A more hit-the-ground-running start for a label, there hasn’t been in years. Subculture – John O’Callaghan new imprint wasted precisely zero minutes in putting the ball into the back of the net following its launch in January with the man’s own ‘Striker’. It then went on to complete a rapid hat-trick with Chris Metcalfe’s hyper-energetic ‘Outback’ (Guiseppe Ottaviani volcano-hot on the mix there) and John Askew’s track-with-a-‘message’ ‘F@cking Caps Lock’.

Next to appear from the Subculture’s quarter is Matt Everson’s ‘Heist Manoeuvre’, which hit online portals last week. Just one of the tracks that John used to bring the crowds at the NY ASOT450 night to its knees, it also marks another restorative turn in the career of Nick Sentience. After a long post-2000 stint in the glare of the electronic dance spotlight, Sentience went dark for a couple of years. Evidence that he’s back, back, back? Really, look no further than his remix/re-amplification of ‘Heist’. A barefaced bass-challenge to speakers everywhere if ever there was one!

Looking a little further into the crystal ball and Subculture’s horizon isn’t so much rosy as positively on fire. Up and coming through summer ‘10 it’s a one instantly recognizable name proposition after another. Try these on for size: Paul Webster, Heatbeat (with a Joint Operations Centre remix), Tom Colontonio, that man Nick Sentience again and in July the new JOC single ‘Desert Orchid’.

‘Heist Manoeuvre’ on Beatport // Subculture On Armada Website // John O'Callaghan's Website

Fraction Records are currently in the grip of one of their hottest months on record. Strangely, Trance International first became aware of this spike whilst talking to the postman. As he burbled on we were distracted by a track that was busily reaching critical mass in the office, two full flights of stairs away. Not bad for a pair of desktop speakers and really singularly excellent work by Miikka Leinonen, the man behind extraordinarily hot ‘Exordium’. Once back upstairs we hit rewind and… hello euphoria! Already bagging a DJ Mag Money Shot, the release is completed by its more melodic counterpart ‘Galiana’; a track that itself is a master-class in how to use piano and guitar in trance. Kudos!

The next release out of the box will see Fraction team up with Neal Scarborough and Gary Mcguire - two of Ireland’s finest nu-breed producers to release ‘Niburu’. Not content with delivering a high-octane Original comprising of all the right floor-ingredients (measured 303 lines, classic piano lends and an endorphin-activating mainline) they’ve also lined up the so-hot-it-hurts Jordan Suckley to take the track darker and deeper on the remix. ‘Niburu’ is released (or possibly ‘turned loose’ is a better choice of words) this month and will be available through all the usual channels.

Now we know what you’re likely thinking: Exordium, Galiana, Niburu – have all Fraction’s artists started speaking Avatarian or something? Well possibly, but still holding out a small pocket of resistance for reasonably normal titles is Vicky Devine. Further towards the horizon in terms of release, perhaps, but start keeping an eye/ear out for ‘her new track Starfire’ (which will arrive with a Sean Tyas remix attached).

www.fractionrecords.com // www.myspace.com/fractionrecords // twitter.com/fractionrecords

It was the question that was pondered in the chill-out rooms of clubs and on the forums of trance sites around the world… Where did Holland’s Tsunami Records go? Well the answer to the original question we still don’t know. The important news though is that they’re back! A newly revitalised and reinvigorated Tsunami has returned (through equally legendary parent label Purple Eye), head tucked down, a purposeful glint in their eyes and clearly ready to do some serious floor damage once again.

Their new website has also just gone online where you can now find information not just about the Tsunami godfather, but also its Capos (including Tremolo, Carnal & Tatsumaki and others). Listen to the available tracks, get information about the artists and watch the video-clips – it’s all there! www.purple-eye.com. If you’d like to stay up-to-date on Purple Eye’s renaissance and would like that info straight to you inbox, drop them a line here info@purple-eye.com and they’ll add you to their mailing list for all the info on the new releases, promotional activities, producer interviews and other special events.

