Modeā and Bryan Kearney team up to deliver 'Ready to Fly', a melodic trance production defined by massive melodies and a powerful drop. The arrangement features an atmospheric vocal and a wide lead to build tension throughout the breakdown.
William Daniel Review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Modeā & Bryan Kearney - Ready to Fly [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Modeā and Bryan Kearney arrive on Musical Freedom with Ready To Fly, a track that feels more like a signal flare for where trance is headed. Built on towering melodic instincts, it unfolds with a sense of poise, the kind that grips you early and refuses to loosen its hold. The breakdown leans into a beautifully suspended vocal, almost weightless, while a broad, luminous lead line stretches across the mix, tightening the emotional pull with every passing phrase. When the drop finally lands, it surges. There is power here, certainly, but it is guided by emotion rather than brute force. The production is polished, carrying a fluid, modern sheen that allows its emotional core to shine through without distraction. It is that balance between scale and sensitivity that gives the track its lasting impact. What stands out most is the chemistry. Kearney’s driving intensity meets Modeā’s melodic finesse in a way that feels instinctive. Together they carve out a sound that feels contemporary without chasing trends, confident in its identity whilst pushing the genre forward. This is exactly the kind of record that defines trance in 2026. It is expansive, emotive, and unafraid to reach for something greater. With figures like Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren & John O Callaghan continuing to spotlight this evolving sound, Ready To Fly has all the makings of a global smash, the sort of production that flirts from festival main stages to late night headphones without losing a shred of its magik. (W.D)[/content]
Welcome to William Daniel Selects Vol. 3, a curated snapshot of the tracks currently shaping dancefloors and sparking conversations in the trance and progressive community. This volume captures the pulse of the scene, blending raw energy, emotional depth, and forward-thinking production across a spectrum of styles. Fresh from the recent Vinyl Fantasy event—a night drenched in nostalgia and future sounds alike, where rare pressings and exclusive IDs created an atmosphere of pure magic—these reviews reflect the records that are leaving their mark right now.
David Forbes opens the selection with “Diskotek” on WAO138?!, a relentless peak-time weapon built for main stages and cavernous arenas, a track that dominated A State of Trance Rotterdam with its precision and punch. Liam Wilson’s “Unconditionally” on Dreamstate takes an opposite route, an intimate tribute steeped in emotion, unfolding with patience before erupting into an earned, euphoric release.
From there, Estiva’s “TCL” on Colorize delivers a sleek and driving journey, balancing underground grit with melodic poise, perfect for those late-night moments when the room is locked in. Trevor Reilly’s “Down With The Underground” (Ian Stirling Remix) on Pure Trance reimagines a 1998 classic with modern polish and deep respect, bridging generations with its progressive flow.
BLR’s “Spring Drop” (DJ promo) is a bold set of remixes, transforming iconic tracks with focus and finesse, built for darker, intimate rooms. Joseph James’ “Fly Away” on Subculture soars with golden-era spirit, a spine-tingling anthem that feels like a career-defining moment. Meanwhile, Leena Punks x Reyus x Lauren L’aimant’s “Hold On Me” on Interstellar wraps emotional weight in shimmering, retro-leaning progressive textures—cinematic and addictive in equal measure.
Together, these selections echo the energy of Vinyl Fantasy, where timelessness met innovation, and the dancefloor felt suspended between memory and the new. William Daniel’s latest picks are not just tracks, but moments waiting to happen—crafted to linger long after the last beat fades.
David Forbes - Diskotek out on WAO138?!
William Daniel Review:David Forbesreturns to WAO138?! with Diskotek, a thunderous peak time weapon engineered with one goal in mind: absolute dancefloor domination. The Scottish powerhouse delivers a track that wastes no time, rolling out a relentless groove, razor sharp percussion and a colossal lead that feels tailor made for cavernous arenas and main stage festival moments. It is no surprise this one has been hammered by the scene’s heavyweights, echoing through the biggest rooms worldwide. The impact was undeniable at A State Of Trance in Rotterdam where Diskotek ripped through the speakers multiple times across the weekend. Precision built, brutally effective and impossible to ignore, this is another seismic entry in the ever formidable catalogue of David Forbes. (W.D)
Liam Wilson - Unconditionally out on Dreamstate
William Daniel Review: There is a certain kind of trance record that aims for the peak time, the hands-in-the-air moment, the communal rush. And then there are records like this, where the emotional weight lands first, long before the kick drum finds its stride. Liam Wilson’s “Unconditionally,” his debut outing on Dreamstate Records, sits firmly in the latter camp, even as it eventually surges into full-bodied, high-octane release.
Wilson has long been a quietly relentless presence in the UK underground, a Manchester craftsman with more than a decade and a half of graft behind him. You can hear that lineage here. The track does not rush itself. It breathes. It remembers. It builds with the patience of someone who understands exactly what a dancefloor can hold when you let it.
