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NAMM 2006 Show News
Trance MusicIn the world of electronica, the term trance covers a lot of territory. Some trance music, like that of Ian Van Dahl or ATB, sounds very close to pop dance music. BT and Paul Oakenfold create music that is equally at home on the dance floor, in the car, or at home on headphones. At the other end of the spectrum, artists like Sasha and William Orbit are pushing the boundaries of popular electronic music with their more abstract trance music . Trance became a definable style in the early 90's, growing out of techno and dance music. Trance electronica is often very repetitive melodically and rhythmically, but with continually shifting sounds. The most common way musicians generate interest in the repeated melodies is by varying the filter cutoffs on their synthesizers. Varying the cutoff makes the synthesized phrases change from dull sounding to very bright and piercing. Trance music carries the torch for electronica, because it is the most popular forms of music that is uniquely electronic. Trance music relies on sequencers, synthesizers, and electronic effects for its sound. The most commonly used instruments are Roland TR 808, TR 909, and TB 303. These instruments form the backbone of trance. These instruments are about 20 years old, but it is common for newer bass synths and drum machines to emulate these classics. Other synthesizers are used as a lead instrument, pads and to add spice and variety to the mix. Trance music became popular as it was played by the early "superstar dj's", like Sasha, Paul Van Dyk, and Paul Oakenfold. In many ways, trance combines the darker urban sound of techno with the more european sound of electronic dance music. One of the most important early influences on trance music has to be Giorgio Moroder. While he's best known for his disco work, he also created a lot of significant early pop electronica. His work with Donna Summer on "I Feel Love" is probably the biggest influence on today's trance sound. "I Feel Love" has all the features of today's dance/trance tracks. It's got the 4 on the floor drums, the sequenced bassline, the filter sweeps that change the sound of the synthesizers as the play and, of course, the diva. His theme from the movie Midnight Express sounds like a blueprint for a lot of current trance music. Another important influence on trance music was the early detroit techno music, from people like Juan Atkins and Carl Craig. By the late 90's, trance was becoming more and more complex. Artists like BT were combining samples, synthesizers, computer treatements and even orchestral arrangements to make trance more complex and expressive. BT applied his talents to producing and even moving scoring. Trance hit the mainstream at the turn of the millenium. Some good introductions to trance include: Paul Oakenfold's "Tranceport", BT's "ECSM", compilations like "Trance Classics", and Robert Miles' Dreamland. Synthtopia Trance Reviews Ashley Jade - DreamingFriday, May 20, 2005As polished dance records go, Ashley Jade's Dreaming sets a high standard. Jade, a UK actress and singer, has found success in Europe and hopes to duplicate it in the world dance market. Asura - Lost EdenSaturday, July 31, 2004Lost Eden, the latest CD from Asura, blends dance, trance, ambient and world music elements into a musical gumbo. ATB - DedicatedSunday, December 28, 2003This CD is a good collection of upbeat dance electronica, which plays like the soundtrack to a trip to a good club. Banco de Gaia - MayaSaturday, November 22, 2003This standout album combines ambient and world sounds with a techno beat. Bjork - DebutTuesday, April 06, 2004Debut was released in 1993, and it sounds as adventurous and free-spirited as ever. Bjork sings fearlessly, turning her relatively weak voice into one of the strongest voices in electronic pop music. BT - 10 Years in the LifeThursday, May 20, 200410 Years in the Life is a double-CD collection of some of the finest tracks and remixes by BT. While it is not a greatest hits compilation, it collects radio edits and rare versions of some of his best tracks. BT - Emotional TechnologySaturday, November 22, 2003BTs latest is full of his trademark audio wizardry. The production is hot, but do the songs measure up? BT - Movement in Still LifeWednesday, February 18, 2004BT is at his strongest on trance tracks, but on Movement in Still Life he takes on a new genre with every song. His hyperkinetic production style reaches new extremes as he slices and dices the sound with ginsu aplomb. Not the pure trance album that many listeners may want, Movement in Still Life is a great album nevertheless. BT-ESCMThursday, December 18, 2003BT hits a home run with ESCM, a near-perfect collection of trance and dance tunes that showcases his technical chops and musical vision. DJ Sandra Collins - Tranceport 3Saturday, April 17, 2004DJ Sandra Collins handles the mixing duties on the third incarnation of the excellent Tranceport series. Previous disks, mixed by Paul Oakenfold and DJ Dave Ralph, effectively established the Tranceport identity - interesting trance mixes for dancing or listening. Collins delivers another winner with this smooth collection of trance and techno sounds. Fatboy Slim - Better Living Through ChemistryWednesday, December 17, 2003Slim's loop-based style is in abundance on this CD, and there's more than enough beats, 303 bassline, and catchy hooks to keep dance electronica fans happy. Ilya - Dreaming LoudThursday, July 14, 2005The latest cd by Ilya, Dreaming Loud, is a polished set of 14 original trance compositions. Kate Ryan - StrongerThursday, April 14, 2005Stronger is a polished set of dance/trance tunes from the divalicious Kate Ryan. If this set doesn't breathe some life into the vocal trance genre, the category may need defibrillation! Klaus Schulze - Body LoveThursday, December 04, 2003"Body Love" had inauspicious beginnings as the background music of a erotic movie by Lasse Braun. Instead of the cheesy jazz typical of 70's adult movies, Klaus Schulze pumped out a masterpiece of throbbing electronica. Madonna - Ray of LightSunday, January 04, 2004The latest music from dance divas Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears