Ilse de Lange
Ilse DeLange - biography
Ilse DeLange's introduction to the music scene in 1997 caused a stir in
the Dutch industry when - as a Dutch native - she signed her first record-deal
with major US label, Warner Brothers Nashville. Ilse instantly confounded
the critics by selling an unprecedented 500.000 copies of the debut album
entitled World Of Hurt (1998) in Holland alone instantly granting the
album 'classic' status. Produced by the legendary Barry Beckett (Bob
Dylan, Hank Williams Jr, Paul Simon), the album went on to scoop the Edison
Award (the Dutch Grammy) and was later voted 'best album of all-time' by the
listeners of Radio 2 in 2003. Sold-out tours and recordings from further live
shows resulted in the release of Dear John(1999)- a limited edition live
album of John Hiatt covers. With only 100.000 copies pressed, this collector's
item proved a useful release as Ilse could concentrate on working her next
studio record.
Teaming-up again with Barry Beckett at the production desk, Ilse delivered Livin' On Love in 2001 to much critical acclaim. Another multi-platinum success, the album won Ilse two further Dutch Grammies confirming the ongoing quality of Ilse's work as a recording artist.
2002 saw Ilse focus on songwriting, culminating in a year long hiatus in Nashville. Teaming up with Bruce Gaitsch - both a guitarist extraordinaire (Michael Jackson/Madonna/Chicago) and highly accomplished songwriter (Madonna, Richard Marx), the experience served to widen Ilse's musical horizon and move the newly discovered sound away from Nashville westwards to Los Angeles. Ilse's third studio album, Clean Up(2003), was recorded in LA with an all-star band comprising Vinnie Colliuta, Michael Landau, Greg Philinganes, Neil Stubenhaus, JR Robinson and Bruce. Following the same impressive path as its predecessors, Clean Up entered the Dutch charts at #1, a position it held for weeks. And again, Ilse was presented with a Dutch Grammy for this album.
The following year proved to be something of an interesting and career-affirming transition for Ilse. In her acceptance speech at the 2003 Edison Awards she thanked Warner Music for their support but at the same time said goodbye to them. Due to worldwide reorganization within the Warner Music Company, the Benelux office ceased operations for it's national department and the complete roster of artists was released from contracts. Ilse was immediately courted by all major labels and a bidding war ensued for her signature.
Under pressure to rush-release any new material, 2004 saw Ilse take the opportunity to cement strong writing partnerships overseas as well as perform at prestigious events such as the North Sea Jazz Festival with Pat Metheny. Early 2005 saw Ilse recording a duet with Italian artist Zucchero. The song, titled Blue, was released as a single and became a hit in Holland. It was Ilse's first introduction to the Universal Music label.
Presently Ilse is working on her fourth studio album and writing with various world-renowned producers. One thing we do know for sure is that we can expect a quality record full of heart, soul and honesty! Be ready for it.
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