At its core, “Unconditionally” is not just another vocal trance single. It is something far more personal, almost unbearably so. Written in tribute to his late mother, with lyrics drawn from her own words, the track carries a sense of intimacy that feels rare in a genre often driven by abstraction. There is grief here, but also tenderness. Not a spectacle of loss, more a quiet conversation with it.
The opening is disarmingly gentle. Soft piano chords set the tone, reflective and slightly fragile, while the vocal drifts in with a kind of restrained elegance. It feels less like a performance and more like a confession unfolding in real time. The sentiment, rooted in a love that was never fully returned, lingers in that unresolved space. You can feel the weight of what was left unsaid.
As the arrangement slowly gathers momentum, Wilson resists the temptation to force the uplift. Instead, he allows the emotion to guide the transition. When the track finally opens up, it does so with purpose. The arpeggios rise in shimmering layers, the rhythm locks in, and suddenly the piece expands into something vast and luminous. It is not just euphoria for its own sake. It feels earned, like a release after holding your breath for far too long.
There is an almost spectral quality to the climax, as if the music itself is reaching outward, searching for connection beyond the physical space of the club. That sense of transmission, of sending something deeply personal into the void and hoping it resonates, is what gives “Unconditionally” its lasting impact.
In a scene that can sometimes prioritise immediacy over depth, Wilson delivers something that lingers. A track that understands both the power of the drop and the silence that comes before it. A piece of work that does not just move bodies, but quietly unsettles the heart. (W.D)
Estiva - TCL out on Colorize
William Daniel Review: Colorize turns the page and steps into a new season with Estiva’s TCL, a track that feels less like an introduction and more like a statement of intent from one of the label’s most trusted architects of the club floor.
There is a pulse at the heart of it that never lets up. Bass surges forward with quiet authority, percussion snaps clean and exact, and the melody coils tight before blooming into something luminous and quietly affecting. It is music that understands movement, not just of bodies in a room but of feeling, of tension and release, of that fleeting moment when everything aligns under low light and heavy air.
Estiva has long had a gift for walking that fine line between precision and soul, and here it feels honed to a sharp edge. Fresh from a commanding showing at Fabric and buoyed by the steady nod of those who know this sound inside out, he leans into both sides of his craft. There is grit here, a sense of the underground pushing through, yet it never loses sight of clarity or purpose.
TCL lands with intent, built for the thick of the night when the room is locked in and time slips sideways. It sets the tone for what is to come, hinting at a body of work that will carry both weight and elegance in equal measure, the kind that lingers long after the last note fades. (W.D)
Trevor Reilly - Down With The Underground (Ian Stirling Remix) [Pure Trance]
William Daniel: Trevor Reilly’s Down With The Underground first saw the light of day back in 1998 on Manifesto and quickly became a favourite among DJs of the era, with the legendary Judge Jules spinning it live on his Essential Selection mix. The violin work from Chris Stout was a bold and unexpected touch back then, giving the track a distinctive voice that still resonates today.
Now Ian Stirling has taken this classic and transformed it into a 128bpm progressive trance masterpiece, bringing over 35 years of experience behind the decks to the remix. Every iconic element from the original remains, yet it has been polished and modernised with exquisite care, ready to captivate a whole new generation of trance lovers.
In Mexico, the track reached monumental status, propelling Trevor to play in front of more than 70,000 people at the Aztec Stadium, cementing his reputation as a true international force. This remix is both classy and sublime, a fitting tribute to a Scottish legend whose music continues to inspire and move the dancefloor. A stunning release all round. (W.D)
BLR - Spring Drop [Not Released/Only on DJ Promo]
William Daniel Review: There is a certain nerve to BLR’s Spring Drop, the kind that grabs you early and refuses to loosen its grip. This is not a polite collection of remixes. It is a collection of dancefloor focused weapons. BLR steps into well-worn territory and reshapes it with finesse, pulling classic cuts into a sharper, more nocturnal frame.
It also feels worth saying plainly that Leon Bolier remains one of the most talented producers of the past two decades, and a personal favourite of mine. That sense of craft and control runs right through this release.
Taking on names like Trentemøller, Push, ZHU and Dosem is no small task. These are tracks with history and with weight. Yet BLR handles them with a clear sense of direction, stripping things back where needed and pushing them forward where it counts.
“Moan” opens with a brooding patience. The bones are still there, but the mood is tightened, more insistent, and built for those darker rooms. “Universal Nation” follows with purpose, reworking this absolute classic into something that trades some of its original uplift for drive and control, without losing its identity.
“Faded” leans into atmosphere. It becomes less about its vocal hook and more about space, texture, and restraint. “Beach Kisses” does something similar with Dosem’s genius, giving it a cleaner, more hypnotic edge that feels engineered for late hours and long transitional blends.
The real curve comes with “Silksong OST Bilewater”. Drawing from Christopher Larkin and the score to Hollow Knight: Silksong, it is a more restrained piece, almost fragile in places. It does not aim for the peak time moment. Instead it endures, offering a brief, reflective pause that adds depth to the overall release.