vear off into electronica territory, but they never rise to the level of work that Madonna has been putting out for years. On Ray of Light, Madonna works with electronica artist William Orbit, and the result is one of the best combinations of the electronica and pop worlds ever put to CD. Orbital - Blue AlbumMonday, September 13, 2004The latest album from UK electronica pioneers Orbital, entitled the Blue Album, finds the Hartnoll brothers returning to their roots. The brothers make no concessions to current trends, instead staying close to the sound they created on their earliest CDs. The new CD, which said to be their last, is a fitting finale.. Orbital by OrbitalSaturday, November 22, 2003Orbital's self-titled debut collects some of their earliest singles, and though the cuts are nearly 15 years old, they hold up well. Paul Oakenfold - A Lively MindSunday, July 30, 2006The first single from the latest Paul Oakenfold CD A Lively Mind, is scorching hot. Is the rest of the CD as hot? Paul Oakenfold - A Vogage Into TranceSunday, January 04, 2004This twelve-track mix collects some great trance cuts and combines them into a non-stop DJ mix. A great release from one of the top DJs in the world. Paul Van Dyk - GlobalThursday, December 18, 2003On Global, superstar DJ Paul Van Dyk collects music from his international career and sums up his current place in the electronica world. Robert Miles - DreamlandSunday, November 23, 2003Robert Miles' 1996 album is a set of upbeat, melodic trance cuts. These are targeted to a mainstream dance audience, and are filled with catchy melodies. These tunes sound great at the club, but are equally at home at the dance floor as the are in the chill-out room. Sasha - airdrawndaggerWednesday, December 10, 2003This album by DJ Sasha is a bit of a surprise. Sasha has made a name for himself with his dance cuts and remixes, so you might expect airdrawndagger to be full of fast dance and trance songs. Instead, Sasha delivers a wide-ranging set of electronica cuts that will please all types of electronic music fans. Sasha - XpanderSunday, December 14, 2003One of the most delicious aspects of this EP is its pace. Sasha isn't afraid to take his time to build his music up. He lets the sounds and rhythms have some space. This makes Xpander less frenetic than some trance, and makes it a great listen for electronica fans. Sylver - Nighttime CallsSunday, August 20, 2006Nighttime Calls is full of uptempo dance tracks. The production is solid throughout, the tracks are full of hooks and Sylver seems to be intent on keeping the dance floor moving. Underworld - Beaucoup FishSaturday, April 17, 2004Beaucoup Fish is not the ultimate Underworld album that fans may dream of. Instead, it is a challenging, sometimes messy album that seems richer with each listening. The uncompromising approach Underworld takes on Beaucoup Fish keeps the music a little edgy, and makes it a treat for electronica fans. Various - Beatwave ArgentinaSaturday, October 02, 2004Beatwave: Argentina, a new compilation of electronic dance music from Argentina, features 10 tracks from 10 artists. The CD is an interesting mix of styles and influences, and should appeal to fans of world music and latin electronica. Various - Best of EuphoriaSaturday, September 11, 2004Matt Darey delivers a greatest hits mix of euphoric trance tracks with The Very Best of Euphoria. The CD promises to be the very best, but does it live up to its name? Various - Gatecrasher Digital TranceSunday, July 18, 2004Gatecrasher Digital Trance offers a continuous mix of cuts that should appeal to fans of hard trance. Various - Pure TranceThursday, January 01, 2004If you're looking for a greatest hits of trance cd, this will fit the bill. Hardcore trance fans, though, may find this collection a little to mainstream. Various - Trance ClassicsWednesday, December 03, 2003This album is a trance party waiting to happen. Trance Music SitesDigitally Imported12/25/2003This very professional site brings the latest european techno and trance music to the net. DI has several free streaming stations, including techno, trance, vocal trance, hard trance, chillout, and hardcore. DJ Sasha12/10/2003Home of one of the superstar DJs, Sasha. His recent album, airdrawndagger, is a great collection of mellow dance electronica. DJ Tiesto12/6/2003Home of the progressive trance artist DJ Tiesto. The site features video and audio downloads, and a forum for Tiesto lovers. There's also a discography of his ablums and mix productions. . MP3.com.au12/25/2003MP3.com may be dead in the US, but this Australian version is worth checking out! Paul Oakenfold12/9/2003The superstar DJs site has streaming audio and video of recent work. Paul Van Dyk12/17/2003This German DJ has become internationally famous for his electronic dance music. His site features his playlists and flyers, in addition to the usual discography and biography. Soundclick12/24/2003Miss MP3.com? Then check out Soundclick. It offers streaming audio and free music downloads from well-known artists and unsigned bands. Tangerine Dream11/27/2003This is the official website of Tangerine Dream, and is a very polished, professional site. There is news, a history of Tangerine Dream, its members and performers, a discography, and a photo archive. There are audio clips from their albums, and even a TD store. Trance Addict12/25/2003This is a great idea - a free music site devoted to a specific style of music. Get Trance Music at Amazon.com! Search for trance with the Ebay Auction Finder! Recent Electronica NewsBrian Eno To Score Spore1/16/2007Brian Eno is reported to be working on the soundtrack for the Will Wright video game, Spore. Ueberschall Intros Scoretrax Royalty-Free Music Library1/14/2007Ueberschall has announced the release of SCORETRAX, a royalty free music library for Video, Film, Flash, TV, Advertising, Animation, Games, Music on hold, Multimedia, Education, Broadcast and Website Producers. Ueberschall Intros Liquid Trumpet1/14/2007Ueberschall Liquid Trumpets are loop-based construction kits (480 licks) adding over 1000 add-on licks and phrases (jazz, funk, pop, soul, afro cuban, buena vista, bebop and electronica).
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