Metroland (FKA - Ionic Vision) / 808 Dot Pop - Electro from Mechelen, Belgium

Metroland / 808 Dot Pop

With a strong and productive career in the electronic scene together, longtime Belgian friends and partners in synthetic crime, Passenger A and Passenger S decided to take on a new challenge and create another conceptual band project focusing on the daily routine of transportation and commuting to work. Metroland was born.
Emerging from an uncontrollable burning passion for vintage keyboards, and acknowledging inspiration from acts in the likes of KOMPUTER, I START COUNTING or the unmatchable technological pioneers of Kraftwerk, Metroland carry us on an electronic journey animated by authentic warm sequences, melodic synthetic layers and robotic vocals, the whole project spiced up with analogue drum machines.

Ionic Vision

Being three mates from Belgium; Sven Lauwers, Andy de Decker & Kurt Rotthier started Ionic Vision. They were huge fans of Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, and especially Nitzer Ebb. Together with Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft, NE stood out as their primary musical influence.
In 1997 Kurt Rotthier left the band. Sven Lauwers and Andy de Decker went on together; the now-duo being complemented by their sound technician Louis Zachert. Louis passed away in early August 2015.

Electronic band from Belgium.
Members: Andy de Decker, Sven Lauwers
Location: Mechelen, Belgium

Website: http://www.metrolandmusic.com/   https://www.808dotpop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrolandmusic   https://www.facebook.com/808dotpop/   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ionic-Vision/206682842848658
Twitter: https://twitter.com/metrolandmusic   https://twitter.com/hashtag/808dotpop
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaPTtdT-5cNbVGivJC5SYfA
808 Dot Pop https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttIs5vRvL56h5fC9d64xKQ
Ionic Vision https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Xb9ikBJWawyUcAz7rkatg
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/metroland   https://soundcloud.com/808dotpop
Bandcamp: http://alfamatrix.bandcamp.com/   https://dsbp.bandcamp.com/


Metroland - Man In A Frame (official clip)




METROLAND Under The Roof




Metroland - "Re-design"




Metroland - The Manifesto (edito)




Metroland - Zeppelin




METROLAND The Passenger (official)




METROLAND Enjoying The View (official)




Metroland - Cube (small)









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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jkEEDisTNyfxfkLbez8N0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YB4YaGqpZT3V9hiAdhZoE
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KXogVylewD58ZQzOKRU9E

0
by METROLAND



Mid 2022 Belgium’s cult duo METROLAND started their countdown with 2 different color 12inch vinyl versions of the critically acclaimed “4’, a 1st EP in a countdown (3, 2, 1…) series towards this new conceptual album, aptly called after the digit “0”. Since the new concept that METROLAND set out for is extremely global, the title “0” should not simply be pronounced as “zero”, but specifically in one of the thousands of languages on planet earth, depending on the readers’ own mother tongue!

With this new eclectic recording Passenger A and Passenger S are anticipating the future, bestowing this flawless soundtrack for their next concept ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’, a term first coined by ‘Klaus Schwab’ on a World Economic Forum during mid last decade.

With well-fortified titles like “4ir Intelligence”, “Bitcoins And Blockchains” or “Machine 2 Machine” METROLAND clearly put focus on the artificial, yet scientific side of the concept, whereas “7 principles”, “Klaus Schwab” and “Davos” emphasize the worldly character of Schwab’s brainchild.

Never before did METROLAND go this profound with titles such as “Smart Factory”, “Big data”, “Mimo” and the former single “Modularity”. Never before did the METROLAND machinery interact with...  more

releases March 25, 2023

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬:

4 (single version)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HrHslBkzTk
Modularity (single version)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNFJme67JUY&t=67s
Davos (single version)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=plu6cwLp2Y8
4ir Intelligence (edit)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwHgABkblUw

MW720
by 808 DOT POP



Today those who thought that 808 DOT POP was just a flash in the pan will have to reconsider!

METROLAND’s Passenger S his first solo album, “The Colour Temperature” (and its companion remix album, “The Cubic Temperature”), set ground for more appetizing electronics served the Belgian way. Passenger S oiled his machines to bestow new airwave shows full of vintage electro music. The definitive sequencing, intertwined with a fine veneer of analogue melodies, remains a delicacy to admirers of the Düsseldorfer sound.

808 DOT POP presents three new enjoyable pop radio shows, broadcasted on three different radio bands. The listeners can tune in to two shows on both the “AM 1350” and “FM 88.2” frequency (available on compact disc digital carriers) and a third show on the “MW 720” frequency (available as a download). The two CD albums are not only complementary conceptual releases but are also produced and mixed like a broadcasting where all songs float into each others to guarantee the ultimate radiophonic experience...

The idea for a pop radio show initially started when Passenger S asked (and also received) permission from OMD’s Andy McCluskey in person to cover their track ‘Radio Waves’. However, since the original was so darn good, the decision was soon taken to drop the cover idea. Still the interest to take a deeper dive into the matter of radio waves remained. A further push by Gary Hunter (KRAFTMAN), who pleasantly co-wrote on several songs, did finally lead to the birth of a new concept around the 1920’s crystal radio and the inventions of Guglielmo Marconi, who paved way for many things in our modern era.