What stands out most is the cohesion. This is not a scattergun approach to remixing. Leon knows exactly what these tracks need to sit comfortably in modern sets. The result is focused, confident, and extremely powerful. Essential (W.D)
Joseph James (IRL) - Fly Away out on Subculture
William Daniel Review: There’s a certain kind of magic that only trance can summon, something ineffable, something that lifts you clean out of yourself, and with Fly Away, Joseph James captures it in full flight.
First heard as a mystery ID in A State of Trance Rotterdam 2026, unveiled by John O’Callaghan, the track immediately stirred that rare, spine-tingling recognition among listeners: this is special. One that understands the very DNA of the genre. You can hear the echoes of 1999 woven through its core, the golden era of trance, yet it never feels like nostalgia for today's trend. Instead, it’s reverence, reimagined through a modern lens.
Released on Subculture, Fly Away surges with emotional clarity. The melodies don’t just rise, they fly. There’s a purity to the breakdown that feels almost disarming, before the track erupts into a euphoric crescendo that’s as cathartic as it is commanding. It’s the kind of production that reminds you why you fell in love with Subculture in the first place.
What makes this moment all the more compelling is where it places Joseph James in the wider picture, it feels like a turning point. Having already made waves with earlier productions on Kearnage, he’s been quietly building a steady reputation, but Fly Away is his finest piece yet. The one that says: pay attention.
If this is the level he’s operating at now, there’s a strong sense that the ceiling simply doesn’t exist. No glass barrier, no imposed limits, just open sky.
In a scene that often circles its own past, Joseph James has managed to honour it while pushing forward. Fly Away doesn’t just live up to its name, it earns it. (W.D)
Leena Punks x Reyus x Lauren L'aimant - Hold On Me out on Interstellar
William Daniel Review: There’s a certain late night electricity to ‘Hold On Me’ that feels both nostalgic and quietly devastating, the kind of track that slips under your skin before you realise it’s taken hold. Leena Punks, Reyus and Lauren L'aimant arrive with a release on Interstellar Recordings that does more than simply tick the progressive house boxes. It lingers. It aches. It remembers.
From the outset, the track leans into a shimmering synthwave glow, all neon reflections and slow burning tension. There’s a distinctly retro pulse at its core, those familiar minor chords and glassy arpeggios weaving together with a warm, rolling sub bass that feels like it’s breathing beneath the surface. It’s progressive in structure, yes, but emotionally it plays closer to something cinematic, like watching old memories flicker across a screen you cannot switch off.
L’aimant is the gravitational centre here. Her voice doesn’t just sit on top of the production, it inhabits it. There’s a silkiness to her delivery, but also a quiet desperation, as she captures that suffocating pull of love you cannot escape. The hook lands with a kind of hypnotic certainty, repeating like a thought you wish you could shake but never quite manage. It’s intimate and expansive at the same time, a rare balance.
What elevates ‘Hold On Me’ is how carefully its atmosphere is shaped. The producers resist the urge to overplay their hand. Instead, they allow space for the mood to build, for the darkness in the sound design to creep in around the edges. It gives the track a sense of timelessness, echoing the spirit of classic progressive while still feeling fresh and deliberate.
There’s also a quiet sense of evolution here for Leena Punks, whose earlier appearance on the Celestia Vol. 1 compilation hinted at potential. This feels like a step forward, more assured, more emotionally resonant, more complete.
And it all lands under the banner of Interstellar Recordings, a label that continues to prove its worth as part of the wider Insomniac family. If this is the calibre of music being sent out into the void, then the future feels wide open. Limitless, even. Like staring into a night sky that never quite ends, full of possibilities still waiting to be discovered.
‘Hold On Me’ does not shout for attention. It pulls you in slowly, wraps around you, and before long, you realise you’re not ready to let go. (W.D)
David Rust - Without You out on Dreamstate
William Daniel Review: Hailing from Yoker in Glasgow, David Rust has steadily carved out a reputation as a producer who constantly reinvigorates the rave scene with a sound that shifts effortlessly across trance, hard dance, techno, psy, and all manner of gritty euphoria. Now he makes his debut on Dreamstate Records with a single that demands attention. 'Without You' is a heart-pounding hard trance cut, a masterclass in Rust’s alchemic approach to contemporary club energy. At its core lies a vocal hook brimming with vulnerability, a declaration of utter dependence on another. The line 'I can't be without you now' reverberates hypnotically over a storm of moody sub-bass oscillations, galloping psy basslines, high-pitched vox synth leads, and crisp, classic stabs that hit with a wave of nostalgia during the climactic build. David Rust is no stranger to the spotlight. He has collaborated with artists such as Uberjak'd, Jakka-B, Renegade System, and Joey Riot, and he has delivered remixes for heavyweights like Jordan Suckley, Ben Nicky, and Scot Project. With 'Without You,' he cements his status as a craftsman of emotion-fuelled dance music, creating a track that grabs you by the balls and refuses to let go. (W.D)
Vinyl Fantasy 3.0 lands on 17th October at SWG3 Warehouse, and this one hits different. It's our birthday party, and in reality it’s a full-blooded celebration of everything that made us fall in love with the culture in the first place. Raw, uncompromising, and played the way it was meant to be heard.
