Armada University introduces its brand-new dedicated learning platform, kicking things off with trance icon Ferry Corsten sharing the secrets behind his most legendary project: Gouryella.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR ARMADA UNIVERSITY
Since 2018, Armada University has grown into a premier online hub for aspiring music makers, supporting a global community of over 45,000 producers through educational content, remix contests, newsletters, and more. After a successful run in partnership with FaderPro, Armada University has now moved masterclass production fully in-house with its own dedicated platform—allowing for a tailor-made learning experience for the producer community.
FERRY CORSTEN BREAKS DOWN THE GOURYELLA SOUND
Leading the platform's launch is a brand-new masterclass from Ferry Corsten, going deep into the sound that defined his career. After previously teaching '80s-influenced electronic production, Ferry returns to pull back the curtain on Gouryella, his globally acclaimed project, for the first time ever.
Centered around his latest Gouryella release, 'Marama', the masterclass walks through the complete production journey behind a modern trance anthem—from chord progressions and the signature Gouryella bass groove to drums, vocal processing, and final arrangement. It's a definitive, first-hand guide to the classic trance sound currently making a massive comeback on mainstages worldwide.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Across 11 chapters and over 1.5 hours of expert tuition, Ferry Corsten breaks down every stage of his creative process—from the first spark of inspiration to the final pre-master—offering a rare, first-hand look at the techniques behind one of trance music's most iconic sounds.
A free chapter is available now on YouTube, with the full masterclass available to purchase via the new Armada University platform.
World-renowned DJ and producer Ferry Corsten has officially announced a spectacular celebration of “25 Years of Gouryella,” set to take place during the Amsterdam Dance Event on October 24. This special day event promises to be a landmark occasion for trance music enthusiasts and electronic dance music lovers alike.
In collaboration with Transmission Festival and Dance Valley, both iconic brands with which Ferry Corsten shares a longstanding and rich history, the event is crafted to deliver a truly unique and immersive experience.
The stellar lineup features an array of electronic music’s finest artists, including:
Cosmic Gate – Celebrated for their dynamic sound and global hits
Aly & Fila – Masters of uplifting trance with an international fanbase
Will Atkinson – Known for his high-energy sets and innovative tracks
Ruben de Ronde – A staple in the trance scene and a melodic maestro
Daxson – A rising star delivering powerful and emotive performances
Adding an extra layer of excitement, the event will feature a mystery guest whose identity will be revealed at the show, ensuring anticipation and surprise for attendees.
Tickets are on sale now, and with the buzz surrounding this milestone celebration, fans are encouraged to secure their spots early.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of dance music history! Join Ferry Corsten and friends as they take you on a journey through 25 years of Gouryella’s timeless legacy.
For ticket information and event updates, visit HERE.
Trance music icon Gouryella—the visionary project from Ferry Corsten—returns with a new chapter in its legacy: “Marama (Moon & Stars)” featuring Saskia Lie Atjam. In honor of Gouryella’s 25th anniversary, which Corsten celebrated at the 20th anniversary of Transmission Festival, the track marks Gouryella’s first new release since 2022, further solidifying its status as one of trance music’s most beloved and timeless names.
‘Marama’, which means “moon” or “light/clarity” in Māori, is a poetic, emotionally charged journey that merges cosmic imagery with human vulnerability. Featuring a stunning vocal performance from Saskia Lie Atjam, ‘Marama’ continues Gouryella’s tradition of blending melody, emotion, and meaning with a signature cosmic sound—supported visually by the project’s iconic blue-and-purple, space-themed aesthetic.
“When I first heard the lyrics of this track, I was completely captivated by its beauty and meaning,” says Gouryella. “The way physical beauty can symbolize something so celestial, vast, and all-encompassing really resonated with me... I hope this track evokes the same emotion in others that I felt when I first experienced these words and produced the music.”
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Gouryella, the iconic alias of Ferry Corsten, makes a triumphant return with "Marama (Moon & Stars)", featuring the ethereal vocals of Saskia Lie Atjam. At a driving 140 BPM, this track is a masterclass in uplifting, euphoric trance, seamlessly continuing Gouryella's legacy of transcendent productions that resonate deeply with both long-time fans and new listeners. From a technical standpoint, "Marama (Moon & Stars)" exemplifies meticulous attention to detail in production. The track opens with a lush, atmospheric pad that builds anticipation, layered subtly with filtered white noise sweeps that create an expansive spatial depth. The kick drum is punchy and clean, sitting perfectly in the mix to drive the rhythm without overpowering the melodic elements. The bassline, a rolling, sidechained sequence, provides a warm, analog feel that anchors the harmony while allowing the higher frequencies to shimmer. Inspired by classics like Joanna Law’s "First Time Ever" and Way Out West’s "The Gift," this track channels a nostalgic essence through its melodic structure. The lead synth, characterized by its bright, saw-wave timbre, is crafted using a blend of modern VST synthesizers and vintage analog gear to achieve a rich, full-bodied sound. The melody itself is a cascading sequence of arpeggios, evoking a celestial journey that aligns with the track’s title, "Moon & Stars."Saskia Lie Atjam’s haunting vocal performance is a standout feature, her voice layered with reverb and delay effects to create an ethereal, almost otherworldly aura. The processing includes subtle pitch modulation and harmonic layering, enhancing the emotional intensity without overshadowing the instrumental arrangement. Emotionally, "Marama (Moon & Stars)" is a sonic odyssey. The intertwining of harmonic progressions and vocal lines generates a profound sense of longing and euphoria. The breakdown section strips back the percussion, leaving pads and vocals to breathe, creating a moment of introspective calm before the euphoric climax explodes back with full force. This dynamic contrast amplifies the emotional impact, making the drop feel even more powerful and uplifting. Released on Flashover Recordings, "Marama (Moon & Stars)" is only the second vocal track in Gouryella’s storied discography, and it lives up to the anticipation with grace and grandeur. It is not just a track; it’s an experience—a perfect synthesis of technical prowess and emotional resonance. #PureGold indeed. Love IT[/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [/review]
About Gouryella
Launched by Ferry Corsten and Tiësto in 1998, Gouryella quickly became synonymous with trance’s golden age, with its 1999 debut single ‘Gouryella’ reaching #15 on the UK Singles Chart and earning Gold certification. Follow-up releases like ‘Walhalla’ and ‘Tenshi’ solidified its legacy as a source of sonic transcendence in the genre. After a 13-year hiatus, Corsten revived the project in 2015 with ‘Anahera’, which became Beatport’s best-selling trance track and A State of Trance’s Tune of the Year. Blending ethereal melodies with emotional depth, Gouryella continues to captivate global audiences with millions of streams and a celebrated live presence—bridging the celestial and the human through trance.
About Armada Music
Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world. Founded by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron (CEO) and David Lewis, the label manages an ever-growing catalog of over 50,000 tracks built up across twenty-plus years of specialized dance music exploitation.
Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, ARTY, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, THEMBA and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month, airplay on leading radio outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM, and top positions in the world’s most notable charts. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a global appeal to its growing roster. The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats. Producer platform Armada University, which offers educational products and opportunities, shows the label’s sustained effort to nurture the next wave of talent.
