In the packed-to-capacity club, with anticipation sky high, those lucky enough to have a begged, borrowed or bought a ticket were among the first to experience Pure Trance.
With that opening shot fired, the movement is ready to go global. Alongside fellow forerunner Orkidea, Solarstone has encapsulated this vision in mix-comp form.
Featuring 25 exclusive tracks built from propellant beats, tremor-inducing LFO, iridescent melodies, sky-bound synths and heartfelt vocals, trance will be revised to its purest degree.
“This isn’t about looking back. It’s about stepping forward. It’s not about trance’s history or genealogy.
It’s about stripping away the music’s unwarranted add-ons; restoring trance’s most vibrant and essential elements and making the genre we love timeless.” - Solarstone Mixmag says: “Pure Trance is just part of the genre’s labyrinthine make-up. To counterbalance every trouse or trancestep variation though, it’s a very valuable one” – Album of the Month, December ‘12.

ATB is without a doubt one of the most important pioneers of trance music. Having been around since its very beginning (late 80s to early 90s!), and still producing to this very day without any signs of slowing down, we cannot thank him enough for what he has done for us.
With a stunning 8 studio albums, and a wide array of compilations, such as Sunset Beach Sessions, his discography is now overflowing with splendid music. It therefore seems right that he has compiled a portion of his tracks into ATB’s ‘All the Best’ — 40 of his most successful, and highly admired tracks.
With tracks dating from the 90s, from his ‘Movin’ Melodies’ album, reviving sweet memories of the trance we used to listen to, to tracks from his last studio album ‘Distant Earth’, ‘All the Best’ does a great job of bringing back all of the stellar tracks of Andre’s career.

Catching Ibiza’s magic is a task that only the most experienced musicians can complete. Armin van Buuren is one of them. Through his ‘Universal Religion’ series, he’s captured the summer since 2004, landing a mix compilation that burst with exclusive highlights. In 2012, he lands the 6th Chapter of ‘Universal Religion’, recorded live during the A State of Trance Night at the world-famous Club Privilege.
2012 has already proven to be a significant year in the career of the Dutchman. The producer/DJ, relentlessly driven by his perfectionism, celebrated the 550th episode and 11th birthday of his A State of Trance radio show, with 6 events in 5 different countries. Each of the events were broadcast live, uniting millions of listeners around the globe, sharing their passion for music. The next, logical step was taking his Ibiza residency to a higher level. Armin van Buuren landed his A State of Trance night at the biggest European club: Privilege. Serving its 10,000 strong crowd a show of outstanding quality with a star-studded line-up, the A State of Trance Ibiza Invasion has spread far beyond the regions of the Balearic sea.
Recorded live in the summer of 2012, ‘Universal Religion Chapter 6’ makes you part of these special happenings with two live recordings. It makes you feel the energy of the crowd, lets you hear their screams for more, as well as bringing you a selection of exclusive and custom-made tunes and remixes by some of the world’s most talented producers. Tracks by Protoculture, Orjan Nilsen, Aly & Fila, Jorn van Deynhoven, A.R.D.I., Solarstone and many more. Including the brand new Armin single, ‘I’ll Listen’ and many other premieres, ‘Universal Religion Chapter 6’ is the timeless musical memory of 2012’s summer season.

