Some help with Electronic music

[Slenn]

Mmmkay... so whenever I listen to the few tracks of trance music on my iTunes, I feel like I don't particularly have an artist that I like. And it all seems to be that they all kinda sound the same, and there are very few tracks that come to mind that seem to stand out. I have heard from some sites and a few of my friends that trance music has kinda lost its luster in the past years. Although I would like to hear what other people say.

The ones I particularly liked off the top of my head were these:

Spoiler

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Now I'm kind of uneducated in the realm of trance music. And it may be that these tracks are at the "low end" of trance music and are the "same old stuff" that the sites and my friends keep mentioning.
So basically what I'm asking is, what's a trance artist you recommend that does seem like it stands out among the rest, and what should I look for in "good" trance? Or am I asking ridiculous questions? (which could also be the case)

 

[z121231211]

I don't listen to Trance at all, but I do understand where you're coming from. For EDM you're going to have to listen to a large amount almost very intensely before you could even guess who made it without prior knowledge.

Sorry I can't recommend you anything. Just listen around and soon you'll find some artists that you consistently like more than the others.

 

[HydraMoon]

I would agree that trance music has stagnated over the past three or four years. A lot of talent has left and more talent has shifted into other areas of electronica.

Are you looking for specifically trance or will down-tempo/chill work as well? Or even something more upbeat like house? You might enjoy French House as it's more 'open' sounding than house- it has more sounds that mimic trance as well as a repetitive roll to it.

This is one of my favorite songs right now- it's in heavy rotation on the iPope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOFQA3aNR3g (Eyesdown by Bonobo. Downtempo/chill)


Another one I like (it's a few years old but still fun): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TDdN_ARBAI
(Deep Dish- Flashdance)

 

[Slenn]

I would agree that trance music has stagnated over the past three or four years. A lot of talent has left and more talent has shifted into other areas of electronica.

Are you looking for specifically trance or will down-tempo/chill work as well? Or even something more upbeat like house? You might enjoy French House as it's more 'open' sounding than house- it has more sounds that mimic trance as well as a repetitive roll to it.

This is one of my favorite songs right now- it's in heavy rotation on the iPope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOFQA3aNR3g (Eyesdown by Bonobo. Downtempo/chill)


Another one I like (it's a few years old but still fun): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TDdN_ARBAI
(Deep Dish- Flashdance)

Trance that is borderline ambient music I really like. House is something that I just realized I liked a lot. So there's a lot of room for expansion to my search. And part of my problem is that I'm having a hard time trying to define Trance from other electronic genres. House, Techno, Downbeat, and Ambient I all understand. But I can't really classify Trance in any way.

 

[octafish]

Jesus, I was going to reccommend Suicide as I always do when Electronic Music is mentioned. I don't think you would like Suicide though, my Electronic Music and your Electronic Music are poles apart.

 

[Fwee]

You might like Spatial Distortion. He has his albums available for listening and free download on http://mindlessmachines.com/
Tried to put a link but can't.

 

[HydraMoon]

Trance that is borderline ambient music I really like. House is something that I just realized I liked a lot. So there's a lot of room for expansion to my search. And part of my problem is that I'm having a hard time trying to define Trance from other electronic genres. House, Techno, Downbeat, and Ambient I all understand. But I can't really classify Trance in any way.

Don't worry about defining Trance. I have friends who are DJ's and they argue constantly over the 'real' meaning/sound/BPM of Trance too. Atmospheric is the biggest word I would use to define trance. It's like love- you know it when you've got it.

Well, there are definitely some classics to check out- Paul Van Dyke being the first to occur to me. "For an Angel" is one of the biggest Trance classics I know. Here's a YT link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNqT3yLZ9aw

Also, Armin Van Buuren has a new album dropping in a little bit- should be good. Promo link to YT video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPxn69pWTqk

For something perfect for summer zoning-out is an old one by Nalin and Kane, called Beachball. YT link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXQdAK0OEAU Beachball is ancient by internet standards- think it came out in 96 or so but it holds up surprisingly well as is a classic. It's simple but atmospheric.

Another oldie (sorry these are all seeming to be old songs) that was huge was "Silence" by Delerium (Feat Sara McLachlan) DJ Tiesto mix. VERY dark, very atmospheric. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KHILPC0a0&feature=related

 

[Edager6882]

Look up Above & Beyond on iTunes. They do a weekly podcast.