For the first time in Scotland, Scot Project steps up for a classics set played exclusively on vinyl. Let that sink in. Three decades of records, history etched into wax, delivered by a man who didn’t just witness the evolution of the sound, he shaped it. This is a rare chance to experience those mind-bending productions exactly as they were intended. No shortcuts, no edits, just pure energy from start to finish.
Then there’s Steven ‘Podders’ Podmore, a name that carries serious respect among vinyl purists. His sets are deeply personal, shaped by years of dedication to the craft. If you’ve caught his selections on the Thrillseekers Connected shows, you’ll know the standard. Expect hidden gems, unexpected turns, and the kind of moments you can’t script.
With William Daniel and Stewart Green completing the lineup, there’s a sense of cohesion here, a shared understanding of what Vinyl Fantasy is about and how far it can go. Every set matters, and every record has a place.
This time, it all unfolds in daylight. A deliberate shift, giving the music space to unfold beautifully, to connect with you in the way that endures long after the last track fades.
Step beyond the familiar and into something more expansive: Vinyl Fantasy 3.0 | The Third Dimension Daylight Edition. 💫
William Daniel has long been a trusted name in electronic music journalism. With over twenty years of experience as a reviewer, interviewer, and lifelong record collector, he brings a rare combination of encyclopedic knowledge and genuine passion to his work. His journey began at 23rd Precinct Records, where he first immersed himself in the inner workings of the music industry, cultivating a deep understanding of the culture that drives the global electronic scene. Today, William is celebrated for his ability to honor the roots of electronic music while embracing its constant evolution, always uncovering hidden gems and rediscovering overlooked classics.
In this feature, William explores a new wave of releases that capture the enduring magic of the dance floor. He highlights four essential tracks: Mesh x Dan Stone’s Purple Haze on In Trance We Trust, a modern reimagining of a trance classic that balances nostalgia with fresh energy; Funk D’Void’s Diabla on Armada, a hypnotic and timeless slice of techno mastery; Corderoy’s Sweetest Dreams Remixes on Armada Captivating, including standout interpretations from Sean Tyas; and Pulser’s beloved In Deep, newly remixed by Grant Trowbridge on ToneDepth, breathing new life into a cherished favorite.
Through each review, William’s insight shines, guiding listeners through the intricate layers of production and the stories behind the beats. His writing reflects the same ethos that drives the music itself—a respect for the past, a celebration of the present, and an excitement for the future.
Mesh x Dan Stone - Purple Haze out 13/3/2026 on In Trance We Trust/Black Hole
William Daniel Review: Some records never really leave you. They sit in the back of your mind like a half-remembered sunrise from a long night out, waiting for the right moment to come rushing back. Mesh - Purple Haze is one of those records. It has always carried a certain magic in trance circles, and now Dan Stone steps in to breathe fresh life into it for the ever-reliable In Trance We Trust.
From the first moments, you can feel the intent. Stone does not simply rework the track. He treats it like something sacred, lifting the original spirit of Mesh’s classic and rebuilding it with modern precision. The melodies still spiral skyward with that familiar, euphoric glow, but everything feels sharper, wider and more powerful. The production gleams with contemporary clarity while the bass carries real weight, the kind that punches through a sound system and lands straight in your chest.
What makes this remix work so well is the balance. It keeps the emotional core intact for the trance purists who appreciate the craft, yet it has enough drive and momentum to send a dancefloor into a proper frenzy. Close your eyes, throw your arms up and you are right there in the moment. That is the energy this track taps into. It is the feeling that made the original so beloved in the first place.
Crucially, it never feels like nostalgia for the sake of it. This is more like a careful evolution, a respectful upgrade to a piece of trance heritage that deserves to keep living in modern DJ sets.
On a personal note, this one hits close to the heart. Purple Haze has long been one of my favourite releases on In Trance We Trust, a proper gem that I proudly own on vinyl. Hearing it given a fresh, playable mix for today’s floors is genuinely exciting. It reminds you why the track mattered then and proves it still has the power to move people now.
Some classics fade with time. This one just found a new way to shine.
Funk D'Void - Diabla [Armada]
William Daniel Review: There are producers who come and go with the tide of trends, and then there are artists like Funk D'Void, whose music feels carved into the foundations of modern techno. For decades he has been one of the quiet architects of the sound, shaping dance floors with intelligence, restraint and an instinct for groove that few can match. From his seminal work with Soma Records to releases across some of the most respected labels in electronic music, Funk D'Void has always carried a sense of purpose in his productions. When his name appears on a record, it means something.