Making the world a little more colorful with each song, Australian singer/songwriter Emma Hewitt is proud to present her long-awaited debut album, ‘Burn The Sky Down’. Fusing ambient and pop with electronic music, each track reveals a new side of the multi-talented songstress. While taking the listener on an eclectic ride into her private universe, Emma’s warm voice lights the sky and shows exactly why the world is ready for her.
Having worked with EDM’s producer elite and winning the ‘Best Hi-NRG/Euro Track’ award at the International Dance Music Awards of 2010 with Dash Berlin collaboration ‘Waiting’, has made Emma Hewitt one of the fastest rising names in dance land. Her characteristic and versatile voice became a favorite both in and outside the EDM scene. Outstanding live performances and acoustic sessions have made her a universal crowd favorite. With ‘Burn The Sky Down’, Emma Hewitt is ready to be more than a featured vocalist.
Thinking outside the box, the album slides down multiple genres and reaches far beyond the expected. Emma: “I didn’t particularly focus on being driven by a specific genre or style so much for the album. I really tried to let each song be what I felt it should be, so stylistically it is quite eclectic, although there is definitely a common thread running through the entirety. We worked with producer Lee Groves on the album, he has worked with artists such as Marilyn Manson, Gwen Stefani and Depeche Mode, so he was great at creating the ambient soundscapes we were looking for. I wanted to cover some different territory to what people may have traditionally heard or expected from me, and to show that no matter what style the tracks were produced in, the essence and spirit of the songs remained the same. In the end we have a landscape of different moods and dynamics that will hopefully take the listener on a bit of a journey. Each song will have an ambient, or slightly pop version as well as all the various dance remixes.”
‘Burn The Sky Down’ brings you the warm and welcoming ‘Colours’, the driving ‘Foolish Boy’, dark and seductive ‘Rewind’ and ‘Crucify’, and the haunting ‘State That I’m In’ amongst many other musical jewels. Bursting with touching lyrics, strong vocals and heart-rending melodies, this is Emma Hewitt in full flight.

In the past few years, Australian producer Tyson Illingworth has gone through an amazing growth. Guising under his tyDi moniker since the age of 16, this IDMA award winning artist has been on a trip that he could never have foreseen. The 23 year old has been voted the number one DJ of Australia twice in a row, entered the critically acclaimed DJ Mag Top 100 DJ’s of the world at #52, graduated a music degree at the Conservatorium of Music and plays to ten-thousands of music lovers all across the globe every weekend. As a producer, tyDi’s tracks are known worldwide, his songs are adored for their brilliant musicianship, cutting edge production and thoughtful songwriting. TyDi is a perfectionist and his attention to detail shines through in his well known releases, such as ‘Good Dream’, ‘You Walk Away’, ‘Vanilla’, ‘Calling’, ‘Half Light’ and his impressive list of remixes for artists such as Tiësto and BT.
Anticipation rose to great heights after tyDi’s debut album ‘Look Closer’ was released in 2009 and topped the national charts in Australia, providing a new challenge for tyDi to take his ever-evolving sound to an even higher level for his next phase as an artist. Two years of hard work, shaping a multi-genre sound that’s more diverse than ever, come together in the 18-track quest called ‘Shooting Stars’. TyDi: “I think this album will really surprise my fans. It’s different to anything I’ve created before. I’ve always wanted to make an artist album that’ll offer something for everyone. It’s musically diverse and truly shows what I love the most about music – powerful songwriting and exceptional studio production.”
All tracks shine a different light upon music, hitting in deep and melodic, moving you in their very own way. ‘Shooting Stars’ includes collaborations with vocalists like Sarah Howells, Audrey Gallagher, Meighan Nealon, Tania Zygar, Jennifer Rene and producers Tenishia, DJ Rap and Protoculture, but the beating heart of it was conceived in tyDi’s studio. So you better start stargazing.

Evolution, Paul van Dyk's sixth artist album, is to be released April 3, 2012.
A document of where Paul is with his own musical evolution after twenty years of making music, the record features numerous collaborations including vocalists like Plumb and Adam Young of Owl City and up-and-coming international DJs and producers like Arty and Giuseppe Ottaviani.
The album will be released both as a digipak CD and in a rich 180 gram double LP version both of which feature sumptuous artwork that takes the evolution concept one step further focusing on a future Earth where nature and technology collide in unexpected ways.
The CD/DVD version contains the 15 track audio version along with a DVD featuring visuals and videos inspired by Evolution.

