Trance music is a type of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in Europe in the late 1980’s. A lot has happened since its birth, to put it simply. The genre developed and grew in popularity over the years as DJ’s experimented with incorporating different effects and sounds. Thanks to the natural progression of music, and producers adapting to the ever-changing trends in music, several subgenres of trance music were born.
Trance music is very diverse, especially when you start to explore the various subgenres that exist. Even a single trance song can be diverse in and of itself as producers sometimes incorporate multiple subgenres into a single track. There are some subgenres of trance that you may not care for and others that you could listen to all day long.
Below, we dissect the subgenres of trance music and provide songs specific to each style. Read (and listen) on to gain a better understanding of the many trance subgenres that exist and discover which style is your favorite.
Progressive Trance
Progressive trance originated in the 1990’s and combines elements of trance and progressive house. This subgenre is distinguished by its layered synthesizer lines, driving basslines, and melodic and atmospheric soundscapes. Progressive trance typically has a slower tempo, more subtle riffs, and usually excludes the use of blaring synth sounds that are usually present in other styles of trance. To put it simply, progressive trance is more laid back and less intense than other styles of trance music.
Uplifting Trance
As its name suggests, uplifting trance has a much lighter, “happier” tone. This differs from other subgenres, like Goa trance, which typically has a darker tone. Uplifting trance has chord progressions that are comparable to progressive trance. However, the chord progressions of an uplifting trance track typically rest on major chords.
Tech Trance
Tech trance, as its name suggests, is a blend of techno and trance music that usually has a tempo of around 135-145 BPM. Synthesizers, arpeggiators, and atmospheric effects are frequently used to create a futuristic, upbeat sound. Tech trance songs frequently have an aggressive feel while emphasizing technical precision and rhythmic intricacy.
Vocal Trance
Vocal trance is, you guessed it, trance music that incorporates vocals. A vocal trance track can be uplifting and happy in nature or intense and dark. However, no matter the kind of style or tone the song takes on, vocals are its focal point and usually evoke strong emotions. Vocal trance tracks often feature vocals that are ethereal and dreamy, and female vocals are used more often than male vocals.
Goa Trance
Goa trance originated in the Indian region of Goa. The captivating sequencer patterns and quick tempos of trance music were combined with hallucinogenic samples and sounds from traditional Indian music to create Goa trance. It is common for Goa tracks to be around 8-12 minutes long and contain a considerably heavier bassline than other trance styles. Though Goa trance has a large following in Israel, and a significant amount of Goa trance is produced there, it is also produced and consumed around the world.
It seems that Goa trance has evolved into psytrance and that the two subgenres are used interchangeably. However, some listeners distinguish Goa trance as having more Arabian melodies and synths, while psytrance embodies the more synthetic sounds.
Psychedelic Trance (AKA Psytrance)
Psychedelic trance, also known as psytrance, is a subgenre of trance music that is intense, very fast-paced (140-170 BPM), and often incorporates tribal sounds. Trance’s captivating sequencer patterns and quick tempos combined with hallucinogenic samples and noises taken from traditional Indian music to create psychedelic and Goa trance. To put it simply, it’s trippy. Take a listen to Vini Vici’s popular track below, “The Tribe,” for a better understanding of psytrance.
Hard Trance
Hard trance came about in the early 1990’s in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Aggressive super-saw leads, basslines, acids, and percussion make up hard trance. It normally moves at a faster pace than most trance songs, with a tempo of around 143-150 BPM.
Classic Trance
Classic trance refers to the original form of trance that developed in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Classic trance tracks feature a 4×4 bass-drum, acid basslines, longer major chord progressions (lead synth, bass, and treble).
Balearic Trance (AKA Balearic Beat or Ibiza Trance)
Balearic trance, sometimes called balearic beat or Ibiza trance, closely resembles and incorporates elements from earlier ambient movements. Balearic trance tracks usually incorporate sounds of the sea, like ocean waves and birds, along with string instruments, like Spanish guitars and mandolins. This subgenre is intended to be more mellow and soothing style of trance music.
In this post, we broke down some of the main subgenres of trance music, including progressive trance, uplifting trance, tech trance, vocal trance, Goa trance, psytrance, hard trance, classic trance, and balearic trance. While these are only some of the trance subgenres that exist, it’s easy to see how broad and diverse the genre is.
These subgenres frequently cross over one another and are not always well defined. Not only that, but as trance music evolves, new subgenres emerge. The future of trance music is full of potential, and I look forward to continuing my exploration of the genre as it continues to expand and develop.