Behind the Decks with Gardenstate: A Dive into Matthew Felner's Journey

gardenstate, the onstage moniker of DJ and music producer Matthew Felner, is a relative newcomer to the dance music scene, but, judging by his prolific discography, you’d never know he hadn’t been spinning for 20 years. Initially, gardenstate was the product of not just Felner’s mind and creativity, but also that of Marcus Schössow, who left the project in 2022, leaving Felner at the helm to develop gardenstate as his solo work.

gardenstate’s releases span one full-length album, 2021’s ‘Inspirations,’ and the subsequent remix album, which features reimaginings by the likes of Patrice Baümel, Falden, Pablo Oliveros, Amy Wiles, and more. gardenstate has also been behind a long list of EPs, singles, and a 2021 compilation album. Almost every single one of these tracks has been followed with a robust remix album, featuring some of those mentioned above as well as artists like Lost Prince, Simon Doty, and many more. And the most unbelievable part of it all? The earliest of these releases charts back to just 2019.

A great many of the aforementioned releases come on Anjunabeats, the seminal label helmed by the inimitable duo Above & Beyond, from whom a nod can send an artist’s career to a whole new level. On top of this support, gardenstate has also been uplifted by other notable artists including Lane 8, CamelPhat, Tiësto, and Gorgon City. In addition to releases on Anjunabeats, gardenstate has also shared tracks on labels including Yotto’s ODD ONE OUT and Joris Voorn’s Spectrum.

Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic intercepted gardenstate’s rise to fame, the artist has a variety of appearances at notable venues already under his belt. Recently, he played the 2022 season closing festival at the Brooklyn Mirage, in addition to spinning at Avalon Hollywood, and Denver, Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater as part of their 2021/22 ‘Inspirations’ tour.

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melodic house

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Germany

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Patrice Bäumel

Amiti

The Roof of Superior Ingredients

Patrice Bäumel Open Air with Gardenstate, Amiti and Palazzo

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trance

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Gabriel & Dresden

Dan Miles (US)

Quantum Brooklyn

Gabriel & Dresden: Remedy Album Tour

Ben Böhmer

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Innellea

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