You might though actually like to join the ranks of the P.E. artists. If you've got outstanding production chops to suit, you can either send your demos to: Purple Eye Entertainment BV, PO Box 338, 1400 AH Bussum, The Netherlands or upload them and send the links to demos@purple-eye.nl. Hit them with a little biog info about yourself along with your contact details and who knows, next time you're reading about Purple Eye in T.I., we might be writing about you!

Purple Eye On MySpace // Purple Eye On Hyves // Purple Eye On YouTube // Tsunami On YouTube

The latest imprint to join Solarstone’s growing label cabal could be the single biggest innovation in putting out music since digital hit. Big statement, we know, but solarSwarm (strap-line: The World’s First Social Network Record label) is, well, just that.

Run by the 200-strong Swarm committee, through that great age-old, tried and tested process of ‘one man, one vote’, they have been busy selecting the tracks, the remixers and the mixes that are released on the label. If you’ve got aspirations in the record label business and are finding it hard to break into, this could just be your first step. At the very least will give you some experience in how the whole shooting match comes together! If you’re interested just send an e-mail to solarSwarm@solarstone.co.uk , giving them a brief rundown on why you’d like to become a member.

The Swarm’s first release (‘Lost In Silence’ by Adam Fielding) has been easing the T.I. staff through those painful January Mondays & Tuesdays on near perma-loop. Complete with its excellent Elfsong and Estiva revamps, you can get a hold of it bright and early on the 25th of Jan through Beatport and all good DD sellers. With plenty more to come through the early parts of 2010, we’re looking at both a killer new label and a record label evolution. Not every day you can say that, eh!

solarSwarm Website // solarSwarm on Twitter

It was the question that was pondered on the forums of trance sites around the world… Where did Holland’s Tsunami Records go? A legendary imprint in the purest sense, it was our first contact with System F’s ‘Out of the Blue’, Gouryella’s ‘Gouryella’ and a feast of other Ferry Corsten material. Latterly it also introduced us to Ronald van Gelderen and Matti Laamanen, and that’s before you get into material from Tatsumaki, Carnal, Tremolo and the rest of their myriad of sub-labels. Phew!

Well the answer to the original question we still don’t know! The important news though is that they’re back!! Through equally legendary parent label Purple Eye, a newly revitalised and reinvigorated Tsunami has returned, head tucked down and a meaningful look in its eyes. The first digital release is the 10 year anniversary salute to Project Aurora's 'Sinners'. This classic Ferry Corsten and Lucien Foort production is now available on Beatport through with new remixes by Peter Gelderblom, Soliquid and Groovelift. Through the just-signed first-time digital deals, all those Ferry, Armin, Barthezz & Afterburn (aka Agnelli and Nelson) classics will become available as downloads for the first time.

To pave the way for this return, Purple Eye have just released two new compilations from one of their most established acts... Dance Nation’s ‘Vocal Trance Years ’01 – ’04’ and ’05 – ‘09’ feature all their club and chart hits. Both Pt. 1 & 2 are already in stores and you can pick them up through Beatport and you can stay web-wise with Dance Nation here!

If you have outstanding production talents and would like to join the ranks of Purple Eye Entertainment you can send your demo to: Purple Eye Entertainment BV, PO Box 338, 1400 AH Bussum, The Netherlands, or upload your demo(s) to demos@purple-eye.nl.

Purple Eye On MySpace // Purple Eye On Hyves

Here at Trance International we’re always scanning the scene horizon for labels that, in amongst the jostling crowd are on the march. Jumping squarely into that grouping of late has been Red Force Recordings. About to hit their 20th release, they’ve been generating the kind of floor-empowering, euphorically-minded output that otherwise have been a tad thin on the ground over the last 12 months.