The latest in the series, “Anjunabeats Worldwide 04”, brings two more emerging talents from the Anjunabeats stable to the fore, in the shape of Israel’s Maor Levi and Poland’s Nitrous Oxide.
Maor Levi burst on to the scene as a precocious 16 year old with “Lital” in 2006 and has since matured into a key part of the Anjunabeats family, as well as producing techno and house for Toolroom as 123XYZ. 2012 sees Maor at the very top of his game following a run of releases and remixes that have graced the sets of DJs from Above & Beyond to Mark Knight, from Tiesto to Fatboy Slim.
Given his very real grasp of cross genre dance music, Maor's mix is an exciting hybrid of multiple influences. It includes Mat Zo’s “It’s Yours” (an homage to the house classic by Jon Cutler and E-Man), as well as unreleased material from current Anjunabeats stars Norin & Rad and Genix. Also featured is an exclusive 2012 Maor Levi remix of Super8’s Anjunabeats classic “Alba”.
CD2 is mixed by Nitrous Oxide aka Krzysztof Pretkiewicz. Responsible for countless Anjunabeats classics such as “North Pole”, “Downforce” and the recent “iPeople”, Krzysztof represents forward-thinking, energised trance music at its best – with many exclusive personal productions in his mix including his forthcoming single “Tiburon” and his collaboration with Space RockerZ “Energize”.
Krzysztof’s mix also journeys through tracks and remixes from Super8 & Tab, Andrew Bayer, Boom Jinx & Daniel Kandi and Ost & Meyer. Like CD1, many of these are exclusive to this compilation.

After 15 years of exploring musical boundaries and establishing himself as one of the most innovative electronic music producers today, Andy Moor will finally release his long-awaited debut album Zero Point One on July 6.
Zero Point One is packed with 18 thought-provoking, original tracks and each one offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of a self-proclaimed perfectionist. From deep, mysterious ambient to melodic trance and vocal melodies, across the spectrum to rocking break beats and the thick bass of progressive, Andy Moor has fused his beloved sound into a complete package of timeless productions.
“I felt like the number ‘zero point one’ was equivalent to the process of making this album,” says Andy. “It’s an intriguing number because it is so small, yet so much bigger than zero. I had been writing the album for many years, but as I was nearing the end, I decided to scrap the older tracks and start over with new ones. So this version of the album contains tracks made in the last six months, despite the entire process taking years.”
The wait will be well worth it for fans anticipating new sounds from the Grammy-nominated producer and DJ. Zero Point One features collaborations with some of the most recognizable vocalists and producers in EDM, including Meredith Call, Sue McLaren, Betsie Larkin, Carrie Skipper, Ashley Wallbridge and Orkidea. Sure to be treasured for years to come, Andy believes that with every listen, a new appreciation and context for the music will emerge.
“I feel my music normally takes a few listens to fully appreciate. Reflect on the album from a different perspective and you’ll have a different understanding each time,” he says.
As the mastermind behind so many of today’s biggest classics, Andy Moor has delivered a work of art that can only come from years of passion and fans will have no problem wearing out their speakers from keeping Zero Point One on repeat.

‘No matter what I do, what style or genre, it’s always going to have that Chicane sound’. Nick Bracegirdle – Chicane. No bad thing, at all, especially when you listen to the new release…
The expression ‘hot off the heels’ does not apply, when talking about the timing of Chicane albums. The tracks are crafted, caressed and encouraged into shape, and that takes time. Thousand Mile Stare is the latest Chicane album to have that attention applied to it. Anyone looking to tap into what has kept Nick Bracegirdle busy the last twelve months will not be disappointed by what they hear on this release. Indeed, anyone who hasn’t heard a Chicane album could do worse than to start here. Unashamedly, it is an album and, to that end it’s emotive power is sublime. Two tracks on the album were recorded partly in Iceland and feature the Icelandic band, Vigri (who are a veritable madcap orchestra). If I had to sum this album up it would be ‘a collection of life soundtracks’ said Nick.
It is some fifteen years now since Offshore first became the default setting of Trance, resonating and infiltrating everyone’s visits to Ibiza and an anchor in their memory to halcyon days (no pun intended). This album proves that the beauty and willingness of Chicane to supply ‘soundtracks to our lives’ really is alive and well.
Inbetween recording, the band have been touring the world playing live shows, a process that Nick Bracegirdle feels gives him the balance needed to keep a perspective on the way he creates. They will of course be doing more of the same with a new show to promote Thousand Mile Stare. There will be a London Thousand Mile Stare show on April 27th at Koko, with some guest surprises.
‘No matter what I do, it’s always going to have that Chicane sound’.
Thousand Mile Stare will be out on April 15th.

