Rare photos from the late 1990s and early 2000s capture Ferry Corsten, Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, Cosmic Gate, Maarten De Jong, Aly & Fila, David Forbes and Moby shaping dance music history.
Shaping the dance music industry into the revolutionary concept that it is today, it only makes sense that some of the biggest names in our community began their careers in the most modest of fashions, and as we take a trip down memory lane, some recently resurfaced studio photos from the late 1990s and early 2000s, reveal a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the environments where legendary DJs crafted their signature sounds. An overview on how simple features and raw passion led to the creation of the most iconic of tracks, we will taking a closer look at the nostalgic moments deriving from each photo, in this reminder of pure greatness.
Ferry Corsten
A staple act within our community for quite some time now, Dutch DJ and record producer Ferry Corsten led the way in the creation of tracks that defined the trance genre as a whole, with the 1990s and 2000s being some of his most prominent years. From producing pioneer trance tracks under a wide range of aliases, to now shifting his sound into a broader style, Corsten has created a lasting legacy of his own, which to this very day continues to evolve on the constant.
Armin van Buuren
A true legend within the trance scene and not only, Armin van Buuren has created a legacy that will define generations after generations, and in turn, solidifying his status as one of the greatest acts in the dance scene. Illustrating his potential from the offset, it was the early 2000s that saw him launching his A State of Trance radio show, whilst releases in the form of ‘Communication’ and ‘Blue Fear,’ further indicated the raw musical talent that he possessed and still does to this very day, and as we all know, his impact remains on the highest of levels within the dance scene.
Hardwell
A leading figure within our community, Dutch DJ and record producer Hardwell has shaped the way in which the harder genres of electronic music were perceived, and in doing so, has created a legacy that puts him right among the greats of this generation. From making waves at just 14 years old in 2002, to his first official single ‘Play It Around’ being released in 2006, and then of course his musical breakthrough at the late 2000’s, including the launch of Revealed Recordings; this is one act that has and continues to inspire generations of dance music enthusiasts and not only for that matter in fact.
Cosmic Gate
Paving their own distinct path within the trance scene and not only, German electronic duo Cosmic Gate was formed back in 1999 by Claus Terhoeven and Stefan Bossems, and as time progressed, their impact within our community only grew stronger and stronger. From their very first single in the form of ‘The Drums,’ to gaining further recognition in 2001 after the release of ‘Fire Wire,’ Cosmic Gate have shaped the way in which trance music was and is still perceived, and although they have now moved away from that harder edge sound, their music still ignites that raw energy that put them in the forefront in the very first place.
Maarten De Jong
Renowned as one of the most widely supported and consistent tech trance producers of this generation, Maarten De Jong has created a legacy that to this very day continues to evoke greatness among fans and peers, whilst each of his endeavours thus far, only further solidify the endless musical capabilities that he possesses. Boasting the most diverse of sounds, De Jong has helped shape the industry into what it is today, and ever since his emergence, this is one act that cannot be confined to just one genre in particular, resulting of course to a musical catalogue that is out of this world.
Aly & Fila
Delivering nothing less than the most mesmerising of sounds, Egyptian trance duo Aly & Fila had set out from the offset of their career to leave a lasting impact within the dance scene, and as we all know, they have achieved that and so much more. Inspired by the likes of Paul Van Dyk and Chicane, the duo began producing in 1999, and as the their popularity rose in their homeland, it was in 2003 that they signed with German imprint, Euphoric Records. Carving their own path, it was in 2009 that they launched their own label in the form of Future Sound of Egypt Recordings, a name deriving from their very own radio show that had been curated prior. An electronic duo like no other, Aly & Fila took every opportunity in their stride, resulting in the legendary status that they have maintained to this very day.
David Forbes
Cementing his status among the elite of our community, UK-based DJ and record producer David Forbes boasts the most immersive of musical catalogue’s, whilst each of his endeavours thus far, only further illustrate the raw talent the he possesses. With a career spanning over two decades now, this multifaceted act leaves no doubt to the imagination, and as he carved his own way towards greatness, it is only fair to acknowledge the impact that his music has had on the industry as a whole. From being featured on major compilations, to garnering support from the likes of Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten and Tiësto when just naming a mere few, Forbes has brought the heat on each occasion, resulting in a career for the books.
Moby
An influential figure within our community, American act Moby helped bring dance music to a mainstream audience in the 1990s in both his homeland, as well as the UK, an indicator of course, towards the greatness that he omits. Carving the most unique of paths, his first single as Moby was released in 1990, before reaching a breakthrough hit with a remix of the track ‘Go,’ leading then to an increased demand for him to produce more music, as well as remix tracks from other artists. Moving into the 2000s, and with five studio albums already under his belt, Moby would go onto further solidify his status among the elite through each of his endeavours, either that being a live performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony, or even a headline act spot at Glastonbury Festival in 2003. The most stellar of acts, Moby continues to leave his own mark to this very day, and with a career spanning over four decades, this is one act that has influenced or community and not only, in more ways than none.
A trip down memory lane that only further indicates the beginning of pure greatness – the early 2000s helped shape the careers of some of the most influential acts within our community – and as we reminisce looking back at each of those photos, it becomes even more clear on how elements of the past have played a key role in the way dance music comes to life today, in all cylinders and forms that make our industry what it is.
