Trance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the 1990s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, repetitive beat, and use of synthesizers and other electronic instrumentation.
The origins of trance can be traced back to the 1980s and the early days of electronic dance music. It was during this time that DJs and producers in Europe began experimenting with new sounds and techniques, combining elements of house music, techno, and other genres to create something new and exciting.
One of the pioneers of trance was a German DJ and producer named Paul van Dyk. He was one of the first to popularize the genre, and his early hits, such as "For an Angel" and "We Are Alive," helped to establish trance as a major force in the world of electronic dance music.
Other influential trance artists from this period include Tiƫsto, Armin van Buuren, and Paul Oakenfold, who helped to bring the genre to a wider audience through their energetic live performances and chart-topping hits.
As trance gained popularity, it began to evolve and diversify, with different sub-genres emerging such as progressive trance, uplifting trance, and vocal trance. These sub-genres each have their own distinctive characteristics, but all share a common focus on creating a trance-like state in the listener through the use of repetitive beats and melodies.
In the 21st century, trance has continued to be a major force in the world of electronic dance music, with numerous festivals and events dedicated to the genre being held around the world. It has also inspired a number of other genres, such as psytrance and techno-trance, which have helped to keep the genre fresh and exciting.
Overall, the history of trance is one of innovation and experimentation, as DJs and producers have continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible with electronic dance music. From its humble beginnings in the 1980s, trance has grown to become a major force in the world of music, with millions of fans and a dedicated global following.