The Best Trance Artists

Coley Reed
Updated April 18, 2024 190.6K views 54 items
Ranked By
17.2K votes
2.2K voters
Voting Rules
Trance DJs and artists only.

Widely knownĀ as one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music, trance first rose to prominence duringĀ the early 1990s in Germany. Trance artists are recognizedĀ for the up-and-down nature of their songs, which culminates in a big build with a soft breakdown and melodic phases. Many trance songs don't have lyrics and are purely instrumental, featuring an atmospheric sound that'sĀ a hit with clubgoers. The best trance DJs have spun all over the world, and their club shows often run till the wee hours, leaving fans clamoring for more. Though trance music takes elements of techno, house and chill-out, it's a stand-alone genre.

So, who are the best trance artists? Any list of trance artists has to include the names Armin Van Buurin, Above & Beyond, Paul Van Dyk, Paul Oakenfold, Gareth Emery, and Tiesto. These DJs are widely known as some of the best trance artists in the world, and with good reason. People love dancing to their beats, and their remixes for other artists are often more popular than the original tracks. The topĀ trance DJs and singers are some of the most popular music artists in the world, and with the growth of dance music, don't expect to see that change any time soon.

That said, it's up to you to determine who the bestĀ current trance DJsĀ and old school trance artists are.Ā This list answers the questions "who are the best trance music artists of all time?" and "who is the greatest trance music musician ever?"Ā If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the bands'Ā edm music (albums and songs) instead of just voting for the most popular or famous trance music artists that you might've heard of.

Latest additions: Darude, ATB, Markus Schulz
Over 2.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Trance Artists
  • Hailing from the Netherlands, this groundbreaking DJ and record producer has left an indelible mark on the trance scene with his innovative approach to music production and captivating live sets. With multiple accolades under his belt, including being crowned DJ Mag's #1 DJ five times, he has gained worldwide recognition for his exceptional technical abilities and distinctive sound. His influential radio show, A State of Trance, has played a pivotal role in shaping the genre and inspiring countless artists to follow in his footsteps.

  • Paul van Dyk
    2
    370 votes

    As one of the pioneers of trance music, this German musician, DJ, and record producer is known for his mesmerizing melodies and genre-defining tracks that have become anthems for trance lovers around the world. His unique ability to blend various elements of electronic music has earned him numerous awards and top spots on global charts, solidifying his status as a dance music icon. Through his work as a DJ, producer, and label owner, he has been instrumental in shaping the course of trance music and fostering new talent within the scene.

  • Above & Beyond
    3

    Comprised of three talented British producers and DJs, this group has consistently pushed the boundaries of trance music through their signature blend of emotive vocals, lush melodies, and intricate production techniques. Their widespread appeal can be attributed not only to their chart-topping hits but also to their unforgettable live performances that often feature stunning visuals and immersive storytelling elements. As founders of the highly respected Anjunabeats label, they have played a crucial role in nurturing emerging talent within the trance community.

  • Ferry Corsten
    4
    259 votes

    This Dutch DJ, producer, and remixer has been at the forefront of the trance scene since the mid-'90s, gaining widespread acclaim for his masterful compositions that seamlessly fuse together uplifting melodies with driving basslines. His impressive discography spans numerous hit singles and chart-topping albums, solidifying his status as a true trance legend. As a driving force behind the popular Gouryella project, he has also played a significant role in shaping the evolution of trance music throughout the years.

  • Paul Oakenfold
    5

    As one of the most influential figures in electronic dance music history, this British DJ and producer has been instrumental in shaping the direction of trance music since its inception. With a career spanning over three decades, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre through his innovative production techniques and memorable DJ sets that have earned him a loyal global following. As a co-founder of the legendary Perfecto Records label, he has also played a crucial role in nurturing new talent within the trance scene.

  • Gareth Emery
    6
    160 votes

    Hailing from the UK, this accomplished DJ and producer has gained an impressive following through his distinctive blend of progressive and melodic trance that often features powerful vocals and infectious hooks. His technical prowess and keen ear for detail have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple appearances on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs list. With his successful podcast, The Gareth Emery Podcast, he has further cemented his status as an influential figure within the trance scene.

  • TiĆ«sto
    7
    377 votes

    Although his sound has evolved significantly over the years, this Dutch DJ and producer is undeniably one of the most influential figures in trance music history. With numerous chart-topping hits and groundbreaking albums under his belt, his impact on the genre can still be felt today through his early work that helped define its sound during its formative years. As a mentor to countless up-and-coming artists and founder of the esteemed Black Hole Recordings label, he has played an integral role in shaping electronic dance music as we know it today.

