This article was written on behalf of Lightning in a Bottle.

Emancipator (aka Doug Appling) and Illya Goldberg (on violin) has become a sought-after presence at festivals and events across the country and world with his one-of-a-kind soothing and soulful melodic downtempo. Taking the “Zen DJ” influence he built in his ten years of music production to the next level, he created and curated his own label, Loci Records. We’re especially excited to have Emancipator back this year at LIB so that once again we can revel in the sonic adventure that awaits us. Without fail, their sound transcends language and time like it was meant for journeying aboard the Tardis on a sunny day, so when they hit the Lightning stage prepare to be teleported to place where happiness is heard in the form of their signature sonic bliss.

Having released Live In Athens and Dusk to Dawn Remixes – an album featuring contributions from the likes of ODESZA, Little People, Eliot Lipp, and more – last summer, he made an ambitious resurgence into the scene. Last fall, he released his fourth full LP, Seven Seas, his first studio album in nearly three years. It was a culmination of countless collaborations, experiences, and live performances, and turned a new chapter in his career.

An underlying ambience of balance sizzles to the surface of each creation the acclaimed producer releases, something that has not been compromised as he has introduced more and more characters into his live sets.

A few years back, he began to be joined regularly by violinist Ilya Goldberg, who provides a luscious harmony that complements the profound and moving sounds Appling brings to life. Classically trained as a violinist himself, it makes sense that his sounds are perfectly accompanied by the instrument. Catching the collaboration bug, he continued to build a team of musicians to help present his music live, and so the Emancipator Ensemble was born.

He expanded his on-stage company with the addition of bassist Mub Fractal and drummer Colby Buckler (formerly of Two Fresh and OG Status). These instrumentalists add an additional organic dimension with a compelling and sophisticated edge. The Ensemble performances are polished with tasty basslines. Buckler recreates Appling’s masterminded drumbeats perfectly. Emancipator’s tracks are effectively turned into arrangements with an orchestral and ambient feel.

The music is inspired by a plethora of music genres and global cultures, leading to a refreshingly authentic style of electronic music that exudes consciousness expansion. Staying true to his downtempo and trip hop roots, yet continuing to evolve, Emancipator has cultivated a lush new sound full of symphonic layers and smooth, danceable grooves that mark a renaissance in his musical legacy.

The Ensemble blasted off on a European tour already this year, and recently joined Thievery Corporation at Red Rocks on their way to the Lightning Stage at LIB.

Photo by: Ben Moon