“Diabla”, released on Armada Music, is another reminder of that legacy. It arrives with the quiet confidence of an artist who does not need to shout to command attention. From the opening bars there is a sense of space and control. The drums are tight and purposeful, the low end rolling forward with that unmistakable Funk D'Void weight. Each element sits exactly where it should, breathing within the mix.
This is classic Funk D'Void territory. Hypnotic but never sterile, driving but never brute. The groove locks in with a kind of mechanical elegance, the percussion flickering and shifting just enough to keep the body moving while the mind drifts somewhere deeper. It is techno with depth of character, the kind of track that reveals more of itself with every listen.
What stands out most is the craftsmanship. After decades in the game, many producers settle into habit. Funk D'Void still sounds engaged, still chasing that perfect balance between tension and flow. The synth textures creep in like distant lights through fog, subtle but full of atmosphere, while the rhythm section keeps everything firmly rooted to the floor.
In an era where much techno feels disposable, “Diabla” reminds us what quality production really sounds like. It is music built with patience and understanding, shaped by someone who has spent a lifetime inside the machinery of the dance floor.
This is music for the mind and the feet. And in the hands of Funk D'Void, that balance still feels effortless. (W.D)
William Daniel Review: Some records never really leave you. They drift in and out of the collective memory of the trance scene, waiting for the right moment to rise again and remind us why we fell in love with the genre in the first place. Sweetest Dreams by Corderoy is one of those records.
When it first surfaced in the golden era of melodic trance it carried a certain emotional gravity. The kind that sneaks up on you during a late night set and suddenly the entire room feels connected by the same melody. The original release became a quiet but powerful favourite among DJs and fans alike, particularly when Ferry Corsten delivered his unforgettable take on Tsunami. That remix pushed the track into anthem territory and cemented its place in the hearts of a generation that lived for those soaring breakdowns and euphoric drops.
Now, years later, the record returns on Armada Captivating with a fresh set of interpretations from Sean Tyas. It is not simply a nostalgia exercise. Instead it feels like a careful resurrection. A respectful reimagining that understands the emotional DNA of the original while giving it the power and clarity needed for modern trance floors.
Tyas delivers two versions here. The Deep Mix leans into atmosphere and texture, stretching the emotional core of the melody across a rich and immersive arrangement. It breathes beautifully and allows the vocal and chords to glow in a slightly darker space. It is thoughtful and well crafted, the kind of mix that rewards patient listening.
But it is the Ascension Mix that truly takes flight.
From the opening bars there is a sense that something special is unfolding. The energy builds with purpose, layers of melody rising until that familiar hook finally emerges in all its glory. There is a subtle nod to that classic Ferry Corsten interpretation, not a copy but a respectful wink to the version that helped define the track all those years ago.
When the breakdown lands it is pure trance theatre. Emotional, uplifting and unapologetically melodic. Then the drop arrives and everything clicks into place. The kind of moment that makes you close your eyes and remember exactly why this music grabbed hold of your soul in the first place.
In an era where trance constantly evolves and reinvents itself, releases like this remind us that the foundations still matter. Sweetest Dreams was always a special record. Thanks to Sean Tyas and its new home on Armada Captivating it now has the power to reach a whole new generation of listeners.
And if the Ascension Mix finds its way into the right DJ sets over the coming months, do not be surprised if dancefloors once again light up to that timeless melody. Some dreams, it seems, really are worth revisiting. (W,D)
Pulser - In Deep (Grant Trowbridge Remix) [ToneDepth]
William Daniel Review: A couple of years ago, Andy Perring reached out to Grant Trowbridge to remix one of his back catalogue tracks. Rather than gravitate toward the obvious hits, Grant dug deeper, hunting for something that would allow him to leave a real mark. That search led him to Pulser featuring Molly Bancroft – In Deep, a track that marked his first proper foray into working with vocals.
From the outset, it was clear this was no ordinary remix opportunity. The original’s emotive core was undeniable, but Grant saw the chance to reinterpret it entirely, to push the energy higher, carve out his own sonic signature, and explore a different emotional dimension. The result is a rollercoaster of soaring melodies, powerful hands-in-the-air breakdowns, and an infectious energy that demands attention on any dancefloor.
Grant Trowbridge, already a formidable force as a producer and a celebrated resident and radio host of Borderline, has truly outdone himself here. His remix captures the essence of what makes trance today so exciting: forward-thinking, impeccably produced, yet deeply emotional. The vocals are lush, the breakdowns ecstatic, and the energy utterly irresistible.
