Meet the Trance Families of the United States
There’s a certain inimitable energy shared among trance fans. Between the euphoric melodies and emotion-filled rhythms on which the music itself is built, trance unifies genre devotees together like no other movement in electronic music. When trance-heads unite, they bring a deep level of oneness and redefine the meaning of PLUR.
As the most welcoming group in the dance domain, the global trance community has truly built an international following that still feels like a tight-knit family no matter where in the world you’re raving. The trance family phenomenon has helped expand the sound to every region on the planet with one shared goal: to spread the feel-good vibes of trance music to every smiling human possible.
At the launch of Dreamstate, Insomniac’s inaugural all-trance festival, we met some of the loudest and most colorful trance families from the world over. As Dreamstate touches down in San Francisco this weekend, get to know the trance families of the United States.
TranceFamily SF
Where are you from?
San Francisco Bay Area!
When did you form?
TranceFamily SF formed in spring 2010.
How did you meet your trance family and how did it form?
The first times the TranceFamily SF started to meet was at Ruby Skye. It’s been our home base the last few years and really supported us since the beginning. Sony Jacob and Kendra Aker founded the organization with a simple Facebook group that eventually grew with other social media platforms and its own events. The team has been about four to six people throughout the years with current team members Sony Jacob, Kendra Aker, Ulrich Capaul, Rae Bunz and Suzanne Jurgens.
What does your trance family believe in/stand for? What is important to your trance family?
The phrase “In every beat, we are closer” is something that took off when we started our TranceFamily SF bracelets. Since then, we’ve been all about promoting the music we love. One thing that is unique about SF is that we were one of the first to start many of these meet and greet contests that have gotten anything from a small up-and-coming DJ to Armin van Buuren. We simply love creating smiles with fans; those moments are priceless.
In what ways does your trance family feel like an actual family?
If you look at the worldwide trance family, it’s mainly over social media. Our organization is probably the largest when you look at followers between Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. With that said, many of us today communicate with our friends and family via social media, texts, and phone calls rather than in person. Thanks to the internet, we’re all connected on a daily basis, and that’s what makes us feel like an actual family.
Why do you think the trance family phenomenon is so prominent in the rave community? Why is it so specific to trance?
For those who remember, Armin asked some fan with a poster during ASOT, “What is this trance family?” It went viral on Twitter. With that said, the power of social media and the internet is why trance family is so big. Trance is very unique compared to other genres because of the emotion in a track. Sometimes it’s the vocals that you get or the melody, but it always has a different uplifting and euphoric feelings compared to rap, techno and rock music.
We’re sure there are plenty of other branded families and fan clubs, but know many of them are specific to a certain genre or artist. Trance family doesn’t have any boundaries on BPMs and does not limit itself to certain subgenres.
How are members adopted to your trance family? Is there a process? Is it open to the general public?
There really isn’t a process or adoption to our trance family. It’s open to the general public and we’re appreciative for any support, especially those around the world that we’ve never seen in person. Within our local family, you simply need to show up to events.
Why is the trance family movement important to the genre and electronic music as a whole?
The trance family movement is very important to keep the music alive. Not too long ago, the trance family was “kicked out” of the mainstages across the world and a newer style of “EDM” was taking over. Many DJs were moving away from trance, promoters were starting to book less trance, and it seemed like it would die at one point. Thanks to the trance family and admins around the world continuing to promote it and certain DJs we’re having at Dreamstate and more trance acts back at festivals and clubs.
Why is trance music so important to you and your trance family? What does trance music mean to you and your trance family?
Trance is something we simply love and it’s a huge part of our lives. From our daily routines to our friendships, we enjoy anything related to trance. Trance means something different to each and every one of us. For many, it’s an escape from reality and it reminds us to live in the moment. It’s simply an expression of emotions
What is one message or lesson your trance family would like to share with the world?
All the hate towards other genres needs to stop. It’s gotten out of hand and shouldn’t have gotten that far. If you don’t like tomatoes on your sandwich, don’t get them. There’s plenty of genres out there, and don’t hate someone for changing or evolving their sound. We all change over time when we look at our favorite music from grade school, high school, college and later in life. Simply respect others for what they like.
