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Uplifting trance
Stylistic origins
Cultural origins1990s, Germany, UK
Other topics

Uplifting trance (often synonymous with epic trance, energetic trance, anthem trance, emotional trance, or euphoric trance) is a broad subgenre of trance music. The name, which emerged in the wake of progressive trance in 1996, is derived from the feeling which listeners claim to get (often described as a "rush"). The genre is popular in the trance scene. Classical music strongly influenced the development of uplifting trance both in the 1990s[1] and in the 2000s, with film music also considered influential.[2]

Characteristics

In general, uplifting trance is a style much happier in tone than other trance genres (such as Goa). Instead of the darker tone of Goa, uplifting trance uses similar chord progressions as progressive trance, but tracks' chord progressions usually rest on a major chord, and the balance between major and minor chords in a progression will determine how "happy" or "sad" the progression sounds.

The genre features longer major chord progressions in all elements (lead synth, bass, and treble). It also contains extended breakdowns and relegation of arpeggiation (the melodic part of the song, usually consisting of "Saw Synths/Square Lead" type sounds) to the background while bringing wash effects to the fore (the harmonic element of the music, or "background fill", usually consisting of synth choir/voice/string chord progressions).

As a rule of thumb, trance beats in the range of 135–140 BPM.[3] Uplifting trance very commonly employs side-chain compression, a modern production technique. It is commonly referred to as "ducking the kick", where the background strings/synths have their volume automated, creating a pulsing effect on the off-beat.

Current status

In the late 1990s, deejays Paul Oakenfold, Sasha & Digweed, and Paul van Dyk became known for their uplifting trance music.[4] A decade later, uplifting trance re-established itself within the trance scene, played by such artists as 4 Strings, ATB, Ferry Corsten, Armin van Buuren, Dash Berlin, RAM, Tiësto and Above & Beyond. John O'Callaghan, Daniel Kandi, Bryan Kearney, Andy Blueman, Aly & Fila, Sean Tyas and Super8 & Tab focused particularly on uplifting trance as their overriding genre. In addition, online radio stations such as Paris One and Afterhours.FM devoted airtime to uplifting trance. In September 2009, Afterhours.FM hosted "Uplift Day" that was exclusively dedicated to uplifting trance.

References

  1. ^ Fassbender, Torsten (2008). The Trance Experience. Knoxville, Tennessee: Sound Org Inc. ISBN 978-0-240-52107-7: p. 15
  2. ^ Webber, Stephen (2008). DJ Skills: The Essential Guide to Mixing and Scratching. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Press. ISBN 978-0-240-52069-8
  3. ^ Bryan Meadan (2006). TRANCENational ALIENation. Lulu.com. p. 31. ISBN 978-1-4116-8543-7.
  4. ^ Simon Reynolds (June 2000). From Chic Urban Megaclubs To Freaky Outback Raves Trance Has Become The World's Most Popular Dance Music. So Why Does It Get No Respect?. Spin. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
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