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dark fusion
Dark Fusion, an enigmatic force in the world of electronic music, has been captivating audiences with a unique blend of dark, atmospheric sounds and pulsating beats. Emerging from the shadows of the underground scene, Dark Fusion has rapidly ascended to prominence, becoming a name synonymous with innovation and intensity in the realm of electronic dance music. From the legendary clubbing institutions of the mid-nineties West Midlands to the helm of one of the UK’s fastest-growing trance empires, his musical evolution is a testament to integrity, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the human connection.
With historical releases on some of the most respected labels in the industry—including Vandit, Go On Air, and Universal Nation—Dark Fusion has demonstrated a remarkable ability to transcend genres and create a sonic experience that is both haunting and exhilarating. The music is characterized by deep, driving basslines, intricate melodies, and a penchant for blending the ethereal with the industrial, resulting in tracks that are as immersive as they are powerful. On Vandit, they have showcased a raw, unfiltered approach to production; their work with Go On Air explored more melodic, uplifting territories, while releases on Universal Nation pushed boundaries through complex arrangements and futuristic elements.
Fresh off a series of monumental tour announcements for his booming brand Trancecoda, and with highly anticipated releases on iconic labels like Future Sound of Egypt and In Trance We Trust on the horizon, Dark Fusion sits down with Dimitris to talk roots, the lost art of live reading, the rising influence of AI in the studio, and why the best years for the trance community are still yet to come. Each live performance is a carefully crafted journey designed to transport listeners into a world where the music takes control and reality fades away. As they continue to evolve and push the limits of creativity, Dark Fusion remains committed to leaving an indelible mark on the electronic music landscape—one dark, fusion-filled track at a time.
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Dimitris: How did your journey into the electronic dance music (EDM) scene begin, and what were the key influences that shaped your style?
Dark Fusion: Music has always played an important part in my life. Living near Birmingham in the mid-nineties, we were blessed with many great clubbing institutions. We even had a few clubs in my immediate town of Dudley, so from a young age, I was exposed to Jungle and Speed Garage. As soon as I was old enough to start going to Birmingham clubs, we had a fantastic nightclub called Bakers, where a young Judge Jules would play, as well as the legendary Tony De Vit. There was also, of course, Godskitchen at the Sanctuary and Sundissential at Pulse. In those days, ID checks weren't mandatory, so we would always dress 'older' and try to make it in. Sometimes it worked, but sometimes it didn't.
1998 was a golden era for Trance and Pumping House (Hard House). As soon as we could drive, we would quite often venture out to Progress, Passion, Storm, and Tidy. I think this was a magical time because the music had no boundaries; it was either good music or bad music. These events would always have a mix of House, Trance, and Hard House, so you would hear a massive spectrum of different genres. My passion for DJing was sparked by watching Andy Farley at Pulse. Of course, this was on vinyl, and for me, he was just something else. I've been honored to have Andy as a good friend for many years now.
1998 was a golden era for Trance and Pumping House (Hard House). As soon as we could drive, we would quite often venture out to Progress, Passion, Storm, and Tidy. I think this was a magical time because the music had no boundaries; it was either good music or bad music. These events would always have a mix of House, Trance, and Hard House, so you would hear a massive spectrum of different genres. My passion for DJing was sparked by watching Andy Farley at Pulse. Of course, this was on vinyl, and for me, he was just something else. I've been honored to have Andy as a good friend for many years now.
Dimitris: What personal values or life philosophies do you carry that also reflect in your music?
Dark Fusion: I have always lived by the rule that you should always try your best. My parents did a pretty good job of raising both myself and my brother; they worked hard, and they also did everything with honesty and integrity. They are extremely important to me. You also only live once, and you learn that life is so precious. You learn that more so as you get older. When you are younger, you think people will always be around, but that, of course, isn't the case. So, you just have to go for what you believe in and go for it. Maybe that's why I've ended up where I am today, but I never take anything for granted.
Dimitris: How has your understanding of the electronic music culture changed from when you started to where you are now?