Follow TranceFamily SF on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
TranceFamily LA
Where are you from?
We are based in Los Angeles, CA. We are one of the largest trance family in the world.
When did you form?
We were established in 2009. After the #TranceFamily hashtag took off due to Armin van Buuren’s popular ASOT radio show, this allowed us to form our own trance music group.
How did you meet your trance family and how did it form?
Our founders met at a club event in L.A. We have met others through numerous club/festival events around L.A. as well as out-of-state events. Social media has allowed us to become close and share our passion for trance and other electronic music.
What does your trance family believe in/stand for? What is important to your trance family?
For us, it is a sense of emotional high and happiness one gets from listening to trance music. It really does help you to just “let go.” In Los Angeles we run various contests, interviews, and meet & greet with Djs. We are expanding to be one team that promotes quality dance music amongst like-minded dance music fanatics.
In what ways does your trance family feel like an actual family?
Not only do we share our club/festival experiences, but we look out for each other. We go out to dinners, invite each other to our homes, and help out in any way we can. It may be meeting new friends to go to events with, new friends to hang out with, or even networking opportunities in professional life.
Why do you think the trance family phenomenon is so prominent in the rave community? Why is it so specific to trance?
It is fairly simple. The synths, chords, and beats of trance melodies create a sensation that is hard to explain and is foreign to any other genre. The people generally spread more smiles and good vibes. We are not saying that other genres do not spread the same idea, but a true state of trance is hard to explain and it differs from person to person. Trance Family unites us through emotional breakdowns and uplifting synths. Trance also implements a lot of classical music elements, which allow for a more fulfilled sound.
How are members adopted to your trance family? Is there a process? Is it open to the general public?
There is no real process to join. Everyone is welcome to join our group and share music and events. To be an admin, we do require that we get to meet the person and chat about our rules for being a moderator. The more people you have in your trance family, the better it gets. We look out for each other, especially at the massive events.
Why is the trance family movement important to the genre and electronic music as a whole?
Ever since the EDM boom in the United States, trance started to fade to the underground scene, and it became harder to see big trance artists on the mainstage. However, it is all coming back now. Promoters and fans started to realize that trance is much more than just fast beats and melodies. No lasers, no fireworks, no big production is needed to enjoy quality trance music.
Why is trance music so important to you and your trance family? What does trance music mean to you and your trance family?
Music in general helps us to get through the day. Whether it is good or bad, we can share our feelings with like-minded people. Trance music is suitable for everyday life: work, gym, hanging out, etc.
What is one message or lesson your trance family would like to share with the world?
Smile, enjoy the music, put your phone down, and meet new people. After all, music unites us all! Trance is a universal language that brings out emotional euphoria.
Follow TranceFamily LA on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Trance Family Kansas City
Where are you from?
We are from all different regions of Kansas and Missouri and combined to make Trance Family Kansas City as the city resides in both states.
When did you form?
A little more than a year ago.
How did you meet your trance family and how did it form?
Most of us came together in various ways. Some of us already knew each other personally and some of us met through Facebook or mutual connections within our personal friends. Aaron Waters, who owns and operates KC’s only trance-focused label, Fuzion Four Records, started the Trance Family KC page and I started the Trance Family KC Facebook group both mutually linked.
What does your trance family believe in/stand for? What is important to your trance family?
We all believe in unifying our city through music. To us, trance has always represented a positive extended family. With all the negativity in this world, we feel it’s essential to create a positive atmosphere where anyone from any background, whether it be religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or even the socially awkward, come together for one common thing: the music. Trance has a power to unite everyone no matter how different we are.
In what ways does your trance family feel like an actual family?
The one common thing I’ve noticed in the time we’ve been together is that we’ve all at one point needed something. It could be something as simple as advice regarding a personal matter, needing a ride somewhere, needing a little cash to help get someone by until the next paycheck, or just simply spending some quality time hanging out together. We are all willing to help each other out anytime and be there for each other. Simply being there for one another is what, in our opinion, makes a family.