One of the surest signs of a label in ascendance is the increased number of name producers it attracts. Of late graduates from the AnjunaSchool have been supplying the label with their wares - Daniel Kandi and Sunny LAX among them. Just out of the stable door for Red Force is the latter’s latest track ‘Release’. You can get your listening gear around that little bullet by clicking here. Already the beneficiary of much floor and radio attention from Above & Beyond, Markus Schulz, Super8 & Tab & Mark Pledger, it’s found a considerable measure of favour! Hot on its heels of that will be Germany’s Shaun Greggan with ‘Sunset Walk’. Ably supported with mixes from Dreas (and interestingly, in a more progressive manner, by his brother Alex too!), the guitar-tipped number will be their November outing.

If you want to keep on top of Red Force Recording’s prime rib output, well, the very best place is their newly-launched Red Force Radio show which airs on the 2nd Tuesday of each month between 12 & 3 GMT on ETN.fm. Showcasing three guest mixes from alternating Red Force artists, the October's show will feature appearances from Dreas, Tamas & label honcho, Steve Bolger.

RF016 Sunny LAX "Release" [Incl Uplifting Remix / "Drive At Six O'Clock"] 28 Sept
RF017 Shaun Greggan "Sunset Walk" [Incl Extended / Dreas / Alex Robert Mixes] November
RF019 Redstar "Everything That Matters" [Incl Red Vision / Joel Gershom Mixes] December
RF018 Gravity presents Harry Dyer "Red Light Green Light" [Incl Adam Nickey Remix] February
RF020 Daniel Kandi "Everything Counts" [TBA Mixes] TBC

Red Force Website // Red Force On MySpace // Red Force On Beatport

Since its conception in 2006, Fraction Records have sure footedly trodden the path to trance label greatness. Over the last 3 years a highly creative cabal of artists & producers (David Forbes, Carl B, Paul Webster and Sequentia amongst them) have assembled around the label with some blisteringly good offerings in hand. After interviewing label boss Alan Nimmo (one half of esteemed production unit The Signalrunners) for our next issue, we thought we take a look at what's coming up on the label over the course of summer 2009.

Neal Scarborough - Wiretap Following on from the hugely successful ‘Panama’, Neal Scarborough steps back into the Fraction spotlight with ‘Wiretap’, another heavy hitting, tech-tinged trance main-stage speaker-challenger! Emerging Dutch sensation Jan Oostdyk takes the remix controls for an ultra-cool fusion of tech and euphoric, making this one to miss. Early support from: Tiësto, Sean Tyas, Simon Patterson, Bryan Kearney, John O'Callaghan & Activa.
Danny Loko - Somos Nozes A Fraction debut here from Danny Loko with the formidable ‘Somos Nozes’. The Original Mix has already been hardily hammered by A&B and we’re certifying this as one of the hottest progressive tracks of the summer! DJ Jack's Remix adds his own unique flair to the proceedings. Part 1 of the release closes with the Dub Mix, while Pt. 2 will include re-maps from Fabio Stein and Danilo Ercole.
David Forbes - Sunrise After an explosive string of recent big-hitters (including 'Foldback' and 'Harpoon'), David Forbes’ latest outing ups the ante once again. The Original Mix is a super-energetic affair aimed squarely at peak-time play and features a gorgeous piano breakdown & supercharged synth lines. On the remix, Texan duo Tritonal deliver one of their lushly atmospheric ‘Air Up There’ Reworks. Tom Sela & Harris Briggs round off with an acid fuelled, super-slick prog re-rub!
Tritonal - Sky Nights Tritonal have been causing massive waves in the trance scene over the last couple of years, both behind the decks, and in the studio. Fraction now presents you with their latest peak time powerhouse, ‘Sky Nights’. High-lift chord changes, outrageous grooving bass, finely detailed percussion and their flourishing top lines all marking this out as an August (and indeed august – hoho!) offering.

