Trance is a style of electronic music that developed in the 1990s. Trance music is generally characterized by a tempo of between 130 and 165 BPM, featuring repeating melodic synthesizer phrases, and a musical form that builds up and down throughout a track. It often features crescendos and breakdowns. Sometimes vocals are also utilized. The style is arguably derived from a combination of largely electronic music such as ambient music, techno, and house. As this music is almost always played in nightclubs at popular vacation spots and in inner cities, trance can be understood as a form of club music.

HISTORY

The earliest identifiable trance recordings came not from within the trance scene itself, but from the UK acid house movement, and were made by The KLF. The most notable of these were the original 1988 / 1989 versions of "What Time Is Love" and "3 a.m." Eternal (the former indeed laying out the entire blueprint for the trance sound - as well as helping to inspire the sounds of hardcore and rave) and the 1988 track Kylie Said Trance. Their use of the term 'pure trance' to describe these recordings reinforces this case strongly. These early recordings were markedly different from the releases and re-releases to huge commercial success around the period of the The White Room album (1991) and are significantly more minimalist, nightclub-oriented and 'underground' in sound. While the KLF's works are clear examples of Proto-trance, two songs, both from 1990, are widely regarded as being the first "true" trance records. The first, Age of Love's self-titled debut single was released in early 1990 and is seen as creating the basis for the original trance sound to come out of Germany. The second track was Dance 2 Trance's "We Came in Peace", which was actually the b-side of their own self-titled debut single. While "Age of Love" is seen as the track which cemented the early trance sound, it was Dance 2 Trance (as a result of the duo's name) that probably gave the sound its name.

TRANCE DJs

Tiesto

One name means so much. A unique vision of trance music that has conquered the world. Topping the DJ list for three years, playing the opening ceremonies of the Olympic games, and selling out stadiums; Tiesto live is an amazing experience. At the Mansion in Miami, Ti�sto rocked the crowd for a non-stop set that has already become the stuff of legend. Magnetic visuals, creative performance artists and a stunning vocal performance by Jes completed the scene for a magical evening.

Paul Van Dyk

With a grammy nomination, a number one spot on DJ Magazine�s list of the Top Global DJs and the incredible Politics of Dancing 2 compilation, it�s been a great year for Paul Van Dyk. As a pioneer of electronic music, he breaks down genre and technological boundaries to entertain and unite the people of the world.

ATB

Andre Tanneberger might be best known for his earliest hits "9pm (Til I Come)" and "Don't Stop" but his fourth CD "Addicted to Music" showcases a musical progression that could attract a whole new audience to his style of trance music.> Known as ATB, he has been touring the world in support of his albums and bringing his music to the people.

Armin van Buuren

Ranked the #5 DJ in the world by the infamous DJ Magazine poll,Armin Van Buuren is touring the US to promote his new album "76." The album is completely self-produced with guest vocals from Ray Wilson (Genesis), Justine Suissa, Victoria Horn and rock band Krezip. Armin talks proudly of his studio work, radio shows and marathon DJ sets in his efforts to bring trance music to the people.

Above & Beyond

Above & Beyond is a trance music group formed in 2000 by Jonathan "Jono" Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljam�ki. The group is famous for remixes and progressive trance productions. The group's tracks are regularly played by well-known DJs, such as Ti�sto, Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk.