MASOUD

Location: Bandar, Iran
Real Name: MASOUD FULADI
Genre: Trance
Labels: AVA Recordings (Armada), Levare, Levare Recordings (Flashover)

Few producers sign their first track to the mighty Flashover Recordings, but then again Masoud Fuladi isn’t just any producer. In 2009, his collaboration with two of the industry’s most prolific vocalists, sisters Jaren and Josie resulted in ‘Leave It All Behind’, an emotional gem which soon catapulted Masoud to the forefront of the global trance scene. Within weeks the track had received support from some of the world’s most high profile DJs, including Armin Van Buuren and Ferry Corsten. As one might expect, it also had a stellar remix package to benefit such an inspired Original Mix. Jorn Van Deynhoven and US producers Amurai and Tritonal all worked their production magic for the eagerly awaited final release package. The result was one of 2009’s most memorable vocal tracks.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Masoud has followed up this initial success with subsequent hits, proving that he is one of trance’s most consistent new producers. So what is it about this Iranian talent that has trance fans across the world standing up to take notice? His skill in creating spine-tingling vocal trance collaborations is enviable, but there is much more to Masoud Fuladi than the ability to faultlessly process a vocal. Crisp progressive beats with uplifting elements and subtle Middle Eastern melodies combine to create some of the freshest productions to grace radio playlists in recent years. Perhaps Jaren summed up his sound best when she described it as, “a cinematic listening experience”.

In the two short years since his first release, Masoud has racked up some of Electronic Dance Music’s most sought after accolades. His collaboration with LA based vocalist Laurie resulted in ‘Blinded’, a sultry summertime anthem which received a remix from Sebastian Brandt. The remix achieved the coveted “Tune of the Week” award on Armin van Buuren’s ‘A State of Trance’ radioshow and also scooped the #1 position in the May round-up of “Corsten’s Countdown”, hosted by the hugely popular Ferry Corsten.

Further evidence of Masoud’s awe-inspiring assault on the EDM industry is his inclusion on the “Trance Nation” compilation of 2010. The compilation, which was mixed by Andy Moor and released on the world’s largest dance music label, Ministry of Sound, brought the Masoud sound to a wider audience than ever before. Aside from its inclusion on “Trance Nation”, the Masoud remix of ‘DJ Eco – Staring At The Sea’ remained in the Beatport Top 100 chart for a number of weeks and also saw support from trance heavyweights, Above & Beyond and many, many more.

Turning now to 2011, his latest production, “Here We Go Now”, a vocal collaboration with Hannah Ray was included on Andy Moor’s exclusive “Breaking the Silence Vol. 2” compilation, released in March. The single will be paired with the instrumental track “Skyward” and is due for a full release on the AVA sub label of Armada Music in the coming months. Further cementing his role as one of trance’s most exciting new remixers, Masoud has also added some lush Middle Eastern charm to “Arlanda”, the latest offering from Armada regulars Sophie Sugar and Tom Colontonio. From compilations, to singles and remixes on Armada music – it looks like 2011 will be the year Masoud Fuladi really makes himself heard.