  • Solarstone
    8
    162 votes

    This British DJ, producer, and remixer has been an unwavering advocate for pure trance music since the '90s, showcasing his passion for uplifting melodies and driving beats through his extensive discography and captivating live performances. His dedication to preserving the essence of trance has earned him widespread respect within the dance music community, as well as numerous appearances on global charts and best-of lists. As a co-founder of the successful Pure Trance brand, he continues to be a driving force behind the genre's ongoing evolution.

  • Rank 1
    9
    145 votes

    This Dutch duo consisting of Benno de Goeij and Piet Bervoets has been at the forefront of trance music since their formation in 1997. Their impressive discography includes numerous hit singles that showcase their signature blend of melodic hooks and powerful basslines, earning them widespread acclaim within the dance music community. With their innovative approach to production and memorable live performances, they have left an indelible mark on the world of trance.

  • Oceanlab
    10
    158 votes

    This British vocal trance group was formed by two members of Above & Beyond alongside talented vocalist Justine Suissa, quickly becoming synonymous with unforgettable melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply with fans around the world. Their innovative approach to songwriting and production has resulted in numerous chart-topping hits and widespread recognition within the dance music community. Though their output has been limited in recent years, their enduring influence on the genre remains undeniable.

  • Robert Miles
    11
    167 votes

    Best known for his iconic track that became a global phenomenon in the mid-'90s, this Swiss-Italian musician and record producer left an indelible mark on the world of electronic music before his untimely passing in 2017. His unique blend of dreamy soundscapes, ethereal synths, and hypnotic beats helped define the sound of progressive trance during its early days, inspiring countless producers to follow suit. Despite his relatively modest discography, his impact on the genre is still felt today.

  • This American DJ and production duo has been captivating fans of trance and progressive house since their formation in 2001, showcasing their signature blend of emotive vocals, lush melodies, and driving basslines through their impressive discography. Their innovative approach to remixing and production has earned them numerous awards and accolades within the dance music community, as well as spots on global charts. With their recent return to the scene after a brief hiatus, they continue to be influential figures within the world of electronic music.

  • As pioneers of the psychedelic trance genre, this Israeli duo consisting of Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani has consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic music through their innovative approach to production and mind-bending live shows. Their unique fusion of hypnotic beats, intricate sound design, and genre-defying elements has earned them widespread acclaim within the dance music community, as well as numerous appearances at prestigious electronic music festivals worldwide. With a career spanning over two decades, their impact on the psytrance scene is undeniable.

  • Super8 & Tab
    14
    84 votes

    This Finnish DJ and production duo has been captivating audiences worldwide with their energetic live performances and innovative approach to trance music since their formation in 2005. Their signature blend of driving basslines, emotive melodies, and expertly crafted arrangements has earned them numerous accolades within the dance music community and spots on global charts. As prominent members of the Anjunabeats family, they continue to shape the future of trance music alongside label-mates Above & Beyond.

  • Gouryella
    15
    89 votes

    Initially formed as a collaborative project between Ferry Corsten and Tiësto, this Dutch duo quickly gained widespread recognition for their uplifting and melodic trance tracks that have become anthems for fans around the world. Although Tiësto eventually parted ways with the project, Ferry Corsten has continued to release music under the Gouryella moniker, further solidifying its status as an iconic name within the trance scene. The enduring success of Gouryella is a testament to the timeless appeal of their signature sound.

  • Astrix
    16
    47 votes

    As one of the leading figures in the psychedelic trance scene, this Israeli DJ and producer has gained a loyal following through his unique fusion of hypnotic beats, intricate melodies, and otherworldly soundscapes. His innovative approach to production has earned him numerous awards and accolades, as well as appearances at some of the world's most prestigious electronic music festivals. With a career spanning over two decades, he continues to push the boundaries of psytrance and inspire countless artists to follow in his footsteps.

  • Eric Prydz
    17
    94 votes

    Although he is often associated with the progressive house genre, this Swedish DJ and producer has left an indelible mark on the world of trance music through his innovative approach to production and unforgettable live performances. His unique fusion of melodic hooks, hypnotic beats, and intricate sound design has earned him widespread acclaim within the dance music community, as well as numerous appearances on global charts. As a highly respected figure within the electronic music industry, his influence extends far beyond the realm of trance.

  • Richard Durand
    18

    Hailing from the Netherlands, this talented DJ and producer has been captivating audiences worldwide with his energetic live performances and innovative approach to trance music since his breakthrough in 2005. His signature blend of driving basslines, emotive melodies, and expertly crafted arrangements has earned him numerous accolades within the dance music community and spots on global charts. As a prominent member of the Black Hole Recordings family, he continues to shape the future of trance music alongside label-mates Tiësto and Ferry Corsten.

  • Mauro Picotto
    19

    As one of Italy's most successful DJs and producers, this veteran artist has been instrumental in shaping the direction of trance music throughout his illustrious career. Known for his distinctive blend of driving basslines, uplifting melodies, and expertly crafted arrangements, his tracks have become anthems for fans around the world. With numerous chart-topping hits and memorable live performances under his belt, he continues to be an influential figure within the trance scene.