It is no wonder that Borderline remains one of my favourite trance labels. This remix embodies exactly why, representing the label’s commitment to high-quality, modern trance while retaining the genre’s euphoric spirit. For anyone seeking a track that fuses emotive depth with full-throttle dancefloor energy, Grant Trowbridge’s remix of In Deep is simply unmissable. (W.D)
As electronic music continues to evolve, voices like William Daniel’s remain essential. His reviews are more than just critiques—they are invitations to experience the heartbeat of the scene, to discover tracks that resonate not only on the dance floor but also in the soul. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer exploring the genre’s depths, William’s perspective illuminates the journey, keeping the spirit of electronic music alive and thriving.
In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, few voices carry the weight of experience and authenticity quite like William Daniel. A fixture of the global dance scene for over twenty-five years, he has worn many hats—journalist, DJ, producer, collector, and advocate—each role driven by his boundless passion for the culture. From his formative days at 23rd Precinct Records to his influential work within leading publications and his celebrated social media series, Vinyl Fantasy: Tales from a Record Collection, William has chronicled and shaped the story of electronic music with a rare blend of knowledge, integrity, and heart. His journey is not merely professional—it is personal, a lifelong dedication to the beats, stories, and people that define the genre.
William Daniel BIO :
William Daniel is a respected voice within the global electronic music community, having dedicated more than two decades to reviewing records and interviewing artists across the ever-evolving scene. His journey began in the early days of his career when he worked at 23rd Precinct Records, an experience that immersed him in the mechanics of the music industry and laid the foundation for his deep understanding of electronic music culture.
Over the years, William has built a reputation for insight, authenticity and an encyclopedic knowledge of the genre, expertise matched by very few in music journalism today. His passion is more than professional, it is personal. He lives and breathes the scene, constantly digging for hidden gems, rediscovering forgotten classics and celebrating the stories behind the records.
A recognised UK tastemaker, William is known for regularly breaking new producers from across the globe, often spotlighting emerging talent long before they reach wider recognition. His opinion is highly valued among key independent and major record labels worldwide, who regard his ear for quality and cultural relevance as both trusted and influential within the electronic music landscape.
William Daniel's Productions has built a strong reputation within the electronic music scene, known for delivering high-energy productions and polished studio work. Over the years, he has collaborated with some of the scene’s brightest talents, including David Forbes, Will Atkinson, and Mark Sherry, further cementing his standing among respected peers. His music has reached a global audience through releases on some of the world’s leading record labels, such as Spinnin' Records, Reset Records, 2 Play Records, Armada Music, Captivating Sounds, Damaged Records, and Aria Digital, showcasing both his versatility and consistent production quality.
Alongside his journalism, William has an established DJ profile, performing for several key brands across the UK. He held residencies at the world famous The Arches in Glasgow for Inside Out and Colours, and has played for leading brands including Goodgreef, Promise, Digital Society, Godskitchen and Gatecrasher among many others, further cementing his standing within the UK dance music circuit.
Throughout his career he has written and contributed to several high profile publications including M8 Magazine, Wax Magazine, Beatsmedia.com and countless others, further cementing his standing as a respected authority in the field.
This obsession found a natural outlet in his social media series Vinyl Fantasy: Tales from a Record Collection, where he shares knowledge, memories and rare cuts from his extensive vinyl archive. In just its first year, the project has amassed over one million views, an impressive milestone for a grassroots series that has only recently celebrated its first birthday.
Beyond journalism, DJing and collecting, William channels the Vinyl Fantasy banner into charitable work, hosting events that give back to vital causes. Proceeds have supported organisations such as CLAPA and the Catherine McEwan Foundation, reinforcing his commitment not only to music culture but also to the wider community.
Through his writing, interviews, DJ performances, collecting and charity work, William continues to stand as a passionate advocate and chronicler of electronic music, an enduring presence in a scene he has championed for over twenty five years.
Supafly x Luvstruck x Shayan - Stronger Than Before [Spinnin’]
There’s something beautifully defiant about “Stronger Than Before”, the new link-up from Supafly, Luvstruck and Shayan. It does not just revisit a classic, it honours it, elevates it, and sends it hurtling headfirst into 2026 with arms wide open.
Built around the unmistakable melodic theme from Three In One’s timeless rework of Cafe Del Mar, this record could have so easily fallen into the trap of lazy nostalgia. Instead, it feels reverent. The iconic riff, that shimmering, horizon-chasing progression, is handled with extraordinary care. It is not plastered over the track for cheap recognition. It is woven in with restraint and intention, allowed to breathe before erupting into widescreen euphoria. Tasteful is the word. Painfully tasteful.
Supafly’s seasoned house sensibilities anchor the production with warmth and groove, while Luvstruck injects that modern, high-impact club punch he has become synonymous with over the past few seasons. There is weight in the low end, clarity in the build, and just enough polish to make it festival-ready without sanding off its emotional edges.
Then there is Shayan.
Her vocal does not overpower the instrumental, it glides across it. Soulful but controlled, yearning yet resilient, she delivers the central message with conviction. “Stronger Than Before” is not just a title here, it is a statement of intent. The lyrics speak to renewal, endurance, the quiet triumph of surviving something that tried to break you. Against that towering trance backdrop, the sentiment lands like sunrise after a long night.