Dark Fusion: I touched on this earlier, but in my early days, there was just good music and bad music. With the invention of streaming and Beatport, everything now gets labeled into a specific genre, which really segmented music for a long time. Over the last couple of years, we've really seen that change for the better, though, with a lot more DJs just playing what they like regardless of the 'genre.' This can only be a good thing!
When I was younger, we would really live for the weekend too. We would be out maybe five nights a week, but that isn't possible these days for many reasons. This includes the effective destruction of the nighttime industry due to rising costs, as well as the general cost of living these days.
When I was younger, we would really live for the weekend too. We would be out maybe five nights a week, but that isn't possible these days for many reasons. This includes the effective destruction of the nighttime industry due to rising costs, as well as the general cost of living these days.
Dimitris: Can you share an unforgettable incident from your career—whether funny, unexpected, or challenging?
Dark Fusion: There are always plenty of challenging situations, but probably not for publishing online—I'll keep those for a book one day! I do remember playing in Vietnam for the first time without really understanding their culture or setup. It was a real eye-opener with tables on the dance floor. While I was playing, I kept getting people coming up and throwing money at me, which is not something that happens in the UK. I didn't know whether they were giving me money to stop or to carry on! It turns out that in their culture, they like to tip the DJ if they are digging what you're doing. That was pretty surreal, and it turned out they really liked my music too, so that was very cool!
Dimitris: Could you please elaborate on the inspiration behind the tracks When The Sun Sets on Trancecoda and Way Back Home? How does it align with your current artistic aspirations?
Dark Fusion: I haven't had any releases this year so far, but they are just starting to roll out now, which is great news because I have so much new music to share. All of the new music really feels like a slightly new and refreshed direction for myself, and something that really resonates with my heart. First up is *When The Sun Sets*, released on our new imprint, Trancecoda Records. This may be one of only a handful of vocal trance records you'll hear from me over the coming months, which makes it an especially personal release. As a family, we've experienced some incredibly difficult times recently, dealing with both expected and unexpected losses of people very close to us. Music has always been a way for me to process emotions, and this track was born from that place.
For me, sunsets have always carried a sense of reflection — a moment where everything slows down and you can reconnect with your thoughts and memories. *When The Sun Sets* is about closing your eyes in those moments and feeling the presence of the people you've lost, knowing that although they're no longer physically here, they're still with you in spirit. It's a record about remembrance, love, and connection, wrapped in the beauty and emotion that only trance music can truly convey.
Following that, in July, I make my debut on the legendary *In Trance We Trust* with a fully instrumental release. I created this track as a reminder of what first made me fall in love with trance music – those pure, uplifting moments that need no words, only emotion. In a world full of noise, I wanted to focus on the feeling itself: the connection between melody, energy, and the listener. This record is inspired by the moments of hope, freedom, and euphoria that trance delivers at its very best, and it represents a direction you'll be hearing much more of from me in the future: authentic, melodic, and emotionally driven uplifting trance.
For me, sunsets have always carried a sense of reflection — a moment where everything slows down and you can reconnect with your thoughts and memories. *When The Sun Sets* is about closing your eyes in those moments and feeling the presence of the people you've lost, knowing that although they're no longer physically here, they're still with you in spirit. It's a record about remembrance, love, and connection, wrapped in the beauty and emotion that only trance music can truly convey.
Following that, in July, I make my debut on the legendary *In Trance We Trust* with a fully instrumental release. I created this track as a reminder of what first made me fall in love with trance music – those pure, uplifting moments that need no words, only emotion. In a world full of noise, I wanted to focus on the feeling itself: the connection between melody, energy, and the listener. This record is inspired by the moments of hope, freedom, and euphoria that trance delivers at its very best, and it represents a direction you'll be hearing much more of from me in the future: authentic, melodic, and emotionally driven uplifting trance.
Dimitris: Have you produced any new tracks since the one we're discussing in this interview? If so, could you share the inspiration behind them?
Dark Fusion: Yes, I've been very busy! In August, I will have a solo release on the mega Future Sound of Egypt label entitled *Ananta*, which represents the infinite journey. It is a state where time disappears, boundaries dissolve, and music becomes the only language. Inspired by the endless horizon between earth and sky, this track is about surrendering to the moment and embracing the feeling that some emotions, memories, and connections are truly eternal.
