**EARLY SUPPORT BY JOSEPH CAPRIATI / MAOR LEVI / ARGY / VINTAGE CULTURE / KEVIN DE VRIES**
The meeting of two Dutch musical masters, Joris Voorn’s rework of Moonman’s ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ pays tribute to one of trance music’s most enduring anthems while reintroducing it to a new generation of dancefloors.
Originally released in 1996 on Sci-Fi Records, 'Don’t Be Afraid' was one of three seminal Moonman singles - alongside Galaxia and First Light - that helped define the golden era of Trance. Moonman was, of course, one of the earliest aliases of Ferry Corsten, and it was the track’s goosebump-inducing synth melody that first propelled him, albeit anonymously, into the global consciousness of the dance music scene, laying the foundations for a truly storied career.
For Spectrum boss Joris Voorn, revisiting such a revered classic is a bold move; but one handled with deep respect and clear intent. His rework retains the emotional core and iconic melody of the original, while layering in a weighty low-end and rattling snares to give the track a renewed power and drive. The result is a glorious rush of nostalgia and fresh emotion, lifting 'Don’t Be Afraid' once more into the stratosphere… exactly where it belongs.
Stream & download the track: HERE
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Joris Voorn x Ferry Corsten x Moonman - Don't Be Afraid [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Joris Voorn’s rework of Ferry Corsten’s Moonman classic “Don’t Be Afraid” is a masterclass in modern trance production that not only honors the original’s legacy but elevates it into the contemporary dance arena. From the moment the track begins, the rhythm, groove, and drive are immediately compelling, powered by punchy, meticulously engineered kick drums and a rolling bassline that injects kinetic energy into the dancefloor. The integration of melodic hooks and harmonic layers is seamless, with the iconic synth motif from the 1996 original preserved and enhanced through lush, spatial reverb and widened stereo imaging, evoking a sense of euphoria and nostalgia in equal measure. Transitions, drops, and build-ups are executed with surgical precision, using filtered risers, dynamic EQ sweeps, and tension-building percussion to elevate the energy flow and momentum to exhilarating peaks without ever feeling forced. Sound design and production quality are impeccable, reflecting Voorn’s expertise in hybrid analog-digital workflows. Sidechain compression subtly pumps the low-end against the midrange melodic elements, creating a breathing, organic flow to the track. The originality of the arrangement and structure lies in its ability to balance respect for the classic trance template with a modern progressive sensibility, showcasing creative use of effects and spatial design, particularly in the way delay tails and reverbs glide smoothly across the stereo field. The track’s dynamic range and loudness balance are handled with care, leaving room for crescendos to feel impactful without succumbing to over-compression, ensuring club and festival systems can fully exploit its dramatic potential. This technical mastery supports a rich atmosphere and deep immersion, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its sonic journey. Emotional resonance is at the core of this rework. The familiar synths strike the listener with powerful anticipatory chills, a physiological response tied to dopamine release in the brain, as supported by research such as Salimpoor et al. (2011) in Nature Neuroscience, which links peak musical moments to reward pathways. Creativity and artistic identity shine in Voorn’s ability to re-contextualize the original, letting the classic elements speak while infusing new layers that align with his progressive and techno influences. Cohesion and storytelling unfold across the track’s runtime as it guides the listener through alternating waves of tension and release, culminating in a finale that feels both cathartic and timeless. Even without a vocal line, the track leverages its melodic content for lyrical impact, tapping into universal emotional themes of anticipation and release. From a practical standpoint, the track’s catchiness and replay value are undeniable. Its structure makes it highly suitable for club and festival play, with well-defined intro and outro sections that facilitate effortless mixing. BPM consistency and tight rhythmic alignment ensure DJs can integrate it into sets with ease, while cue points and loop potential make it a versatile weapon for live performance. The dynamic energy flow aligns perfectly with the needs of fitness and wellness classes, where music at 132 BPM has been shown to support endurance and improve movement synchronization (Bacon et al., 2012, International Journal of Sports Medicine). Beyond fitness, trance music like this has also been associated with reduced stress and improved mood through entrainment of brainwave activity to rhythmic stimuli, contributing to mental wellness as described by Thoma et al. (2013) in PLoS ONE. The track’s crowd reaction potential is immense, delivering peak-time euphoria while leaving a lasting emotional imprint. In sum, Joris Voorn’s rework of “Don’t Be Afraid” is pure gold: it bridges generations of trance fans, satisfies technical and creative benchmarks across all production criteria, and delivers scientifically supported benefits to listeners’ mental and physical wellbeing. Its ability to evoke nostalgia while remaining cutting-edge ensures it will be a staple for DJs, dancers, and wellness practitioners alike. #PureGold Loveit[/content]
[item value="10"]Rhythm, Groove & Drive[/item][item value="10"]Melodic Hooks & Harmonic Layers[/item]
[item value="10"]Transitions, Drops & Build-Ups [/item]
[item value="10"]Energy Flow & Momentum [/item]
[item value="10"]Sound Design & Production Quality[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality of Arrangement & Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]Use of Effects & Spatial Design[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Range & Loudness Balance[/item]
[item value="10"]Atmosphere & Immersion[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional Resonance[/item]
[item value="10"]Creativity & Artistic Identity[/item]
[item value="10"]Cohesion & Storytelling[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocal Performance & Lyrical Impact[/item]
[item value="10"]Catchiness & Replay Value[/item]
[item value="10"]Club / Festival Suitability[/item]
[item value="10"]Track Intro/Outro Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]BPM Consistency & Sync Ease[/item]
[item value="10"]Cue Points & Loop Potential[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Energy for Set Flow[/item]
[item value="10"]Crowd Reaction Potential[/item][/review]
Suggested Bibliography:
Salimpoor, V. N., et al. (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257–262.
Bacon, C. J., et al. (2012). Music tempo and its effect on exercise performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(6), 445–450.
Thoma, M. V., et al. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e70156.
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