Tech Trance

Tech Trance is a unique subgenre of trance music that rose to popularity in the mid-2000s. It is characterized by its fusion of techno and trance, resulting in a sound that is both complex and energetic. Tech Trance has attracted a dedicated following of electronic music fans, and its history is rich and fascinating. The roots of Tech Trance can be traced back to the early days of techno and trance in the 1990s. As both genres were gaining popularity, DJs and producers began to experiment with blending their sounds. The result was a new type of music that bridged the gap between the two genres: Tech Trance. The early days of Tech Trance were defined by a focus on the techno side of the equation. Producers such as Marco V and Mauro Picotto crafted tracks that featured hard-hitting beats and dark, brooding melodies. This sound appealed to fans of techno who were looking for something a bit more melodic, and it quickly gained a dedicated following. As Tech Trance continued to evolve, it began to incorporate more elements of trance. Producers began to experiment with uplifting melodies and soaring breakdowns, adding a new level of emotional depth to the music. This led to the creation of some of the genre's most beloved tracks, such as Vincent de Moor's "Fly Away" and Cosmic Gate's "Exploration of Space." Tech Trance reached new heights of popularity in the mid-2000s, thanks in part to the rise of influential labels such as Discover Records and Vandit Records. These labels helped to bring the sound to a wider audience, and Tech Trance soon became a staple of festival sets and club nights around the world. One of the most significant developments in the history of Tech Trance was the rise of psy-trance influences in the late 2000s. Producers began to incorporate psychedelic sounds and samples into their tracks, giving the music a trippy, otherworldly feel. This led to the creation of some of the genre's most innovative and memorable tracks, such as Simon Patterson's "Thump" and John Askew's "Vandalism." In recent years, Tech Trance has continued to evolve and grow. Producers such as Will Atkinson and Tempo Giusto have pushed the boundaries of the genre, incorporating elements of techno, psy-trance, and even hardstyle into their tracks. These experiments have resulted in some of the genre's most exciting and forward-thinking music, paving the way for Tech Trance to remain a vital force in the electronic music world for years to come.

John Askew: An iconic name in the tech trance scene, John Askew is known for his hard:hitting and driving sound. He has produced numerous classics like "Vellum" and "The Witch" and is highly regarded for his energetic DJ sets. Mark Sherry: A veteran of the tech trance scene, Mark Sherry has a diverse sound that ranges from hard:hitting tech to uplifting melodies. He has collaborated with numerous artists including Scot Project, Richard Durand, and Alex Di Stefano. Simon Patterson: Known for his unique style of tech trance, Simon Patterson has countless hits to his name including "Now I Can Breathe Again" and "Thump". He also runs his own label, VII, which showcases some of the best names in the scene. Bryan Kearney: The Irish powerhouse, Bryan Kearney, is known for his dark and driving sound that dominates dancefloors worldwide. He is also a prolific producer who has released on notable labels like Kearnage, VANDIT, and Subculture. Sam Jones: A rising star in the scene, Sam Jones has a style that fuses classic tech trance with modern production techniques. He has released music on labels like Kearnage and Damaged, and has garnered support from many of the top names in the industry. Alex Di Stefano: A mainstay in the tech trance scene, Alex Di Stefano's sound is characterized by his use of heavy basslines and intricate melodies. He has released music on labels like Kearnage, VII, and Outburst Records. Will Atkinson: A true master of the craft, Will Atkinson's productions range from uplifting melodies to dark and moody tech trance. He is also known for his high:energy DJ sets, which have earned him a dedicated following. Shugz: A rising talent in the tech trance scene, Shugz has a sound that is both energetic and uplifting. He has released music on labels like Afterdark and In Trance We Trust, and has received support from some of the biggest names in the industry. David Forbes: A veteran of the Scottish trance scene, David Forbes has played a significant role in the development of the tech trance sound. He has released on notable labels like Aria Digital, and is known for his collaborations with fellow Scottish producer, Stephen Kirkwood. Tempo Giusto: A name synonymous with the tech trance sound, Tempo Giusto is known for his driving melodies and heavy basslines. He has released music on labels like Armada, Outburst Records, and Black Hole Recordings, and has received support from many of the biggest names in the industry.

