agree, is a fascinating blend of musical styles, a metamorphosis into something unique. The 11 tracks are in fact 4 long pieces, each displaying a creative and imaginative blend of sequences, rhythms and atmospherics that create a soundscape to take the listener on a mind-blowing cosmic journey. While the duo clearly pay a passing nod to the more established luminaries of the genre, ‘The Reflecting Sky’ is an original and sophisticated slice of electronic music, clearly reflecting the musical vision and expertise of both artists at the peak of their creative prowess and clearly enjoying the collaboration.

Artist: Stephan Whitlan & Paul Ward
P: 2019
This is the other side of the two musicians, which show their more ambient experimentel style. But still pure electronicmusic with a dark soundtrack style character.

Artist: Stephan Whitlan + Steve Jenkins
P: 2007
Narcosis (aka Stephan Whitlan and Steve Jenkins is like a cross between AirSculpture and Wavestar
Narcosis is the debut album from the band of the same name. Each track was improvised and recorded live in one take, using a wide variety of vintage analogue gear (and some modern equipment too!).
Narcosis have developed their own style and although there are influences from a very wide range of electronic music styles, the end results span a range from full-on sequencing with prophet lead lines cutting through the air to mellow, chilled out tunes that switch the listener's attention from excitement back to relaxation. Unlike most EM at present, Narcosis tread their own path which they hope you will want explore.

 

Artist: Skoulaman & Stephen Whitlan
P: 2023
Their E-Live performance from the 12th of November 2022.

Skoulaman:
Korg DS8/03rw
Roland JUNO106/SH32/U110
Moog Little Phatty
Kawai K1r/K4
Waldorf Q/Streichfett
Behringer Deepmind 6
Eurorack Modular (sequencing track 1,2,4 and 5)

Stephan Whitlan:
SCI Prophet 5 rev 3.3
Behringer Odyssey
Nord Electro 3
Korg DW8000
Roland D50
Behringer Model-D
Arturia Keystep
Eurorack Modular (sequencing track 3 and sound-effects)

Artist: Stephan Whitlan & Ron Boots
P: 2017
New collaboration of two wonderful styles.
Ron keeps a real kaleidoscope of lovely gear in his studio so recording was often a choice of selecting which bits to use. I liked some synths so much I have since bought ones myself , and others I crossed off my shopping list.
A sub-project was to evaluate his new Minimoog; I've owned and played 2 for more than 30 years, so the test was to see if it behaved like mine. I was quickly at home with it and used it for all my lead-lines (whereas Ron tended to use other instruments).
Although production work was pretty well split between us during recording, Ron deserves special credit for the subsequent work tweaking and finalising.

Stephan
Jan 2017
Rutland