And in September, we will release a collaboration with Roger Shah on Trancecoda entitled 'Sacred Mystery'. There is more to come on this one, but it's a proper uplifting trancer!
At some point in the near future, Asteroid will also release his debut artist album, which may feature one or two collaborations with me, which I'm very excited about.
As a DJ, I've always been very open about playing the right music at the right time. With our events, I've picked up some earlier slots where progressive trance is super important, so I've also been working on a few different tracks solely for this purpose.
And in September, we will release a collaboration with Roger Shah on Trancecoda entitled 'Sacred Mystery'. There is more to come on this one, but it's a proper uplifting trancer!
At some point in the near future, Asteroid will also release his debut artist album, which may feature one or two collaborations with me, which I'm very excited about.
As a DJ, I've always been very open about playing the right music at the right time. With our events, I've picked up some earlier slots where progressive trance is super important, so I've also been working on a few different tracks solely for this purpose.
Dimitris: Could you describe your current approach to music production and how it has evolved over the years?
Dark Fusion: I think if you speak to most producers, they will have moments in their production life where they try and chase the current trend, myself included. You kind of lose yourself in that process. This approach has definitely changed for me now. I concentrate strictly on what truly resonates with my heart, which I believe has resulted in my best work yet.
Dimitris: What are your future plans in terms of Trancecoda events and your DJ performances?
Dark Fusion: I've talked a lot about new music already, so let's look at events here.
I have a massive back-to-back set coming up with Asteroid at Sunrise, which is one of Poland's biggest festivals.
Trancecoda has also been on an incredible journey over the last 18 months, evolving from a vision into one of the UK's fastest-growing trance brands. What started as a passion project has become a nationwide movement, and in 2026, we're taking Trancecoda to every major corner of England.
The year began in spectacular fashion as we hosted *In Search of Sunrise* in London, followed by a landmark collaboration with Shine in Bristol in February. April saw us deliver our biggest month yet with events in Liverpool, Coalville, and London, including the unforgettable Trancecoda 360 experience alongside Ferry Corsten. We then returned to Liverpool in May to continue building on that momentum.
The summer is shaping up to be our biggest season to date. In July, Trancecoda takes over the outdoor stage at The Summer Bowl in Sheffield before heading to Bristol later that month for a huge Open Air Stage event.
As we move into autumn, the journey continues with events in Plymouth and Nottingham, including our flagship collaboration with Shine at Binks Yard. October brings another massive moment as Ferry Corsten and Markus Schulz headline our Halloween celebration in Coalville.
The final chapter of the year sees the return of *In Search of Sunrise* to Liverpool on November 7th, before we close out an unforgettable 2026 in Brighton on December 12th.
This is more than a series of events. It's the continued growth of a community built around a shared love of trance music, bringing world-class experiences to cities across the UK. The journey is only just beginning.
I have a massive back-to-back set coming up with Asteroid at Sunrise, which is one of Poland's biggest festivals.
Trancecoda has also been on an incredible journey over the last 18 months, evolving from a vision into one of the UK's fastest-growing trance brands. What started as a passion project has become a nationwide movement, and in 2026, we're taking Trancecoda to every major corner of England.
The year began in spectacular fashion as we hosted *In Search of Sunrise* in London, followed by a landmark collaboration with Shine in Bristol in February. April saw us deliver our biggest month yet with events in Liverpool, Coalville, and London, including the unforgettable Trancecoda 360 experience alongside Ferry Corsten. We then returned to Liverpool in May to continue building on that momentum.
The summer is shaping up to be our biggest season to date. In July, Trancecoda takes over the outdoor stage at The Summer Bowl in Sheffield before heading to Bristol later that month for a huge Open Air Stage event.
As we move into autumn, the journey continues with events in Plymouth and Nottingham, including our flagship collaboration with Shine at Binks Yard. October brings another massive moment as Ferry Corsten and Markus Schulz headline our Halloween celebration in Coalville.
