Label residents Vascotia return to Serendipity with a blistering new release. These talented producers have been hard at work in the studio, currently crafting their full-length artist album. One of the first tracks from the project is Omnium, a powerful trance jam that sets the tone for whats to come. Expect high-energy drops, uplifting melodies and driving basslines, perfect for losing yourself on the dancefloor.
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Label residents Vascotia make a triumphant return to Serendipity with their electrifying new release, "Omnium." Currently immersed in the creation of their full-length artist album, Vascotia showcases their dedication and refined production prowess through this standout track. "Omnium" is a powerhouse of a trance anthem, clocking in at a riveting 130 BPM. It epitomizes the dynamic proglifting trance genre with meticulous attention to detail. The track kicks off with thunderous, thumping kicks that create a solid foundation, seamlessly layered with punchy, pounding drums that add both depth and energy. The rhythm section is complemented by big, pulsating basslines that provide a rich, driving force, propelling the listener into a euphoric state. Vascotia's masterful use of synthesis is apparent in the massive, euphoric synth hooks, which are intricately designed to evoke emotion and captivate the audience. The melodic progression features uplifting arpeggios and soaring leads that intertwine harmoniously, creating an atmosphere of pure bliss. The producers expertly manipulate filters and resonance to build tension and release, ensuring each drop hits with maximum impact. Production techniques such as sidechain compression are employed effectively to maintain clarity and punch throughout the mix, allowing the bass and kick to coexist without overpowering the melodic elements. Reverb and delay are used tastefully to add spatial depth, enhancing the track's expansive feel without muddying the sound. "Omnium" is engineered with pristine precision, showcasing Vascotia's ability to blend technical sophistication with raw, emotive power. This track is undoubtedly crafted to dominate MainStages this summer, delivering a tour de force experience that trance enthusiasts will cherish. #PureGold #LoveIT[/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]
Protoculture and Benjamin Duchenne join forces to unleash ‘Shiva’, a transcendent journey through driving grooves and luminous melodies. Built on a foundation of deep, driving basslines and carefully created synths, this hypnotic masterpiece weaves detailed layers of sound, blurring the lines between energy and emotion. With a cinematic atmosphere in the break and a build that surges like a rising tide, ‘Shiva’ captures the essence of movement and transformation. A perfect fusion of progressive depth and euphoric release, this trance smash is destined to bring the dancefloor to life and elevate minds. Brace yourself for a rhythmic revelation, ‘Shiva’ is here to take you beyond the ordinary.
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Protoculture and Benjamin Duchenne have come together to create a transcendent auditory experience with their track "Shiva," a proglifting trance masterpiece set at a driving 130 BPM. The track is a finely-tuned synthesis of elements that form a cohesive and powerful soundscape, crafted meticulously with modern production techniques. Starting with the bassline, "Shiva" lays down a foundation of energetic, pulsating frequencies that act as the heartbeat of the track. This bassline is complemented by thumping, rolling drums that provide a rhythmic backbone, propelling the listener forward with unyielding momentum. Each beat is delivered with precision, thanks to punchy kick drums that cut through the mix with clarity, ensuring every pulse is felt. One of the standout features of "Shiva" is its use of ethnic spiritual style vocals, which weave through the track, adding a layer of cultural depth and a touch of the mystical. These vocals serve to elevate the listener's experience, bridging the gap between the music and the soul, urging introspection and connection. The breakdown section of "Shiva" is where Protoculture and Duchenne's production prowess truly shines. Utilizing dreamy breaks, this segment provides a juxtaposition to the rest of the track’s intensity, offering a moment's respite and introspection. The sound design here is characterized by lush pads and ethereal textures, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. As the track reaches its climax, "Shiva" unleashes a full-on euphoric, epic uplifting sound. The build-up to this point is carefully crafted, with layers of melodic synths and soaring leads combining to create a mythical crescendo. The use of reverb and delay effects during this climax is expertly controlled, adding to the track's expansive, festival-ready feel. The technical craftsmanship and production techniques employed in "Shiva" ensure it is a track that will resonate with audiences, particularly at summer festivals where its energy and beauty can be appreciated on a grand scale. The flawless integration of various auditory elements makes this track a standout piece in the proglifting trance genre, truly #PureGold and not to be missed. #LoveiT[/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]