This month sees one of Spinnin’s best known sub-labels celebrate its 100th release. It’s probably little surprise to discover that its Liquid Recordings reaching its esteemed centenary! The imprint that launched 4Strings and has been a major catalyst in the careers of dozens of producers marks its big 1-0-0 with Ummet Ozcan’s new release ‘Maya’

Marcus Schossow – Kaboom (Tone Deep) The title says it all! This is probably one of Marcus best productions to date! A sneaky, sneaky preview peak of his forthcoming artist album currently in the final stages of production! Who’s Spinnin’ it: Tiesto: Full support! Ferry Corsten: ‘Played in Corsten’s Countdown’ Marco V: ‘This is a real banger!’ Paul Oakenfold: ‘Another stormer from Marcus! Nice!’ John ‘O Callaghan: ‘Big hit here! Sure to do the damage!
Claudia Cazacu - Manequin/Size Zero (Reset) The diva of Trance delivers another winner on Reset! 2 brand new cuts currently cauterizing the speaker stacks of the world. Who’s Spinnin’ it: That be Armin van Buuren, Sander van Doorn, Markus Schulz, Nic Chagall, DJ Feel, Gareth Emery and Judge Jules!
Woody van Eyden – BOB (Liquid) Massive new release on Liquid Recordings from the one and only Woody van Eyden! ‘B.O.B.’ is built around a massive uplifting theme which is currently exploding all over! Including a remix by Ummet Ozcan in 'super-pump' mode! Who’s Spinnin’ it: Armin van Buuren, Sander van Doorn, Judge Jules, DJ Feel, Gareth Emery and Andy Moor!
Moonbeam vs. Tyler Michaud – Fantasize Deep, moodiness on Oxygen; an imprint well known for being deep and moody! Moonbeam teamed up with Tyler Michaud and delivers a release with atmosphere that goes through the troposphere! Who’s Spinnin’ it: Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz and Above & Beyond!

Since its inception in 2007, Navida Records has powered its way through to the forefront of Europe’s electronic music labels. Run by spinning wunderkind DJ Observer and production wizards Daniel Heatcliff and David Barnes, the trio’s ‘Advanced Electronic Dance Music’ ethic (incorporating trance house, techno, electro and minimal) has predictably caught the ears of a similarly varied collection of DJs. Armin, Tiësto and Nic Chagall are fans. But then so for that matter is house don Robbie Rivera and arch techno wizard, Joachim Garraud. An impressive and not easy to achieve feat!

Barnes & Heatcliff 'Pyjamaparty' Incl. DJ Observer Remix David Barnes & Daniel Heatcliff have joined forces to deliver a massive tech-trance anthem in he form of ‘Pyjamaparty’. Playing it on his Global DJ Broadcast Radio Show, Markus Schulz has been and fell in love with this track to such an extent that he compiled it onto his ‘Toronto 09’ mix compilation. Fully supported by: Tiësto, Markus Schulz, Eddie Halliwell, Ruben De Ronde, Ernesto & Bastian, Criss Source and many more. Even French house god David Guetta requested this track immediately after hearing it at a gig in Austria!
David Barnes 'Milf' The follow-up to the much-hammered ‘Tauchstation’ is David Barnes latest production, ‘MILF’. The release package contains the super-cheeky Original Mix, packed to the nines with heavy bass sounds and modulated synths, as well as a blazing rework from fellow Austrian producers Dirty Impact. Who’s playing it? Everyone from Tiësto, Sied van Riel, Nic Chagall, Marcus Schossow, Bart Claessen & Gareth Emery to Jesse Voorn & Pedro del Mar.
Dwight Phister 'Tastentinger' A new pseudonym addition to the artist roster. Barnes & Heatcliff are on fire at the moment with ‘The 2 D’s (David and Daniel!) presenting the new progressive house spin-off project Dwight Phister. ‘Tastentiger’ is their debut track and rumour has it that Daniel played and recorded its piano riff live at an old western saloon in Texas! Major support from: Darren Tate, Joachim Garraud, Ruben de Ronde, DMS12, Cliff Bush, Nicholas Bennison, Tillmann Uhrmacher, Michael Burian, Pete Heller and many more..

