Uplifting Trance
Fast, emotional trance with long breakdowns and big melodic returns.
History
Uplifting trance became the most popular form of trance in the late 1990s s1. It is also called euphoric, anthem or epic trance s1. The music is fast and emotional, with long breakdowns followed by a big return of the beat and melody s1s2. The name comes from the feeling of uplift that the music tries to create s2. A new synthesizer, the Roland JP-8000, made a bright 'supersaw' sound that became common in the style s1s3. Ferry Corsten released 'Out of the Blue' as System F in 1998 or 1999 s2s4. The Belgian label Bonzai released 'Universal Nation' by Push in 1998 s2. Rank 1 released 'Airwave' in 1999 s4. DJs such as Tiesto and Armin van Buuren played uplifting trance to large crowds s1s2. Van Buuren's radio show A State of Trance began in 2001 and helped the music spread s4. Uplifting trance was at its commercial peak in the early 2000s s1. Producers still make the style today s2.
Sound
- Fast, driving beats
- Long, quiet breakdowns
- A big, emotional return of the melody
- Bright 'supersaw' lead synthesizers
- Major and minor chord melodies
Key figures
- Ferry Corsten — Dutch producer; made 'Out of the Blue' as System F
- Push — Belgian project behind 'Universal Nation'
- Rank 1 — Dutch duo behind 'Airwave'
- Armin van Buuren — Dutch DJ and producer; host of A State of Trance
Labels
- Bonzai Records — Antwerp , 1992
- Tsunami — Rotterdam , 1997
- Anjunabeats — London , 2000
Defining tracks
Connections
Came from: Progressive Trance , Trance
Sources
- Trance music — Wikipedia
- Trance Music History - From The Early 1990s Till Today — Beatportal (2023)
- 10 Trance Subgenres You Need to Know — Insomniac (2015)
- What Is Trance Music - The Full Story — Armada Music