Cristian Moga, known professionally as Exolight, is a renowned trance music producer based in Romania. Renowned as “The Romanian Uplifting Wizard,” he has achieved international acclaim for his compositions featured on esteemed labels such as FSOE Fables, Always Alive, and Pure Trance. His music consistently ranks on prestigious playlists, including Armin van Buuren’s “A State of Trance,” Aly & Fila’s “Future Sound of Egypt,” Ferry Corsten’s Countdown, Paul van Dyk’s Vonyc Sessions, Solarstone’s “Pure Trance Radio,” Alex M.O.R.P.H.’s “United Nation,” and numerous other radio shows. Additionally, he has performed at various renowned trance festivals worldwide, including the globally recognized Untold festival in his home country. Access his exclusive interview featuring his top 2024 tracks, artists, and labels from the global trance scene. His insights are both informative and inspiring, so it is highly recommended that you commence reading.
Best of 2024 by Exolight
1-Best of tracks from other artists in 2024.
a) Identify the most exceptional tracks from other artists released in 2024. Explain your selection, highlighting production techniques and audience reactions.
Exolight: It’s always hard to choose from so many great tracks. I think the track I like the most this year is Digital Drift - You Don’t Mind. It’s a very solid production with amazing vocals. I remember listening to this one for the first time when I was in Greece earlier this year. Sitting on the beach and listening to this track was just amazing.
Another track that caught my attention this year is Lostly - Freedom of Movement—this is exactly the type of uplifting trance I like: simple and super melodic.
1-Best self-produced/personal tracks of 2024
b)Explain your choices for the best 2024 personal productions. Were they due to challenges, crowd reactions, or success on download shops/streaming services?
Exolight: I think it’s Change the Horizon with Suncatcher and Ana Criado! Although I really like all of my productions this year, as I focused on quality rather than quantity. I have always wanted to collaborate with Ana Criado because she is my favorite vocalist, and this year it finally happened. I had the privilege of playing the track at Untold Festival, and the reaction was wild—even from backstage, haha. One of the DJs actually asked me and Suncatcher while we were playing if he could do a remix of the track. So stay tuned—you might hear a remix of it in the future!
2) Best Artist of 2024 (DJ & Producer)
Analyze why you consider the selected artist the best in their genre. Explain the factors that influenced your decision and highlight their most appreciated aspects.
Exolight: It’s hard to pick just one artist, to be honest, but I’ll mention two of my favorites this year.
One is Lostly—I only discovered his music this year, and I think it’s amazing. His productions are very clean and powerful.
The other artist would be Farius. His music is so good, and his album this year is just amazing.
3-a) Best Remixes of 2024
Provide a detailed explanation of your remix selection, including your reasons. Consider factors like production proficiency, technical aspects, creativity, and imagination.
Exolight: My favorite remix this year is definitely the one made by Numind for my track with Suncatcher, On The Run. While we are really proud of our original version, I think the guys from Numind took the track to another level. I was surprised to receive such amazing reactions to the remix, including support from Armin van Buuren on A State of Trance (ASOT) and Tomorrowland’s One World Radio show.
3-b) Your best self-produced remix of 2024
Explain why you believe your 2024 remix is your best work. Include any technical challenges or unique difficulties you faced during production.
Exolight: I didn’t release any remixes this year, although I did finish one. It probably won’t ever be released—but who knows? I’m currently working with Suncatcher to remix a beautiful vocal track for Amsterdam Trance. I can’t share any details about the track just yet, but stay tuned!
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2024:
Provide a concise commentary on the best remixers of 2024, supporting your assessment with specific reasons highlighting their exceptional talent and expertise.
Exolight: For me, Daniel Kandi is one of the best remixers ever. Ruben de Ronde & Farius & David Frank - Radiant (Daniel Kandi Bangin' Mix) is one of my favorite tracks this year. I think Kandi did an incredible job remixing this amazing track.
Also, Marsh created a stunning remix of Estiva - Via Infinita. Another masterpiece this year! Or maybe it was from last year? I can’t remember exactly.
4) Best New Talent of 2024 (DJ or Producer):
Explain your award selection in detail. Do you personally know or collaborate with the artist?