This month sees Discover Records reach not only their 50th outing, but also their 7th annum releasing them. Now on the face of it, it might appear to have taken the label a more considered period of time to notch up their half century than others. But let’s get some perspective! What we’re actually talking about is more the flagship of a record releasing corporation. One that (just for starters) encompasses the flourishing Discover Dark, Digital and White Label flavours.

A&R’d by John Askew, the label fired its opening salvo through 2002 and 2003 with the man’s own darkly-minded and idiosyncratic numbers ‘Vellum’ & ‘The Door’. Discover quickly went on to debut the production talents of Misja Helsloot & Thomas Datt (with ‘First Second’ & ‘2V2’ respectively). Once the infamous 02/03 euphoric trance backlash had evaporated Discover’s sound became more uplifting with releases like Askew & O’Callaghan’s ‘Game Over’ and the Sean Tyas’ breakthroughs ‘Lift’ & ‘Drop’.

Most recently they’ve poured petrol on the barbeque with geographically-inspired releases like ‘From Dubai With Love’ and ‘Melbourne’. To celebrate their landmark 50th release label owner Chris Hampshire and US producer Bissen have collaborated to produce ‘The Vault’. A track which has already earned a vigorous support from Messers Van Dyk & Van Buuren. Remixes come from John Askew and Activa and the label's well-earned 50th is available on CD now, upfront through their online store or digitally on Beatport on the 27th April.

Eclecticism… It feels like we’re all looking for a bit of it in our music these days. Something out of the ordinary and just that smidge tougher to pigeonhole! Enter stage right then Navida Records; a label who release-by release have confounded our ability to categorize!

The label was devised by two of the countries foremost electronic music supremos DJ Observer & Daniel Heatcliff. From the outset their individual multi-ranging tastes contributed to the broad span of music the label released. Incorporating trance house, techno, electro and minimal (and then back again, possibly in reverse!) the label has a ‘dowhatchalike’ ethic that has predictably caught the ears of a similarly varied collection of DJs. Armin, Tiesto and Nic Chagall are fans. But then for that matter so is house don Robbie Rivera and arch techno wizard, Joachim Garraud.

Driving this of course is La Navida Musica! Tracks range from the staunchly Zombie Nation-ish stomp-happy tones of David Barnes’ ‘Tauchstation’ right the way across to the devoutly beautiful trance sounds of DJ Observer and Irisa Lane’s ‘Sunrise Reloaded’. Up and coming the label have plenty more ‘AEDM’ or “advanced electronic dance music” as they term it, including Barnes & Heatcliff ’Pyjamaparty’ (already featured on Markus Schulz’s ’Toronto 09’ compilation) and David Barnes’ ’MILF’ with Dirty Impact on remix duties. If you want to get closer to the music you can also check Navida’s excellent weekly Viva Navida show which is already broadcasting in six countries and streams from Play.fm.

Trance International is picking up on a cluster of notable anniversaries, birthdays, centenaries & half-centenaries at the moment. Up at the top of the stack are Monster Tunes who are commemorating five years in the music-releasing game in April. It’s been half a decade that’s seen them turn loose floor-cyclones like Kuffdam & Plant’s ‘Summer Dream’, Nu NRG’s ‘Dreamland’, & Sundawner’s ‘Krystal Dreams’. They’re marking the occasion with a classic one-two. First up there’s their new website with its totally refreshed interface and a whole host of new features… Via which they’re also offering an extremely generous opportunity for you to get hold of their new compilation album, ‘The Best of Monster Tunes’. The first 100 people to hit their shiny new webspace at www.monster-tunes.com and register for their label newsletter will recieve a CD copy entirely free! Now you can't say fairer than that! Closing date for registration is 13th April and the lucky recipients of this fantastic offer, all 100 of them, will get a copy of this 'monster' through the post.