The final chapter of the year sees the return of *In Search of Sunrise* to Liverpool on November 7th, before we close out an unforgettable 2026 in Brighton on December 12th.
This is more than a series of events. It's the continued growth of a community built around a shared love of trance music, bringing world-class experiences to cities across the UK. The journey is only just beginning.
Dimitris: Are there any collaborations you dream of, either with other artists or brands, that you haven’t yet explored?
Dark Fusion: As I've made wishes on these, if I told you, they won't come true! Our history is full of collaborations and working alongside like-minded, good people, so I'm sure more exciting projects will happen in this space.
Dimitris: How do you incorporate new trends or technologies in your music while maintaining your unique sound?
Dark Fusion: AI is a hot topic right now, isn't it! I work in IT where AI is really changing the landscape, so my view on this is to embrace it as long as it's done in the right way. It would be interesting to see what your readers think about the future of music and AI. I don't think it will ever replace the human element, though, nor should it.
Dimitris: What role do you think AI technology plays in the future of electronic music production, and have you experimented with it?
Dark Fusion: I see the calls at the moment for better regulation, which I think is fair. The scary thing is how quickly these things evolve. I certainly have experimented with it. Actually, *When The Sun Sets* is a hybrid of human effort and AI. There was one small part I couldn't get exactly how we wanted, and AI solved the problem.
Dimitris: How do you feel about the shift towards streaming platforms for music consumption—do you think it's beneficial for artists?
Dark Fusion: I think it has certainly impacted what artists can earn on releases, which is really sad. Back in the early days with vinyl, it was a completely different ball game. Numbers do play an important part of an artist's profile, but that doesn't replace hard work.
Dimitris: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career?
Dark Fusion: This is a really difficult one, especially as you have to consider we run an agency (Fusion Artists), events, a record label, and do DJing on top of that. I think I've certainly got the balance wrong in the past—hasn't everyone? I've found the key is to work with like-minded people who you can rely on to share the burden. It also helps to embrace technology to make you as efficient as possible, which is something that we do across all of our channels.
Dimitris: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to make their mark in the industry?
Dark Fusion: There is no magic formula here, and if there is, I don't know it! I think you just have to be yourself, do as much as you can, and support events whenever possible. We have a long line of DJs who have played for us simply because we got to know them after they attended our events. Yes, you have to do all the other stuff like managing your socials and making music, but nothing beats a personal relationship. That is reflective of life in general, not just music.
Dimitris: What inspired you to transition from producing to DJing, or did both passions develop simultaneously?
Dark Fusion: It was the other way around, actually. I started as a DJ and then moved into production and events. It's just something that happened naturally.
Dimitris: Can you walk us through your DJing process—from track selection to live mixing? How do you curate a set that resonates with different audiences?
Dark Fusion: Some DJs (John 00 Fleming in particular) talk about the lost art of DJing and the unspoken rules. Because I learned to DJ on vinyl in the era I started, those values have always been within me.
I know some people pre-program sets or have a setlist, but this isn't something I've ever done. I may be one or two tracks ahead in my mind while playing, but quite often it's very in the moment. Yes, I may have a list of new tracks I would like to play, but that doesn't always happen. It's about picking the right track at the right moment, and depending on the time and the mood, that can change quickly.
Progression has always been really important to me and to our events as well. If you play 160 BPM in an opening set for us, you won't be asked back!
Some of my favorite sets this year have been the earlier ones. Yes, I don't get to play a lot of my new music, but the journey is more important than the DJ's own music!
I know some people pre-program sets or have a setlist, but this isn't something I've ever done. I may be one or two tracks ahead in my mind while playing, but quite often it's very in the moment. Yes, I may have a list of new tracks I would like to play, but that doesn't always happen. It's about picking the right track at the right moment, and depending on the time and the mood, that can change quickly.
Progression has always been really important to me and to our events as well. If you play 160 BPM in an opening set for us, you won't be asked back!
Some of my favorite sets this year have been the earlier ones. Yes, I don't get to play a lot of my new music, but the journey is more important than the DJ's own music!
