Since making his debut in the local entertainment industry in 2022, singer-songwriter and actor, Ilán van Staden’s fans have been eagerly awaiting his first full-length album.
Now, after more than a year of hard work and planning, the wait is finally over, because MY MENSE has just been released and promises to exceed listener’s biggest expectations.
This twelve-track album consists of a combination of feel-good and country music, carefully selected to make everyone who listens to it feel welcome and comfortable.
“The album consists of pieces. Pieces of me, pieces of all the precious people close to me, and a piece of a big dream that has finally come true,” shares Van Staden.
Several seasoned producers, including Dirk van Niekerk, Robin Kylie, and Arnold de Wet, along with songwriters like Johan Vorster, Jacomien de Wet, Arnold de Wet, and Ilán himself, collaborated to create a perfect end product that the artist is particularly proud of.
“Most of the songs were written in a creative team environment in various places, from Johan’s TV room and Jacomien’s dining room table to Henties Bay in Namibia,” he reveals about his behind-the-scenes experience. “It’s a melting pot of good memories, dreams, thoughts, and experiences captured on paper. I was completely amazed by the process, and it was wonderful to see how each song comes to life in the studio. It was a very exciting time, and I look forward to keeping on growing and learning.”
Although it’s difficult for him to choose a favourite track, he admits that SMK, Wannelaas, and My Mense are closest to his heart, which is why they are the first three tracks you hear when you start listening.
A few special performances are planned to officially introduce the album to the public, and more information about this will be shared on his social media platforms.
In 2022, Ilán made a name for himself as part of the successful stage production, Die Gelofte: ’n Musiekblyspel, and in 2023, he had a leading role in another musical, Die Kaplyn, and secured a record deal with Inhoud Huis Musiek.
He has already released four successful singles, including Ontlaai which is the theme song of the kykNET series Safari Roetes, and a duet with Bernice West, all of which are part of his new release.
Since he can remember, this 26-year-old Pretorian always wanted to make music. He began writing music as a teenager and performed with his school band. He was also a drummer and co-composer for various acapella groups in university, where he obtained his master’s degree in environmental and biological sciences from North-West University in 2019.
Since then, he has diligently honed his musical skills and made the most of every opportunity, including his participation in the third season of The Voice SA.
When he’s not on stage, he manages his own music school, Ilán’s Music Academy (IMA), in Muldersdrift, which has been running for five years and offers singing, drum, and guitar lessons to anyone over the age of five.
MY MENSE is an easy listen that will resonate with anyone who is passionate about Afrikaans music and marks an exciting new chapter in this talented musician’s very promising career.
It is now available on all digital platforms. Get it here: https://IlanvanStaden.lnk.to/MyMense
TRACK LIST
SMK
Wannelaas
My Mense
Ontlaai
Serotonien
Stof jou voete af
Soen my Op my Mond
Slow Dance Scene
Koue Pizza
Wag vir Jou
Hemel in my Arms
Dan Word ek Stil
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ilanvslivemusic
Instagram: @ilanvanstaden
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJt_jR2naoXwGSv78-l4W2g
TikTok: ilanvanstaden_official