Why do you think the trance family phenomenon is so prominent in the rave community? Why is it so specific to trance?
The music itself has a power to unite. We believe it does that because it has a spiritual essence; it conveys light. For some who are people of faith are drawn to it because of that. For others, it’s just the pure emotion behind the music, the way it brings back memories, bad or good, or just being able to live in the moment. It’s something that hits you at your core and moves you physically and emotionally. It doesn’t convey negative attitude; it conveys love.
How are members adopted to your trance family? Is there a process? Is it open to the general public?
We have generally, as a rule, been open to the public. We have a few rules. No negativity is definitely one of them. We’re about spreading love and compassion through the music. If you can’t adhere to that simple rule, then you don’t need to be a part of our group. The main rule, of course: You have to love trance; any subgenre of it is acceptable. We are even open to newbies that know nothing about the genre. We love to educate the public about the music, and we know it’s the only way to grow a prosperous trance scene here in Kansas City.
Why is the trance family movement important to the genre and electronic music as a whole?
When the trance family phenomenon began, we imagine they started it because there was already that family presence to begin with. It just made sense to create a label for it and to create individuality within a broad, ever-growing culture and to give people something to belong to, something they could take pride in. Many people even claim that the trance family is the only family they truly feel they belong to, and that’s important to the human spirit. Family matters to all of us.
Why is trance music so important to you and your trance family? What does trance music mean to you and your trance family?
In Kansas City specifically, it’s important to us because a trance following in a city dominated by house, techno, dubstep, and trap is a pretty foreign concept. For our group, we’re still a very small, close-knit trance family that rarely gets to enjoy the music in the live setting like other bigger cities. It’s a momentous occasion for all of us to come together and enjoy the music and cherish every moment we have. Some of us even go so far as to travel to regions all over the US and abroad together to get our fix (Dreamstate!). It’s an important element to keeping the family together and moving forward.
What is one message or lesson your trance family would like to share with the world?
Stay true to yourself and enjoy living in the moment while you can. Every experience brings us closer together. Every experience is one we should cherish and one that could be our last, so appreciate every opportunity you have to enjoy life to the fullest extent possible. We’re all lucky to be here. Treat each other with respect, kindness and love.
Follow Trance Family Kansas City on Facebook | Twitter
Seattle Trance Family
Where are you from?
Seattle
When did you form?
We have been an official group since 2010, according to Facebook.
What does your trance family believe in/stand for? What is important to your trance family?
We still believe in the basics. PLUR is very much alive in our community. We try to push for all things trance and try to keep positive in all we do. At the end of the day, it’s all about positivity.
In what ways does your trance family feel like an actual family?
We try to do things outside of trance, including dinners, game nights, hiking, and we do try to be close to each other in all aspects: online presence, during events, and beyond. In fact, we filled half a plane with Seattle Trance Family members on our way to Dreamstate [last year]!
Why do you think the trance family phenomenon is so prominent in the rave community? Why is it so specific to trance?
It’s a sense of community. We have the same thoughts and beliefs—again, PLUR—and the same taste of music. Trance is vast enough that we can all like different niches. But in the end, it is one sound: the sound of trance, and that’s what keeps us together. Trance is fueled by love and emotion. That brings us together and that’s something we are proud of and we stick to it with a code.
How are members adopted to your trance family? Is there a process? Is it open to the general public?
It is a public group on Facebook; we do not discriminate. We do kick out obnoxious members at times who disregard that our community is geared toward positivity. We have an online store for apparel and that really helps people blend in. Several people have come to me thanking me for having those shirts available as it makes making friends at events much easier, even if you come alone.
Why is the trance family movement important to the genre and electronic music as a whole?
Over the years, trance has had its ups and downs. In my early days as an Insomniac attendee, mainstage was full of trance—see the Nocturnal 2008 lineup—and slowly we saw that decline until we got pushed aside. The music was pushed aside, but the families stuck through it. Now that trance is flourishing in other countries and Insomniac has started Dreamstate, we are now seeing these trance families come back to life, and that is truly amazing.