Without a doubt, First State is one of the most exciting and talented producers in Electronic Dance Music at the moment. Sander van Dien has cemented his place in the record boxes and sets of the biggest and most influential Progressive and Trance acts across the globe. Under the FIRST STATE guise, he has been able to produce some of the biggest and most renown tracks over the past 3 years. Until recently, "FALLING" (featuring Anita Kelsey) was somewhat of an anthem, and gained monumental support from fans to world top 10 djs. From the very beginning, FIRST STATE's releases have been nothing less than extraordinary, especially more popular hits, such as "Evergreen", "Your Own Way" (feat Elliot Johns), "Off the Radar" (Beatport #1) and "Brave" (feat Sarah Howells) Recently, global chart domination came in the form of "MY SANCTUARY", being chosen as the opening track for the eighth edition of "IN SEARCH OF SUNRISE" (Made famous by superstar, DJ Tiesto). May 2010 saw the track at the top of the Trance charts, while simultaneuosly enjoying a position in the overall top 100 downloads on Beatport.com It's been a steady rise for FIRST STATE and the last year was no exception. Every track produced and remixed by Sander in 2009 charted in the Beatport top 10, and featured on A STATE OF TRANCE radio show , graced the track lists of hundreds of Top DJ's and CD compilations. Since the inauguration of the CROSSROADS radio show, demand for the FIRST STATE name has sky-rocketed. The show is now syndicated to over 20 partner stations spread across every continent, and gains popularity and listenership with every broadcast. FIRST STATE can also boast to having an impressive tour schedule. During the last year, bookings came in from across all corners of the globe, with debut performances in Australia, South Africa, Northern Ireland and the USA. Sander has also appeared on lineups of some of the biggest events around, such as TRANCE ENERGY, GODSKITCHEN, GATECRASHER and TOMORROWLAND and many more.

It’s a shared thought, a united passion. It’s the last bit of energy you need at all times. That special moment when all else but the music fades. That’s the spirit of the Future Sound of Egypt label. And it’s heading for another magical year of quality trance and progressive. Aly & Fila proudly present the second volume of their ‘Future Sound of Egypt’ compilation!
The label owners and masterminds behind Future Sound of Egypt have all reason to be proud. In 2011, Aly & Fila became number 22 in the critically acclaimed DJ Mag Top 100, making sure that with each gig they play the break of dawn is only just the beginning of the party. Their collaboration with UK singer Jwaydan, ‘We Control The Sunlight’, was voted track of the year in Armin van Buuren’s annual A State of Trance Top 20. The 200th episode of the Future Sound of Egypt radio show was celebrated with an all-nighter in the stunning Echo Temple of Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh. And to top it all off, their label pleased those in search of mesmerizing breakdowns, growling beats and touching melodies, with a slew of quality releases within trance and progressive. To let you know what 2012 has in stores, Aly & Fila take you on a musical ride called ‘Future Sound of Egypt Vol.2’.
Including the musical treasures of Bjorn Akesson, Arctic Moon, Fady & Mina, Philippe El Sisi and Fast Distance, as well as the jewels of Ørjan Nilsen, Orkidea, Chris Metcalfe, Indecent Noise and many, many more. The perfect album before, during and after the sun has set.

To Armin van Buuren, music is a natural state of mind. The Dutch DJ and producer lives, breaths and sleeps on the wonders of the 4-to-4 beat and has been at it for more than 15 years. Nine of those years have involved the annual release of his A State of Trance compilation. A highlight for the trance-minded and dance addicts, now reaching for its 2012 edition. This is A State of Trance 2012, mixed by Armin van Buuren.
2012 is a year much discussed, both in and outside the dance scene. It’s the year in which the dance society celebrates the 550th episode and therefore 11th birthday of A State of Trance, Armin’s beloved radio show. With 7 shows planned for March, it’s another climax in the career of the Dutchman. 18 million listeners tune in every week, to enjoy Armin’s selection of the latest in trance and progressive, as well as a blend of exclusive tracks and remixes. With each compilation representing a new year in trance on a special 2 disc mix, Armin brings his fans the A State of Trance compilation. A series going strong since 2004, winning several IDMA awards for ‘Best Full Length DJ Mix’.
For 2012, Armin has found the perfect balance and track selection. From tracks produced especially for the ASOT series to new found gems from the upcoming league of dance producers. After weeks of preparation, A State of Trance 2012 is a fact!