Forthcoming releases are available from CDJshop on the following dates.
MONSTER025: DNS Project - Wireframe (Whiteglow / Beat Service Mixes) Released: 16.03
MONSTER026: 3rd Moon - Bliss (inc. Hydro Aquatic Remix) Released:0 6.04
MONDIG008: Fast Distance - Pacifica (inc. Temple One Remix) Released: 13.04
MONSTER027: SystemBot vs 33 - Never Be Alone (inc. Nitrous Oxide Remix) Released: 20.04
MONDIG003: Cesar Lugo – Attitude EP. Released: 27.04l
FORCE023: Mark Eteson feat. Dan Stone – Midas Touch (inc Onova Remix) Released: 11.05

Making a fast touchdown in the plenty-packed world of trance labels is a hard to achieve feat in the digital era. For every 1 imprint in 1999, there’s 10 competing for your €, $ or £ in 2009. To get things into 5th gear pronto you need a good formula and we reckon we’ve spotted one! Choose an atypical name, add a standout logo and, most importantly of all A&R yourself a clutch of uncontestably large tunes. Not essential to the equation perhaps, but adding an A-list DJ owner hardly hurts your chances. No surprise then that Kill The Lights - Matt Hardwick’s first foray into label-land – has impacted on our floors so fast.

Kicking things of with the Melinda Gareh voxed ‘Supernal’ in October last year, Matt’s debut snaffled a whole bunch of major-league spinner support. That was followed by John Askew & Senadee’s ’s drop-dead wonderful ‘Nothing Left Between Us’ in November and completing an ‘08 hat-trick came David Newsum brilliantly euphoric (and excellently-titled) ‘Spank Bank’! A track that DJ Mag called “a volcanically uplifting rocketeer”!

2009, and there’s no sign of the brakes being applied. Already out is Ehren Stowers’ double act release ‘Forgotten’ & ‘Elusive’ which has been twisting melons floor-side. And next up from Mr Hardwick is 'Impossible' (the track he produced alongside Gulf for Motorola) and ‘I Am DJ’ which sees the light in April with remixes, courtesy of Ben Gold and Niklas Grosswald.

www.matthardwick.com

Progressive is a mystical world in 2009, in fact it has been one for the last half decade. What is it? Moreover, what isn't it! We'll here's our tip… Every time you start scratching your heads we've found one sure-fire way of turning a grey area white.

Baroque was founded amongst a maze of other labels in 2000... Now it’s just about the only imprint that manages to quench our thirst for those classic, understated, massively atmospheric prog flavours, 3 times a month - every month! 2008 saw an avalanche of belting releases, including DJH’s heaven-sent ‘Road to March’, Jay Lumen’s Balearically-infused ‘Surface Reborn’ & Matt Rowan’s superb artist album ‘I Play This’.

Into 2009 it’s all looking equally promising for Baroque and its bubbling hotbed of sub-labels, (which, lest we forget, include Method, Blaubeat, Babylon & Rococo). First out of the hatches are the exquisitely produced tones of Tyler Michaud & Elodie's 'Break the Rules' and the re-release/remixing of Blackwatch & Greed's mesmeric 'Gentle Rain', which are already transcendentally tapping into our neurons. And just a bit further down the release road you’ve got Sergio Fernandez’s ‘Rules Remixed EP’, Manuel de la Mare’s ‘Oracle’/ ‘Solaris’ double-header & James Harcourt’s Quivver-rewired ‘Moob’. So, take our advice, if you ever get caught in the middle of the 'what is prog today?' post-club debate, adopt a super-laidback stance and hit the Baroque site. At the least you'll end the debate quicker than you can say ‘Armin van Buuren - World's Number 1 DJ' and at best you'll re-discover a label, staggeringly (for one nearly a decade old) at their very peak. We love Baroque! There, we've said it… Long live the Prog!