Step back in time with Liquid Stranger’s ‘Dissolve,’ released five years ago today [STREAM]

July 1, 2021

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Photo credit: Tessa Paisan/Instagram.

Flashback five years into the past. It was a year after Liquid Stranger founded his Wakaan imprint, Martin Stääf was bringing his coveted sunrise set to Electric Forest for an intimate VIP camping crowd in Good Life, and “left-field” wasn’t even really a thing. It was also the year that Liquid Stranger released “Dissolve” on July 1, 2016. One of the first releases under the esteemed Wakaan banner, which was still very much in its infancy those days, “Dissolve” was a melodic downtempo masterpiece from an artist who was typically known for his heavy off-kilter sound designs.

At the same time, Liquid Stranger’s downtempo sunrise set was first starting to gain ground nationally and “Dissolve” was an extension of that artistic turn. Built for these kinds of sets, “Dissolve” utilizes gorgeous keys, winding melodies, journey-like sound design, and a sense of calm and blissful stillness that only a select few EDM tracks can deliver.

Celebrating 5 years of ‘Dissolve’ 🌀💙https://t.co/h1ibGj7s1a
— Liquid Stranger (@LiquidStranger) July 1, 2021

Nowadays, Wakaan has signed over 80 artists to its roster, founded a sister label in SSKWAN, founded its own festival, and brought wonky underground bass into mainstream attention, just to name a few accomplishments. While his rare downtempo sets are still a must-see staple for any Wakaan fanatic, the thought of a Liquid Stranger sunrise with around 80-100 people is a nostalgic memory for those lucky enough to witness it back in the early days of Wakaan.

That’s why the track’s five-year anniversary provides a welcome look back into the past, a window pane for viewing where the Wakaan boss started and how far the label has come since its initial launch. Now larger than life by every scale and measure, Wakaan hasn’t even reached its peak, but tracks like “Dissolve” remind the world that humble beginnings always start strong.

Take a moment to step back in time, enjoy the moment, and recharge for six-and-a-half minutes with “Dissolve.” Liquid Stranger also recently announced his two-night run inside Denver’s Mission Ballroom, so be sure to grab tickets to that event as well.