AOA returns to Serendipity after his previous ‘The Rise’ release and yet again he surpasses himself with a stunning trance record titled ‘The Plan’. And a plan he has as all the detailed sounds are well placed and perfectly matched together to create a euphoric and mind-blowing trance record that with the cool vocal lines and abrasive synths give a stellar energy that will get every crowd reeling for more, a tune exactly how we like it.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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] [item value="10"]AOA - The Plan [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]AOA lands on Serendipity with his incredible 135 BPM proglifting trancer The Plan. If you search for the perfect track that bridges well the progressive trance selections with the uplifting section of your set The Plan will do the tricks and right twists for your audience. Pulsating pounding driving basslines, sharp and punchy kicks along with thumping drums while on top he adds his melodic layers with epic anthemic synthy stabs and cool spoken vocal samples that add the meaning for the track. The climax is euphoric as it gets and will definitely make big crowd unite and jump as this track caters for the summer mainstages. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
Newcomer Roan Gosling right away sets his mark with this remarkable trance tune ‘When The World Forgot To Spin’. With prodigious synths, blooming percussion and an miraculous melody that amplifies the track’s greatness, this track will surely be an instant favorite. On remix duties we have Sunlight Project who just released their original record ‘Darkstar’ and now build on this great style with this progressive trance remix that slows down in bpm but not in energy, a true club hitter which we can’t get enough from.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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] [item value="10"]Roan Gosling - When The World Forgot To Spin (incl. Sunlight Project Remix) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Roan Gosling enters the trance world with the so good When The World Forgot To Spin. It's full on euphoric hands in the air trancer with tough pounding kicks, metallic rough basslines, smashing percussion and excellent feel good melody. Well balanced elements written by the book with tight production to keep the clubbers glued on their headphones. The beloved Sunlight Project service his excellent proglifting trance remix. Melodic to the max reenergizes the original theme into an airy fairy sunkissed summer soaked version with the right vocal samples and the colorful synths upon the pulsating basslines and pumping kicks to keep the dancefloors alive and moving for hours. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
International four time DJ Mag Top 100 DJ and producer Shogun has made waves headlining renowned major music festivals worldwide, including Tomorrowland, TomorrowWorld, EDC, ULTRA, and A State Of Trance. The California-based talent is known as the first Asian American on the internationally known Armada Music, and is also signed to the likes of Blackhole, Universal, and CMC Music. Amassing success during the pandemic, Shogun produced over 25 tracks with four of them landing on Sony Music, as well as exclusively released a remix of the Super Mario Bros theme song on Bandcamp, with all profits donated to COVID-19 frontline workers. With a roaring start to the year already under his belt, Shogun recently reworked tracks for legendary artists in the trance realm, including Andy Moor & Conjure One, and has three remixes in the pipeline for Dash Berlin’s Jeffrey Sutorius. Having produced for multiple Grammy nominated and winning acts, there hasn’t been a track of his that hasn’t landed in the Beatport and iTunes Top 10 charts. Now taking his musical prowess to new heights, Shogun is on track to make 2022 his biggest year yet, with the impending launch of two new aliases this year. Fans can look forward to listening to his take on house and Brazilian bass under the alias NXNJAS, as well as his techno, trance, and future rave alias Neo Tokyo, which will be exclusively releasing via Armada Music.
1. Dimitris: 2023 just started but it will be cool to let us know how was 2022 for your career. Let us know about achievements or goals achieved that you are proud of.
Shogun: I had an excellent year in 2022. I released 6 singles that all exceeded my expectations. I also launched two new aliases: NXNJAS and Neo Tokyo. I am super excited about these aliases because they allow me to showcase my diverse production capabilities.
2. Dimitris: Do you have already some concrete plans for 2023 if you are allowed to announce them to our readers please tell us what you are preparing for us in the coming months regarding releases and performances in gigs/festivals.
Shogun: I have a lot of upcoming releases coming from NXNJAS and Neo Tokyo this year, and I recently launched my Neo Tokyo radio show where I will spin some of my favorite records of the moment. I also recently moved to Japan. I’ve played a lot of shows here and fell in love with the culture, people, food…really everything about it. I feel more inspired than ever to create and share my vision with the world.
3. Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your latest album New World. Please tell us how the idea of the album came about is there any particular concept that runs through it?