Exolight: I would say my friend David Jovian. He had his first release this year, Embrace, which was a collaboration we did together. He has more tracks coming in the near future, so make sure to follow his music. He’s a very talented lad, and he reminds me of myself when I first started my musical career.
5-a) Best Electronic Dance Music Album of 2024:
Provide a detailed explanation of the criteria used to select the best electronic dance music album of 2024. Also, highlight the standout tracks that showcase its exceptional quality.
Exolight: I have two choices here: Digital Drift - Droids—a really good album with beautiful tracks.
You Don’t Mind is one of my favorite tracks this year. My second choice would be Farius - Synapse. This album is simply beautiful. I’ve always loved albums that tell a story, and this one really feels like it does so exceptionally well.
5-b) Best Electronic Dance Music Compilation of 2024. Please elaborate on the criteria used to select this compilation. Are the mixing processes of the tracks high quality and proficient? Is the track listing imaginative and creative?
Exolight: I think In Search of Sunrise is the pick for this year. I've been listening to this compilation series since 2003, and I still think it's a solid one. The Super8 & Tab CD is my favorite—it’s like a journey, blending some great old tracks with new and modern productions.
5-c:Best artwork of 2024: singles or albums.
Exolight: I really don’t look at the artworks that much haha. I only listen to the music.
6) Best Electronic Dance Music Label of 2024
Explain your choice. What appeals to you about this label? Is it the high-quality tracks, the impressive roster of notable artists, or something else?
Exolight: I think Dan Stone’s Argento is the pick for me this year. The label consistently delivers solid productions—tune after tune after tune.
7)Best music composition software and hardware of 2024. Explain your selection.
Exolight: FL Studio for life. I don’t say it’s the best but it’s the perfect one for me.
8-a) Your Best Personal DJ Gig of 2024:
Exolight: Definitely the one I had with Suncatcher in Singapore earlier in May. It was my first gig outside of Europe, and it exceeded all our expectations. The crowd was absolutely amazing, and we honestly didn’t realize we had so many fans and friends in Singapore. They were vibing with our tracks in a way that left us speechless. Just wow. I want to thank Daniel, Brandon, Joshua, Haszalii, and the entire Singapore crew for all the support and for the amazing memories, and of course for making this possible.
8-b) Best DJ set from another DJ (real or online) of 2024. Explain why you think it’s the strongest. Highlight exceptional mixing, track selection, and overall mix development.
Exolight: I think Ahmed Romel's set at Untold Festival is my favorite. I love his music so much—it’s very melodic and emotional, and I believe he delivered an amazing set at Untold. His tracks resonate deeply with my style, and his mix was absolutely on point.
9)Share your most valuable technical advice and production techniques from 2024, specifically related to DJing or music production.
Exolight: Don’t overlayer your leads and basslines. Keep it simple!
10-Share the most valuable advice you received in the personal or music business that significantly contributed to your career advancement in 2024. This guidance can help others grow professionally.
Exolight: Keep doing what you love and follow your own style. Don’t try to copy other producers, and don’t follow current trends just because labels want that.
11-Could you share your plans for 2025, including future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, and DJ gigs? We’d love the details.
Exolight: I have a few tracks already scheduled for 2025, including two vocal tracks and an instrumental one with my bro Suncatcher, under our alias Sunlight State. Yes, Sunlight State will be back next year! I also have some other tracks planned for 2025, but they aren’t finished or scheduled yet. It’s going to be a great year. Stay tuned!
Dimitri: Please send your message and wishes for 2025 to our esteemed readers.
Exolight: Thank you all for the amazing support this year! I wish you all Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year! See you in 2025. :-)
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[item value="10"]Best of 2024 Interview with Exolight[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Exolight, a renowned Romanian trance music producer, shares his top picks for 2024, including tracks, artists, and labels. He highlights his favorite productions, collaborations, and performances, emphasizing the importance of following one’s style and not copying others. Exolight also reveals his plans for 2025, including new releases and collaborations, and expresses gratitude to his fans for their support. [/content][/review]
Thanks so much to beloved Exolight for his wonderful answers.