1. Ferry Corsten - "Punk" 2. Rank 1 - "Airwave" 3. Dutch Force - "Deadline" 4. Push - "The Legacy" 5. Tiësto - "Suburban Train" 6. System F - "Out Of The Blue" 7. Gouryella - "Gouryella" 8. Vincent De Moor - "Fly Away" 9. Yahel - "Open Your Mind" 10. Rapid Eye - "Circa-Forever" 11. Marco V - "Simulated" 12. Warrior - "Warrior" 13. Fire & Ice - "Lost Emotions" 14. M.I.K.E. - "Sunrise at Palamos" 15. Marcel Woods - "Advanced" 16. Armin van Buuren - "Blue Fear" 17. Paul van Dyk - "For An Angel" 18. PPK - "ResuRection" 19. Agnelli & Nelson - "Hudson Street" 20. Cosmic Gate - "Exploration of Space" 21. Atlantis vs Avatar - "Fiji" 22. Three Drives - "Sunset on Ibiza" 23. Above & Beyond - "Alone Tonight" 24. The Thrillseekers - "Synaesthesia" 25. Solarstone - "Seven Cities"

One of the most notable quotes about Tech Trance comes from the legendary producer and DJ, Paul Van Dyk. In an interview, he said, "The essence of Tech Trance is to merge the energy and drive of techno with the emotional melodies and uplifting vibes of trance. It's a fusion that has unlimited possibilities and one that I am a big fan of." This sentiment is echoed by many other artists who have produced or performed Tech Trance music. They appreciate how the genre combines the driving beats and rhythms of techno with the soaring, uplifting melodies of trance. This creates a unique sound that is both energetic and emotional, which is what makes it so popular among music fans. Dr. Charles B. Carter, an expert in electronic dance music culture, has written about the history of Tech Trance in his book, "Electronic Dance Music in the United States: Historical and Cultural Perspectives". In the book, he describes how Tech Trance emerged in the late 1990s as a fusion of techno and trance, and how it quickly gained popularity among club-goers and festival attendees. He notes that Tech Trance is characterized by its use of complex and intricate rhythms, as well as its incorporation of elements from other genres such as house and progressive. This diversity of sound and approach has helped to make Tech Trance one of the most exciting and innovative musical genres of the past several decades. Other notable quotes about Tech Trance come from some of the genre's most respected artists. John Askew, who is known for his hard-hitting and energetic Tech Trance sets, has said that the genre is all about "driving, uplifting, intense energy", and that it draws from "the tougher and harder elements of trance and techno". Similarly, Bryan Kearney has described Tech Trance as "a mix of trance, techno, and acid" that is "designed for peak-time dancefloors". These quotes illustrate the passion that many artists feel about Tech Trance, and how they see it as a genre that is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. This is why Tech Trance continues to inspire and excite fans around the world, as well as emerging artists who are looking to create their own unique sound within the genre.

Firstly, the late 90s and early 2000s were a time of significant change and experimentation in the world of electronic music. The genre's traditional boundaries began to dissolve, as artists started mixing different styles and sounds to create hybrid genres. Against this backdrop, Tech Trance emerged as a new subgenre that blended the hard-hitting drums and basslines of techno with the uplifting melodies and breakdowns of trance music. One of the notable figures in the emergence of Tech Trance was Dutch DJ and producer Tiësto. In the late 90s, Tiësto started experimenting with mixing techno and trance music, which resulted in a unique sound that became the blueprint for Tech Trance. Another influential figure was German DJ and producer Paul van Dyk, who brought elements of techno into his productions, creating a sound that became known as "Big Room Trance." Another significant external condition that helped the growth of Tech Trance was the rise of EDM culture. The emergence of festivals like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival gave artists more exposure and created a space where fans could experience different types of dance music genres. As a result, artists began incorporating more techno sounds into their sets, giving rise to the popularity of Tech Trance. Moreover, the growth of the internet and online music streaming platforms enabled Tech Trance to expand its reach beyond traditional club settings. Artists could now release their music on digital platforms, creating a global fanbase that wasn't limited by geography. One of the notable record labels that played a significant role in Tech Trance's growth was the UK-based label, Discover Records. The label's releases, which included tracks by John Askew, Sean Tyas, and Thomas Bronzwaer, among others, were instrumental in shaping the genre and inspiring the next generation of Tech Trance producers. Another notable record label was Anjunabeats, which released some of the most iconic Tech Trance tracks, including Above & Beyond's "Stealing Time," Super8 & Tab's "Helsinki Scorchin'," and Mat Zo's "Superman." Anjunabeats continues to be a leading force in the Tech Trance scene today. In addition to record labels, music journalists also played a crucial role in the growth of Tech Trance. The UK-based music magazine Mixmag, for instance, gave the genre significant coverage in the late 90s and early 2000s, helping to raise awareness of Tech Trance and its pioneers.