Shogun: New World is a collection of Shogun tracks that I’ve dropped over the past couple of years, in addition to new singles. I really wanted to tell the story of what the Shogun alias is and has always been about, so I tried to include a diverse collection of records to showcase the different types of emotions that can be conveyed through my music. Trance has always been my #1 love and, now that I’m preparing to pivot to focus on other projects, I wanted to honor it with this full body of work.
4. Did you have any particular difficulties accomplishing New World or any specific production challenges that you had to overcome?
Shogun: When I started producing this album, I wanted it to be perfect; because it is my final trance LP, I wanted to focus on honing into my signature sound. Although I did a great job accomplishing this, I did have some of the typical writer's block that all artists get.
5. Dimitris: Can you pick your top 3 tracks from the album and tell us for each one a short comment?
Shogun: I had so much fun creating the entire album, but there were a few standouts: Concentration, I love that I was able to express the range in my production technique with this track. New World, I loved working on this one and decided I wanted it to be the title track because it ties the whole album together. Lastly, I loved working on Cielo because it is so powerful and has so much energy, it can be played for any occasion.
6. Dimitris: Do you prefer instrumental dance tracks or you adore vocals?
Shogun: I adore vocals but I also love creating instrumental dance tracks. Vocals can add another layer to a track but there are a lot of times where I prefer to highlight elements other than vocals. I think it’s best to have a balance of both in your repertoire.
7. Dimitris: Do you believe that the artwork on your latest album is good and do you believe that artwork can attract listeners or record buyers? Can you mention the best artwork of a track ever released?
Shogun: I have a deep admiration for the artwork on my singles and albums, all the art is cosmic and pairs very well with the cosmic sound in my music.
8. Dimitris: How much time do you spend promoting yourself in your social media and you see this as essential tool for self-promotion and getting bookings too? Which social media is the one that seems to work better for you?
Shogun: Promoting myself on social media is a crucial part of my career. In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any artist to gain exposure and connect with their fans. I try to have a strong social media presence on all platforms, but I use Instagram the most. My handle is @djshogunmusic.
9. Dimitris: Do you have your own radio show/podcast/twitch stream or Vlog(video blog)? If yes please give us a comment about it and how long it takes you to prepare for it and if you are always excited to produce it?
Shogun: I actually just launched my own radio show called Neo Tokyo Radio Show on Youtube! I am always so excited to produce it, it is one of my favorite projects I’m working on right now.
10. Dimitris: From the gigs/festival performances confirmed so far for 2023 in which ones are you most excited to perform and why?
Shogun: I can’t disclose this quite yet, but I definitely have some exciting gigs in the pipeline. Watch this space!
11. Dimitris: Please note for all the new talents that read this interview to get some inspiration from you any technical tips in relation to your DJing or music productions. Also, any piece of personal or music business' advice that has helped you to progress even further and is worth telling to the new upcoming talents.
Shogun: Always work on improving your craft and try new things. Some of my favorite tracks have come from moving out of my comfort zone and incorporating new elements into my sound. In terms of business advice, I would say always treat people with respect but still be vocal about your needs. Always be persistent to get what you want!
12. Dimitris: Do you believe that music genres or styles are still relevant today? What is your opinion about hybrids and artists attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks?
Shogun: Genres are still relevant today, however, I love that artists are taking inspiration from different genres and sounds to create their own unique production style. This is something that I like to incorporate into my production technique. I generally make trance music but try to include elements from other genres such as future rave and house. With my new alias NXNJAS, I want to experiment with Brazilian bass, funk, and slap house, all of which work really well together. I think artists should always push themselves to experiment with a spectrum of different sounds and genres, especially now. It’s really important to push yourself and not fit your brand into a box.
Thanks so much to Shogun for his time to reply to this interview.
Thanks to Onno at Serendipity Muzik for the fantastic music.
Thanks to Andrea from Get In PR for arranging this interview.
‘The Rise’ is an exhilarating progressive trance tune that is sure to get your heart racing and your feet moving. From the moment the driving beat drops, you'll be hooked by the infectious energy of the track. The soaring melodies and uplifting chord progressions are sure to lift your mood and transport you to another place. With a crisp, clean sound that reminds us of the good old prog-trance days this is a tune you will for sure put on repeat for a long time to come. If you're a fan of progressive trance or just looking for a melodic-energetic tune to get you pumped up, ‘The Rise’ is definitely what you’re looking for.