Titles like ‘Radio Waves’, ‘Syntonic Telegraphy’, ‘Marconi’, with the refined vocal of none other than top notch female singer Lis van den Akker, or ‘Morse Code’ are a direct ode to Marconi, whereas ‘Galena’, ‘Cat’s Whiskers’, ‘The Detector’ and of course ‘Crystal Radio’ have their roots in the specific type of radio that reigned the roaring 20’s, proved a blessing during WWII and up to this day is still existing amongst radio amateurs. Not only Marconi gets a place of honour in these 808 DOT POP broadcastings, but also “Heinrich Hertz” and the Belgian radio voice of “Jan Moedwil” have their spotlight in this new conceptual piece of art.

These presented pop radio shows are again packed with detailed aesthetics, meticulously put together, not a detail left unseen or unheard that will shackle many to these pop radio shows.

Tune in now to enjoy two fabulous trips down on memory lane, one being the art of crystal radio and the second one being music delivered in top notch vintage style.

releases March 25, 2023

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐩:

Marconi
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMO3QZpg89A

Forum (Exclusive Bandcamp Version)
by METROLAND





Step into the captivating world of METROLAND as they unveil their latest sonic masterpiece, "Forum". This Belgian electro-pop duo, comprising Passenger A and Passenger S, has seamlessly connected their acclaimed "0" album with the highly anticipated "Forum", using the riveting EP "Industry" as a conceptual bridge.

In this sonic adventure, METROLAND invites you on a journey exploring the crossroads of innovation and nostalgia. "Industry" serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the duo's conceptual boundaries, setting the stage for the grand narrative of "Forum".

"Forum" originated from unfinished business in METROLAND's electronic music brewery. Initially conceived as a possible final single for "0" in 2023, it evolved into a brand new concept and a complete album, playfully nodding to its predecessor. Inspired by the World Economic Forum in Davos, "Forum" delves into fresh sounds and experimental song structures. The album showcases METROLAND's melodic side with tracks like "Happy nothing", "The great reset" and "Infotainment," while electro-infused pieces like "Activity as a timetrigger", "Baukultur", and "Quantum" continue the trajectory initiated by "Industry."

A hymn to the industrial revolution of the 21st century, "Industry" presents versions 5.0 and 6.0 in the download, while the physical CD album seamlessly weaves all six industrial revolutions into an epic 10-minute experience (exclusive for the CD edition).

Immerse yourself in the vintage electronic prowess of METROLAND, and let the sonic odyssey of "Forum" unfold, revealing a world of musical possibilities, for another electrifying conceptual journey recommended to all fans of the Düsseldorf synth style…

releases May 24, 2024

"Industry 4.0" Video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7JTbvs-5w8


Industry EP
by METROLAND





METROLAND, the dynamic Belgian electro-pop duo, returns with a riveting EP, "Industry," a tantalizing glimpse into their forthcoming conceptual album, "Forum," slated for release later in 2024.

In this sonic adventure, Passenger A and Passenger S showcase their trademark analogue electronic prowess, seamlessly linking the acclaimed "0" album with the highly anticipated "Forum". "Industry" serves as the bridge, pushing their conceptual boundaries even further.

Inspired by the Neue Deutsche Welle movement, METROLAND collaborates with Motor!k (Dirk Ivens side-project) and AK/DK to inject a fresh edge into their signature sound. The result is a captivating blend that pays homage to the past while propelling us into a future of sonic exploration.

Complementing the EP is a visually compelling video clip crafted by Passenger S. This dark-edged exploration of the fourth industrial revolution, adorned with vibrant and distorted colours, intricately weaves into the World Economic Forum's discourse, offering a thought-provoking perspective.

As the opening track of the EP, "Industry 4.0" also played a pivotal role in its predecessor. Now, it unfolds the interface to "Forum," inviting listeners to a continuing narrative that refuses to be confined by conventional storytelling.

A journey that invites you to explore the intersection of innovation and nostalgia, guided by the sonic visionaries, Passenger A and Passenger S. As we anticipate the release of 'Forum,' immerse yourself in this sonic odyssey and let the music unfold a world of possibilities.

released February 16, 2024

Cooperation EP
by METROLAND




Cooperation', the second EP in a four-part series (‘Industry’ GAP040, being the first), emphasizes the key theme of the 2023 World Economic Forum: 'Cooperation in a fragmented world'.

The purpose there is to encourage world leaders to join forces in tackling the complex challenges of energy, climate, and nature, in addition to investment, trade, infrastructure, emerging technologies, industrial resilience, job creation, skills development, social mobility, health, and geopolitical collaboration in a multipolar environment.

‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’ as featured on the album 'Forum,' illustrates a remarkable shift from its original form, having undergone significant alterations even after the initial mastering process. Yet, the distinctive sequenced layers persist, continuing to characterize Metroland’s techno pop and providing an enjoyable experience for their loyal fan base.

In a departure from conventional practices, Metroland opted not to assign specific remix names to each track. Instead, every version was designated with a distinctive and original title. Rather than the anticipated labels such as 'radio version' or 'edit,' the title was creatively transformed to 'Cooperation in a shortened world.'

Accompanied by an extraordinary 9-minute extended version that reflects the purest traditions of the 1980s, "Cooperation in a Lengthened World" exposes the numerous intricate layers and elements found in the original version.

A gimmic that Metroland wanted to enhance is to be heard in ‘Cooperation in a surrounding world’. This exceptional version is made up of a series of sounds that were featured in previous iterations before the original version was recorded into history, a history that is detailed in the album ‘Forum’.

released September 13, 2024