TRANCE

The past year has seen trance mainstays Markus Schulz and Ferry Corsten sneakily plot what could be the collaboration of the century. What started as a laugh at a barbecue in Ibiza has grown into an epic reality and an unstoppable force, culminating in the duo's global debut under the moniker New World Punx this past Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

From Madrid to Mumbai, cities around the globe are still buzzing in the wake of Armin van Buuren's A State of Trance 600 World Tour. Having touched down on ten of its twelve world-wide destinations, the expedition lowered the landing gear last week in preparation for its final two shows. In top form, they came fully equipped with all the makings to celebrate the 600th incarnation of Armin's famed A State of Trance Radio Show.

Since his start in 2007 with a collaboration with Armin van Buuren, Dash Berlin has been “an invigorating and charismatic” DJ that has become a main player in the new Trance Renaissance. Known for his “ability to leave a long-standing impression upon his audience.” Just recently, he crushed the ASOT 600 Stage at Miami's Ultra Music Festival and now EDM-lovers in the Atlantic City area will have Dash Berlin’s progressive trance set engraved in their minds long after the end of Saturday's one night performance. Starting at 10pm on March 30th, Dash will spin in the bi-level, city-inspired club at MIXX Nightclub at Borgata.

In an exclusive interview with Sean "Hollywood" Hamilton of New York's WKTU radio station, the undisputed king of trance, Armin van Buuren, dishes on some topics that hit close to home. Always an artist to be forthcoming about how he feels, Armin delves into what it is like to be crowned the world's number one DJ, what his favorite hot spots to play around the world are, and how his life has changed since becoming a father.

Additionally, Armin cites some good news for his fans all over the world, but also specifically for those in New York. The last time he graced our fair city was on the northeast leg of the DJ Mag tour, when he spent an intimate evening with a lucky few at Lavo. The first hints of Armin's and Joonbug's New Year's Eve plans were dropped that night and the crowd's enthusiastic response was enough to rumble all across midtown. It just so happens that Armin's highly anticipated new artist album will be also released in the next few months, and the resulting energy that Armin will be wearing on his sleeve will be palpable from miles away. Check out the exclusive interview below to hear more, and grab your tickets for New Year's here while you still can!

For many New Yorkers, the feeling of attempting to navigate through Pacha's jam-packed dance floor is, uncomfortably, a familiar one. In a city that boasts some of the most impressive lineups weekend after weekend, sacrifices must sometimes be made to take full advantage of all that New York clubs have to offer. So last weekend, we decided to venture out of the confines of Manhattan and explore some new territory.

When word first spread that Above & Beyond was to play at Mixx, one of the two clubs in Atlantic City's highly-esteemed Borgata hotel, a road trip down the turnpike seemed like the only logical plan of action. While most usually associate our neighboring state with MTV's favorite fist-pumping clubbers, AC has always stood out in a distinct way of its own. And lately, after the launch of a massive new advertising campaign, it is clear that the identity of the city has shifted from that of a shady gambling mecca to more of an epic destination. Visitors are urged to "do AC," a vacation spot that is all-encompassing, and one that offers less of a predetermined culture and more of a clean slate. It is here that experiences are created, and whether spending a weekend at the heartbreak hotel or hitting the jackpot for the first time, AC can mean anything to anyone at any time.

Ben Gold is still young, but the London based producer has the skill and catalogue of someone much older. One of the premier up and coming voices in the world trance scene, Gold puts the technical prowess amassed from his work as a sound engineer to good use delving into the crazy melodic soundscapes of modern trance. With a keen ear for both production quality, melody and some serious bass, Gold is a producer we will be hearing a lot more of very soon.

He has quite the pedigree as well, with his tracks being played all over the world by the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto and Paul Oakenfold. With support like that, it's no wonder that Gold is becoming one of the most popular DJ's in the UK trance scene. Check out a few of his songs below. Feel the vibe, get transported.

Recently, the Dutch Trance DJ Richard Durand made an appearance in New York City in hopes of being able to set sail on a boat party in celebration of the highly anticipated In Search of Sunrise 9: India compilation CD. Unfortunately, severe weather made the party unable to continue on, but we were able to catch up with Richard Durand to find out more on the release of two albums this year. In 2011 he released both artist album, Wide Awake as well as his 2nd time producing the In Search of Sunrise series. Although Durand wasn't able to play for his New York fans, he love shown for the city assures us that a return will surely follow soon.

For the past 13 years, Californians have enjoyed the most massive Halloween event this country has to offer, and this year things only get more crazy. The 14th annual Monster Massive, usually held at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, will now bring the madness to The Oak Canyon Park in Irvine, CA. The outdoor atmosphere will not only house the bass and beats of over 30 different artists, but it will also host the first and only Armin Only: Mirage with trance music legend Armin van Buuren.

Ultra Music Festival (UMF) is returning to downtown Miami’s Bicentennial Park for what is probably the most anticipated weekend of the year. Thousands will flock to Miami for Ultra’s first three-day event (formerly only Friday and Saturday) on Friday, March 25, Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27. The growth of the electronic music genre, from the past year alone, is clearly visibile through the expansion of Ultra this year and the growth of its headlining artisits.

Ultra is expecting 150,000 attendees over the span of three days this year, being the world’s first ever major electronic music festival to expand to three days and completely sell out. Being the first major North American music festival of 2011, Ultra Music Festival will no doubt raise the bar and set the standard high for live music everywhere. Spirits are already high in Miami as the stages are being built and the streets are getting crowded.

DJ Mauro Piccoto wil be performing at Ruby Skye on Thursday, February 17 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $15 (general admission) and the event is 18 and over. Fashionable attire is required: no sneakers, baseball hats, or gym clothes.

Piccoto has sold over six million records worldwide and is one of the most popular DJ's in Europe. Songs like "Lizard," "Iguana," and "Komodo," are now regarded as modern classics in trance music. The Italian DJ/producer has won numerous awards, including Best International DJ at German, Danish, Swiss, Irish, and Spanish Dance Award shows.