Why is trance music so important to you and your trance family? What does trance music mean to you and your trance family?
Trance is everything.
What is one message or lesson your trance family would like to share with the world?
Be positive. Be a good person. Be family. Do to your trance family what you’d do for your real family. When your trance family begins to do that, you will feel it, and you will feel the family, with or without trance. It’s a beautiful thing.
Follow Seattle Trance Family on Facebook | Twitter
San Diego Trance Family
Where are you from?
San Diego, CA
When did you form?
2012
What does your trance family believe in/stand for? What is important to your trance family?
Our family is all about trance, unity and enjoying the music we all love together with as many people who love it as well. We believe in getting people connected to proper trance and progressive. We believe in bringing up the new generation and teaching them where our music came from and giving them a vision for where we want to go as a community. We believe it takes the whole community to make trance happen.
In what ways does your trance family feel like an actual family?
Our trance family feels like an actual family because people will always be there. No matter what event you go to that is trance in San Diego, there will be people you will know as you stay connected.
Why do you think the trance family phenomenon is so prominent in the rave community? Why is it so specific to trance?
The trance family phenomenon exists because it is a worldwide unity. You can go anywhere in the world and you will meet trance family. Our community is all about doing things together, and just like the sound, it is about the uplift. For people to uplift, they need to come together. Trance is also a very emotional sound. When we go through certain emotions and times in our lives, we need each other.
How are members adopted to your trance family? Is there a process? Is it open to the general public?
We are open to the general public. We have people from all over the world in our group, including some major artists. We welcome everyone. It is my hope that if you are in San Diego, you get to connect with your family here.
Why is the trance family movement important to the genre and electronic music as a whole?
This movement is important because it instills unity and the ideas of remembering your past and bringing up the future. It works to cut out unhealthy competition and teaches people to work together. A family may be led by many patriarchs, but for it to survive they must all work together. This goes for electronic dance music as a whole.
What is one message or lesson your trance family would like to share with the world?
Trance family is all about unity. Support trance music in your town no matter how big or how small the events. Family gatherings can sometimes be tough, but they are the ones you will remember the most!
Follow San Diego Trance Family on Facebook
Fresno Trance Family
Where are you from?
Fresno, CA
When did you form?
June 2015
How did you meet your trance family and how did it form?
We met from local events in Fresno that featured various trance artists. Fresno started becoming a destination for trance music, so we decided to partner with the local promoter to create our trance family.
What does your trance family believe in/stand for? What is important to your trance family?
We are united under the love for the music. We are a family inside and outside of events. As strangers, we share the love for the music that eventually bonds us together as a family.
In what ways does your trance family feel like an actual family?
When we get together at local events and also travel together for out of town events. It can sometimes be months before we see one another, but when we’re together, we’re family.
Why do you think the trance family phenomenon is so prominent in the rave community? Why is it so specific to trance?
Trance fans in the rave community like to stay connected, to discuss trance-related stories, and to get together at events. Trance music literally brings us together. We have friends from all over the world, some who we have never met. Trance fans will travel thousands of miles for an event. Trance is so powerful, it connects us together, and with that special bond, families are created.
How are members adopted to your trance family? Is there a process? Is it open to the general public?
We have a community page that is open to the public where we discuss trance-related topics.
Why is the trance family movement important to the genre and electronic music as a whole?
Trance has been around for a very long time and used to be the most popular genre in the world. Trance fans are loyal and have continued to support trance music even when the trend has shifted with the rest of the world. The trance family movement is important because we can spread the awareness of trance music around our community through our group.
Why is trance music so important to you and your trance family? What does trance music mean to you and your trance family?
Trance music leaves us with a feeling like no other. It is an escape from the daily rituals of our lives. It allows us to get together locally and travel together. New friendships and experiences are created regularly.
What is one message or lesson your trance family would like to share with the world?
Give trance a chance.
Follow Fresno Trance Family on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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