Trance. Yes, the populist realm of EDM, with broad soaring synthlines and DJs with promo pics that unintentionally make them look like the world’s greatest douchebags. It’s also the realm of fist pumping, the Jersey Shore and the ire of “true school” EDM types. Well, TGRI is going to try and change that perception. If you view electronic dance music as purely an escapist fantasy, trance is its finest moment. DJs and producers of the genre intend to create elaborate soundscapes that with expansive melodies and thunderous rhythms take the listener to a heightened state of consciousness removed from the stressful realm of the universe. High minded and uber conceptual, but when executed successfully, it is truly impressive.
Trance fans are a truly unique breed of EDM fans. Passionate and die hard, they represent what much of the music universe is not. Record buying concert attendees who support their favorites and up and comers alike. In TGRI’s never ending attempt to gain a deeper foothold on understanding the ever changing realm of modern music, we embark on a study of trance, a populist realm succeeding wildly in a failing musical market. Trance Family Values will profile producers, DJs and promoters of trance music to understand the history, success and sounds of the genre.
Above and Beyond’s Anjunanbeats imprint has served more than a role of being the platform for the wildly popular British trance producers. It also has served a role as being an incubator of top international talent. A key part of the label as of recently are Finnish duo Super 8 and Tab. Their debut artist album Empire as with many trance releases by top producers and those aiming to be seen on the same level as top producers incorporates heavy vocals, as well as electro and techno elements to expand the definition of trance, and in the mind of many, destroy the concept of “genre” in music, as the issues that mainstreamed dance music’s underground in the past decade now make their way into various other corners of the EDM universe. I worked alongside Lydia Fong of Plexi PR (the media relations team behind Electric Zoo) to interview the duo about their development, coming from Finland, trance music today, and Empire. Enjoy!
SUPER8 & TAB : EMPIRE from Ian Gamester on Vimeo.
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