Check it on Maglev - DJ Set | Black Hole Live | 13 January 2023 [Black Hole Live]
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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"]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] [item value="10"]AOA - The Rise [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]AOA lands on Serendipity with the fantastic The Rise. The track will do damage on many major trance festivals as the sound is full on and euphoric guaranteed. Energetic electro twisted basslines, pounding raw kicks and smashing beats combined to form the heavy foundation while upon euphoric feel good synths are played along with optimistic female vocal chops that work just fine to highlight the stunning atmosphere and create the perfect track that will get intimate reactions and bring satisfaction packed with intensity and goosebumps. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
Sunlight Project is back on the label after 3 years and they bring us two big new trance tunes ‘Shapes’ and ‘Tsunami’. Both driven on a rolling beat, energizing kicks and melodic synths these records are instant crowd favorites which will easily tear every dancefloor apart.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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"]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] [item value="10"]Sunlight Project - Shapes / Tsunami [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]The Italian artist Sunlight Project return on the quality trance imprint Serendipity with two very strong melodic balearic progressive trance beauties that contain elements of melodic progressive house and trance in one explosive package. Shapes / Tsunami with their pulsating driving basslines, pounding kicks and electro touched grooves will definitely drive you out of your mind instantly and keep involved and attach to them for hours as you will press the repeat button many times. The hi-nrg sunkissed melodies are so rejuvenating and refreshing that you feel being under waterfall with the cold water all over your body cleaning your body and soul. Spoken vocal samples illustrate the message of the tracks even louder and support to elevate the listeners to the next level. Progressive music at its very brightest and feel good! #PureGold Love IT [/content]
DJ Mag Top 100 artist Shogun always knows to deliver the best bangers and ‘Cielo’ is exactly that. After recent releases on Musical Freedom and Armada Music he now finds the perfect connection and balance between emotional melodies and a high energy drop which even in the build-ups and breaks keeps going, a sensational new trance tune that will rock many mainstages to come, pure excellence from the man on fire.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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"]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] [item value="10"]Shogun -Cielo[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Shogun never stops to deliver incredible trance tracks that guarantee to move even mountains and get support from the largest DJs in the planet. Cielo is big room proglifting trance at its very best. Thumping basslines, chunky grooves, pulsating beats and excellent breakdown with ethnic vocals and exotic instruments. The airy atmosphere is disrupted when the beat strikes back to take us all the way to the top to the amazing and feel good climax packed with colorful synths, cinematic strings and epic vocal samples. It has a lot of energy and you know that will crack any dancefloor straight away. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[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"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/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]
[item value="10"]Ehren Stowers - False Down incl. Sodality remix[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]One of the top producers in trance with natural flair for strong melodies is back. Ehren Stowers returns on Serendipity Muzik with his second track called False Down. With stunning melodic theme soaked with warm sunshine rays and Ibiza memories on top of the energetic foundation of punchy basslines, driving grooves, acid overtones, ethereal vocal lines and luscious breakdown followed by massive build up that takes us on the tornado size climax. Sodality translates the original into a deeper progressive version that has the right bubbly basslines, electro twisted groove and strong original melody to catch you by surprise and make you feel hooked instantly. Quality from start to finish that signals the return of great trance! #PureGold Love IT [/content]
Zack Mia from South Africa debuts on Serendipity Muzik with this powerful trance track which blends amazing melodies and powerful beats perfectly together. The remix comes from no less than Heatbeat who deliver a stunning version which you can listen to over and over again!
Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[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"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/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]
[item value="10"]Zack Mia - Nebula incl. Heatbeat Remix[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Zack Mia slowly builds great reputation with his solid productions and Nebula should be considered as highlight in his career. Powerful energetic trancer with psy tech basslines, pumping grooves and most importantly earth shaking synthy hook that builds and explodes in the full on hands in the air magnificent climax. It has all the right elements to carry any trancer into frenzy. The awesome duo Heatbeat cracks the stereo system with heavy tech trance version with solid pumping drums, rough edgy basslines and great transformation of the main hook into a high energy synthy riff that moves the track in the uplifting territory until to return on that raw and dirty tech trance mode. Two must have items for your collection! #PureGold Love IT[/content]