Dimitris: What are some essential DJ techniques you’ve mastered over the years, and how have they evolved with emerging technologies?
Dark Fusion: I learned by watching people DJ on vinyl, and that still stands the test of time today. I will quite often watch how people work and what they do on CDJs, which can lead to picking up new techniques.
Dimitris: How do you handle unexpected challenges during a live set, such as equipment malfunctions or shifts in crowd energy?
Dark Fusion: Always be prepared! Whether that's with equipment or the crowd. As I don't pre-plan, shifting energy has always come naturally to me.
Dimitris: Which mixing style do you prefer—long transitions, quick cuts, harmonic mixing, or another technique? How do you decide which style suits a particular set?
Dark Fusion: I've always been into longer transitions. I am aware of harmonic mixing, but I won't let that dictate what and when I play a track. If it's the right moment for it, you can usually make it work.
Dimitris: How do you incorporate effects, loops, and EQ adjustments to add depth and dynamics to your live mixes?
Dark Fusion: Loops are really important these days, especially if you like longer transitions, so this is something that I've picked up over the last couple of years.
Dimitris: How do you seamlessly blend different genres or tempos within a set to keep the energy consistent and engaging?
Dark Fusion: I'm a builder, so I won't put in massive BPM changes; it's just not my thing. But I will increase the tempo if transitioning from progressive into trance, for example.
Dimitris: Reflecting on your career, what has been your most memorable DJ set and what made it stand out for you personally?
Dark Fusion: I haven't really touched on it yet, but earlier in my career, I played under a Hard House alias (JP & Jukesy). Playing our first set at a Tidy Weekender to a maxed-out room—after really pushing to play there for a long time—was a genuine highlight. The nerves were high on that one since it was all vinyl back then. With all of our friends and fans around us, they had to stop letting people into the room. We really nailed that one, and I still have people come up to me today to talk about it. It was a truly proud moment in time!
Dimitris: How do you integrate your own productions into your DJ sets to create a signature live experience?
Dark Fusion: My music accounts for about 75% of the tracks I play currently. However, there is so much good music from other producers out there that it is really difficult to ignore the special ones.
Dimitris: Does your approach to music production change based on the feedback or experiences you gain from live performances?
Dark Fusion: Music is an evolving circle of learning; I don't think you ever stop. Feedback from the music also steers you toward doing more of that specific style in the future.
Dimitris: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey, insights, and experiences with us. Your thoughtful responses will surely inspire and resonate with fans and fellow artists alike. We truly appreciate your contribution to the electronic music community and look forward to witnessing your continued success!
Dark Fusion: I'd just like to thank everyone who has supported me or Trancecoda over the years. I think the best years are still ahead of us all!
Whether commanding major festival stages across Europe like Poland's Sunrise Festival, curating massive nationwide gatherings, or blending human emotion with cutting-edge studio technology, Dark Fusion remains a grounded pillar of the electronic music community. This artistic journey reminds us that while trends fade and formats shift, true success is driven by authenticity, integrity, and genuine relationships. As Dark Fusion looks toward the future, the continuous growth of a community built around a shared love of trance music is bringing world-class experiences to cities across the UK, proving that the journey is only just beginning.
Dark Fusion's deeply personal new single, "When The Sun Sets," is out now on Trancecoda Records, serving as an emotional anchor for the music rolling out over the coming months. Keep an eye out for his upcoming instrumental debut on the legendary In Trance We Trust label this July, followed by the solo release "Ananta" arriving on Future Sound of Egypt in August, and the massive Roger Shah collaboration "Sacred Mystery" in September. You can catch these tracks live as the monumental 2026 Trancecoda nationwide tour hits cities like Sheffield, Bristol, Plymouth, Nottingham, Liverpool, and Brighton throughout the year.
What are your thoughts on Dark Fusion's take on AI technology in modern music production, or his preference for raw, unplanned vinyl-style sets? Have you caught a Trancecoda event or shared an unforgettable night on the dance floor during this massive tour? We want to hear from you—join the community conversation, share your memories, and let us know your thoughts in our socials!
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