In the world of music, there are countless genres to discover, connect with, and fall in love with. Throughout our lives, we’ve all come across styles like pop, rock, hip-hop, indie, and many more!

In Thailand, over the past few decades, EDM has become increasingly familiar to many listeners. Within EDM, a wide variety of subgenres has captured people’s attention. Some even find themselves becoming devoted fans of one specific style.

Among all those styles, one genre has continued to shine. Trance remains iconic and timeless, capturing the hearts of music lovers across generations!

Today, EDM Addicts invites you to take a closer look at Trance. It is a genre still heard at major festivals around the world and continues to leave a lasting impression on audiences everywhere.

- What is Trance?

Trance is a genre within the broader category of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). It began to gain recognition in the early 1990s, influenced heavily by techno and house music in Europe. Germany, particularly the city of Frankfurt, became a major center for the development of this sound.

During the early years of its rise, artists like Paul van Dyk and Sven Väth played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Trance and helping it reach wider audiences. They are still regarded as living legends in the Trance scene today. After gaining strong momentum in Germany, Trance spread throughout Europe and quickly became one of the dominant genres in clubs, especially during the 2000s, which many consider to be the golden era of Trance due to its massive popularity.

Notable tracks from that time include

Darude – Sandstorm and Tiësto – Adagio for Strings.

These songs are still played at events today and have become more than just Trance anthems. They are part of pop culture history. For example, “Sandstorm” by Darude became a viral meme during the mid-2010s and was so popular that YouTube once included a button that allowed users to overlay the song on any video they watched.

Although Trance did experience a period of decline in mainstream popularity, especially as other genres gained traction and pop and rock music returned to the charts in places like the UK, it never disappeared. Trance has always had a dedicated fanbase and continues to be featured at major EDM festivals around the world.

Over time, the genre has expanded into many substyles that offer different experiences to listeners. Some of the most well-known include Progressive Trance, Tech Trance, and Uplifting Trance. In Thailand, Trance events have been held for many years. This year’s editions of Subculture and FSOE are examples of how the scene continues to thrive and reignite interest across Asia.

Trance festivals continue to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. No matter the generation, the connection to Trance remains strong, proving that the genre is still very much alive and meaningful to music lovers around the world.

- Understanding the Key Traits of Trance Music

For those unfamiliar with Trance, it may be hard to picture how it sounds or how it differs from other EDM or mainstream genres. But for those who have spent time listening, Trance stands out with its unique structure and emotional pull. Some tracks feel soft and dreamy, while others focus on steady rhythm and repetition that keeps listeners engaged.

What Makes Trance Unique

1. Rhythm

Trance uses a 4 by 4 beat pattern, meaning there are four beats in each measure. This is standard in most dance music.

The tempo usually ranges between 125 and 150 BPM, which is slightly quicker than House music.

2. Build-ups and Breakdowns

These two elements appear in many styles of electronic music, but Trance is known for making them more extended and detailed.

Build-ups add more layers and effects, slowly creating tension.

Breakdowns remove percussion to focus on melody, often giving a floating or drifting sensation.

3. Hook

The hook is the central melodic idea of the track.

It is usually repeated several times and enhanced with effects like reverb and delay to make the sound feel fuller and more textured.

4. Vocals

While many Trance tracks are instrumental, some feature vocals, especially in the Vocal Trance category.

Female vocals are often used to add emotion and a dreamlike tone to the track.

Subgenres of Trance

Hard Trance

A heavier style with strong bass, repetitive patterns, and extended reverb.

The tempo usually sits between 140 and 180 BPM.

This subgenre developed in Germany and later played a role in the creation of Hardstyle during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Progressive Trance

This form keeps the core elements of Trance but focuses on smoother changes between sections.

It often features longer build-ups and less intense breakdowns.

This style eventually led to Uplifting Trance, which has a lighter tone and extended melodic sections.

Psychedelic Trance or Psytrance

An evolution of Goa Trance, this style includes fast tempos, deep bass, and changes in rhythm every few bars.

It is known for its rapid pace and layered sound design.

Tech Trance

A mix of Trance and Techno, this subgenre uses sharper synths, detailed drum patterns, and effects like delay and resonance.

It remains one of the most popular subgenres in clubs and festivals around the world.

Trance continues to evolve with a wide range of subgenres and loyal fan communities. Some listeners prefer a specific style, while others enjoy exploring different sounds. In Thailand, events like Subculture and FSOE have helped Trance music reach new audiences and connect fans from across Asia in one place.

- Get to Know Subculture and FSOE, Two of the Biggest Trance Brands Coming to Thailand

Subculture is a Trance brand and music label founded by Irish DJ and producer John O'Callaghan, one of the most respected names in the global Trance scene. It originally began as a record label to release tracks from O'Callaghan himself and other artists with similar styles, such as Bryan Kearney and Craig Connelly. The sound of Subculture is often linked to Uplifting and Tech Trance.

Beyond being a label, Subculture also hosts events and worldwide tours under the same name. These events bring together artists connected to the label and genre, offering a full-scale Trance experience for fans around the world.

Future Sound of Egypt (FSOE) is a brand and radio show founded in 2006 by renowned Egyptian Trance duo Aly & Fila. The weekly show focuses entirely on Trance and features new tracks from artists across the scene. Over the years, FSOE has expanded into global tours and festivals under the same name, including milestone shows like FSOE 500 and FSOE 600, celebrating landmark episodes of the radio series.

These events bring together some of the most respected artists in the Trance community and have been hosted in cities around the world. FSOE has even hosted its own stage at Tomorrowland. This year marks FSOE's return to Thailand for the first time in five years, making it a highly anticipated moment for fans.

For Trance lovers, this is a rare opportunity to experience both Subculture and FSOE in one weekend. In addition to the main shows, there will be more events and surprises happening throughout the weekend.

Do not miss the return of these two iconic Trance events. It all takes place on April 4 and 5 at MGI Hall inside Bravo Mall, formerly known as Show DC. 

Get your ticket now : https://www.ticketmelon.com/tltxevo/fsoe-subculture-th25

References by

https://www.armadamusic.com/news/trance-music

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-trance-music

https://www.edmprod.com/what-is-trance-music/