What is particularly heartening is seeing Spinnin' Records fully embrace this sound again. For a label that has long dictated the pulse of global dance floors, their renewed commitment to trance-leaning records signals something bigger than one release. It feels cyclical, like the genre’s emotional core is once again being recognised as its greatest strength. With heavyweight support now firmly rallying behind the trance resurgence, the future looks blindingly bright.
“Stronger Than Before” does not try to reinvent the wheel. It does not need to. It taps into a melody that defined a generation, pairs it with heartfelt songwriting and contemporary production muscle, and reminds us why we fell in love with this music in the first place.
In a time where trends flicker and fade at algorithmic speed, this is a record that stands tall, chest out, eyes forward, unashamedly euphoric and utterly alive. (written by W.D)
Michael Hutcheson - Fahrenheit x In Hindsight (138 BPM) [Borderline]
There’s something quietly poetic about a long-awaited return. When an artist steps back into the light after nine years without a release, there’s expectation, curiosity and perhaps even doubt however, with Fahrenheit / In Hindsight, forthcoming on Activa’s Borderline label, Michael doesn’t just return, he reaffirms.
Let’s get one thing straight: absence from the release radar does not equal absence from the culture. Anyone embedded in the trance community knows Michael has never truly stepped away. He’s been there in the shadows and strobes, in the warm hues of early doors sets, shaping dancefloors with patience and precision. A key figure in the Scottish trance scene, he’s graced every major venue north of the border and earned a reputation as one of the rare few who’ve mastered the lost art of the warm-up DJ, that subtle, selfless craft of storytelling before the storm.
But now, the storm arrives.
Fahrenheit is a statement of intent. Ultra slick in its production, pristine, polished and unapologetically modern, it wastes no time in drawing you into its orbit. The percussion is tight, the low-end confident, but it’s the melody that truly soars. Classy and emotionally intelligent, it encapsulates everything quality uplifting trance is about: tension, release, hope and that ineffable sense of forward motion. It’s not nostalgia, it’s evolution. A track built for vast rooms and open skies.
Then there’s In Hindsight, and the title couldn’t be more fitting. Where Fahrenheit burns bright, this one glows deep. Again, the production is immaculate, ultra slick without losing soul, but it’s the melodic phrasing that lingers long after the final breakdown fades. There’s maturity here. A reflective quality. It feels like the sound of an artist who’s taken his time, who understands that trance at its best isn’t about volume or velocity, but about vulnerability wrapped in euphoria.
This is a super strong EP on a very respected imprint. It will do well for Michael, and deservedly so. Borderline has long been a stamp of quality, and this release sits proudly within that lineage.
Let’s be honest, if Michael continues to produce output at this level, it won’t be long before the warm-up specialist becomes the peak-time force. The craftsmanship is there. The identity is there. The passion has always been there. Prime-time slots await, and they’d be rightfully earned.
Nine years since his last release. Believe it or not. But some fires don’t burn out, they burn hotter with time. An essential release, Nice one. 💫 (written by W.D)
There’s a rare certainty to ‘Harbour 43’ on WAO138?! that split-second recognition you’re in the capable hands of David Forbes. Before the breakdown blooms, before the chaos fully unfurls, the stamp is there. Ultra-slick production, chiselled low-end, percussion that snaps with authority, and a melodic arc that balances euphoria with balls of steel. It’s immaculate without feeling sterile, and muscular without sacrificing emotion.
What defines David Forbes in 2026 is that unmistakable sonic identity. You can tell it’s him without checking the credits. There’s a discipline to the arrangement, a tension in the build, and when the drop detonates, it’s full-throttle trance engineered with intent, not excess. This isn’t peak-time fodder for the sake of velocity. It’s precision-tooled impact, crafted by someone who understands both the dancefloor and the studio to clinical forensic depth.
Crucially, he’s not merely contributing to the current surge in harder, faster trance, he’s leading the charge. While others flirt with intensity, David fully commits to it, setting a quality threshold very few can ever consistently match. His Midas touch extends beyond a single lane too. Across genres, from peak-time tech to driving main-stage, all of the scene’s biggest names are hammering his releases. That breadth of respect speaks volumes.
There’s also the long view. Three decades of sheer dedication underpin his studio wizardry. The rapid ascent of the past few years hasn’t been accidental hype. It has been the culmination of experience meeting opportunity. If this trajectory holds, 2026 will not just be busy for Forbes, it will be defining.
‘Harbour 43’ feels like both a victory lap and a warning shot, an artist at full power and fully aware of it. David’s GOAT status is entirely justified, and long may his deserved success continue. 💫 (written by W.D)
Through his writing, performances, and charitable initiatives, William Daniel continues to be more than a commentator—he is a custodian of electronic music’s legacy and a champion of its future. His voice resonates not only across dancefloors and magazine pages but in the spirit of a community that thrives on passion, innovation, and connection. In celebrating his work, we honor a career built on love for the music and the culture that surrounds it—a story still being written and a beat that refuses to fade.
