Because the online world is now the primary location for new music discovery, especially with social networking sites like MySpace, we're seeing a lot more people searching out and discovering new kinds of music and artists on their own instead of only hearing what's on their local radio station. How would you describe trance music to someone who might have heard the term but wants to know more about what it is and what differentiates it from other types of dance music?
AVB: Trance is the most melodic type of dance music, I guess. It's very euphoric, uplifting, and filled with energy. It's the ultimate dance floor music for me. Trance can take you on a journey through different styles of dance music. That's the best part. A good trance set in my opinion almost reads like a good book or movie. It builds up, has excitement, surprises, impact, etc.
Your radio program, A State Of Trance, is internationally syndicated and one of the premier outlets for new trance music. How do you go about finding and selecting music for the show, as well as just keeping it fresh from week to week?
AVB: I get music literally from everywhere. The most important thing is that I'm in touch with a lot of producers personally. I go online, I download, I buy vinyl, people send me stuff on AIM, some still send cd-r's or vinyl to my p.o. box, some producers give me stuff at gigs, etc. There's no golden way of working. I carry a big hard drive with me on which I collect all the latest stuff and organize it into a show once a week.
Is it hard to find time for those since you're also touring quite a bit, or is it something you can pretty much put together anywhere as long as you have a laptop and your decks?
AVB: When I'm on the road I mix ASOT on my laptop. Searching new music is a perfect way to kill time on planes and in hotel rooms (in which I spend most of my time). The best thing about this digital age is that it's very easy to carry music with you so that has made my life a lot easier. Plus, I wouldn't be anywhere without the Internet. Trance music is something that happens on the Net.
Article comments