The very talented UK based dj and producer Alex Wright, who has releases on top labels including AVA recordings, Always Alive, Levitated Music, Sundance, Veritas recordings, Blue Soho, Emergent Shores and many more with support from the biggest trance djs in the world including Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz and many more every month selects and reviews his Top 5 tracks of each month ahead of his radio show Trance Encounters that is streamed on 1mix radio every 1st Friday of every month with great success and big following. Exclusively for 1mix radio and Flux BPM Online Alex Wright chooses his top 5 trance encounters for May 2017. Alex Wright has studied extensively music production and he holds BSc degree in Audio & Recording Technology from De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU). Enjoy reading what he has to comment on each release with his knowledge as producer and DJ and of course put in your diary a reminder to not miss his radio show exclusively on 1mix radio.
Airlab7 - Daleko [Emergent Skies] 6/10
After recently changing team members, Emergent Skies have returned with a new release by a producer named Airlab7 called 'Daleko'. This tune plays upon an old style sliding saw bassline and lush pads. The chops are a bit rough and unflattering for me and could benefit from some extra processing and delay to butter them up a bit, but the arpeggiated melody isn't too bad and carries the climax nicely. I think it lacks a bit of something special to make it really stand out as I think a lot of these tracks have been made before without breaking much new ground, making this a slightly less strong catalog entry from the Emergent label group.
Ben Ashley - Distant Memories [Tranceform Recordings] 6/10
An unknown artist to me so far, but this track has some nice-sounding ideas despite sounding a bit rough and ready. A pretty pounding kick drum starts things off with a rather standard arpeggiated bassline, but when the rolling sub comes in there is plenty of energy and drive. A rather static sounding acid enters the picture which could benefit from a bit of ping pong delay in my opinion, but
this is built upon by a teasing and beautiful mid-range pluck. This is then backed by some smooth rhythmic chords and a musical, well thought out counter pluck melody. The progression is something
special here and proves that even with a relatively unpolished production sound, you can still create a nice feeling in a track. The breakdown sounds a little empty and unfinished but sports some nice cadences that are carried into the main section on top of that pumping beat. Not a bad effort from Ben and the Tranceform crew!
Cold Stone - Mustang [Digital Society Recordings] 7/10
A name that has given a few offerings over on DSR in the last month or so is Cold Stone. Here, his track Mustang demonstrates his clean drums and nice metallic, atmopsheric acids that let the intro roll along nicely. Slightly lacking in sub bass for my tastes but nonetheless bringing a brooding, dark atmosphere and things creep up towards the middle of the track. The lead and pads have some nice moments in the break particularly when opening in cutoff, revealing the gorgeous metallic tone and soaring reverb tail. Mustand has an honest beauty to it, despite sounding a bit stripped back and melancholic which actually suits its nature melodically. The vocal parts are a great touch too, adding to that apocolyptic, orange sunset vibe.
Honestly being quite a hit and miss label that sometimes delivers a great tune, Extrema have brought us quite a nice effort here by Exouler. Ascension plays on a major theme which is designed to lift you up and carry you with its chugging offbeat groove. Unfortunately, the way this track was made results in a lack of stereo information, particularly in the pads and lead which can really benefit from being nice and wide but the melodies created are beautiful and positive. There is a strong sidechain on the pads too which is a bit too strong in my opinion but really emphasises the pumping nature of the tune. The breakdown features some nice bass growls and distant, reverberated, distorted synths which are something a bit different before the epic lead melody comes in. This tune could be a 10/10 if it was nailed tonally and stereophonically, as the ideas are very good indeed.
Mehdi Belkadi & Zinou - The Longest Ride [Always Alive Recordings] 8/10
With Always Alive Recordings, you can nearly always guarantee a quality production with each release. This latest offering from Mehdi Belkadi & Zinou is no different with some lovely chipmunked vocals that really add that cherry on top of a bouncy, fun, vibrant bassline. The percussion surrounds your ears nicely as the pluck begin to build the theme on top of the foundation. Delicate piano sprinkles tease the main section as the chords begin to reveal themselves and things wind down towards the hands in the air breakdown. A really cool, sliding guitar comes out of nowhere as the beat disappears and briefly after, the huge, epic melody starts with a quick buildup and release. This track screams of classic 2007 - 2009 Daniel Kandi and the uplifting, peak time sound of the Above & Beyond we used to know. Top stuff!
Alex Wright & Allen Belg - Havana out now on AVA recordings
Trance Encounters with Alex Wright #044
**Don't miss Alex's Wright Trance Encounters on 1mix radio every 1st Friday of the month from 20.00-21.00 for the very best in trance and progressive. If you wish Alex to feature your track in his show and reviews or to book him for your next trance event please email him: alex_dj[at]live[dot]co[dot]uk