  • Blank & Jones
    20

    This German DJ and production duo has been at the forefront of trance music since their formation in 1997, gaining widespread recognition for their uplifting and melodic tracks that have become anthems for fans around the world. Their impressive discography spans numerous hit singles and chart-topping albums, solidifying their status as true trance legends. With their innovative approach to production and memorable live performances, they have left an indelible mark on the world of trance.

  • Andy Moor
    21
    83 votes

    As one of the UK's most respected DJs and producers, this artist has been captivating fans of trance and progressive house since his career began in the late '90s. Known for his distinctive blend of emotive vocals, lush melodies, and driving basslines, his tracks have become anthems for fans around the world. With numerous chart-topping hits and memorable live performances under his belt, he continues to be an influential figure within the trance scene, pushing the boundaries of the genre and inspiring countless artists to follow in his footsteps.

  • Talla 2XLC
    22

    Talla 2XLC

    62 votes

    As one of Germany's most respected DJs and producers, this veteran artist has been instrumental in shaping the direction of trance music throughout his illustrious career. Known for his distinctive blend of driving basslines, uplifting melodies, and expertly crafted arrangements, his tracks have become anthems for fans around the world. With numerous chart-topping hits and memorable live performances under his belt, he continues to be an influential figure within the trance scene.

  • Enigma
    23
    89 votes

    Although primarily associated with new-age music, this German musical project led by Michael Cretu has had a significant impact on the world of trance through its innovative fusion of ambient soundscapes, ethereal vocals, and hypnotic beats. Their unique approach to production has inspired countless artists within the electronic music community, resulting in a lasting influence on the genre. With a career spanning over three decades and numerous chart-topping hits under their belt, their impact on the evolution of trance music is undeniable.

  • Andrew Rayel
    24
    96 votes

    Hailing from Moldova, this talented DJ and producer has been captivating audiences worldwide with his energetic live performances and innovative approach to trance music since his breakthrough in 2010. His signature blend of driving basslines, emotive melodies, and expertly crafted arrangements has earned him numerous accolades within the dance music community and spots on global charts. As a prominent member of Armin van Buuren's Armada Music family, he continues to shape the future of trance music alongside label-mates such as Aly & Fila and Cosmic Gate.

  • Airwave
    25
    106 votes

    This Belgian DJ and producer has been a prominent figure in the trance scene since the late '90s, known for his unique blend of atmospheric soundscapes, driving basslines, and uplifting melodies that have captivated fans around the world. His innovative approach to production has earned him widespread acclaim within the dance music community and spots on global charts. As a highly respected artist within the electronic music industry, his influence on the evolution of trance music is undeniable.

  • Although he is often associated with the progressive house genre, this Dutch DJ and producer has left an indelible mark on the world of trance music through his innovative approach to production and unforgettable live performances. His unique fusion of melodic hooks, hypnotic beats, and intricate sound design has earned him widespread acclaim within the dance music community, as well as numerous appearances on global charts. As a highly respected figure within the electronic music industry, his influence extends far beyond the realm of trance.

  • Sean Tyas
    27
    83 votes

    Hailing from the United States but now based in Switzerland, this talented DJ and producer has been captivating audiences worldwide with his energetic live performances and innovative approach to trance music since his breakthrough in 2006. His signature blend of driving basslines, emotive melodies, and expertly crafted arrangements has earned him numerous accolades within the dance music community and spots on global charts. As a highly respected artist within the electronic music industry, his influence on the evolution of trance music is undeniable.

  • Arty
    28
    68 votes

    This Russian DJ and producer has gained widespread acclaim for his unique fusion of progressive house, trance, and electro elements that have captivated fans around the world. His innovative approach to production has earned him numerous awards and accolades within the dance music community, as well as spots on global charts. As a highly respected figure within the electronic music industry, his influence extends far beyond the realm of trance.

  • Orjan Nilsen
    29
    75 votes

    Hailing from Norway, this talented DJ and producer has been captivating audiences worldwide with his energetic live performances and innovative approach to trance music since his breakthrough in 2006. His signature blend of driving basslines, emotive melodies, and expertly crafted arrangements has earned him numerous accolades within the dance music community and spots on global charts. As a prominent member of Armin van Buuren's Armada Music family, he continues to shape the future of trance music alongside label-mates such as Andrew Rayel and Marlo.

  • Marlo
    30
    45 votes

    Hailing from Australia, this talented DJ and producer has been captivating audiences worldwide with his energetic live performances and innovative approach to trance music since his breakthrough in 2007. His signature blend of driving basslines, emotive melodies, and expertly crafted arrangements has earned him numerous accolades within the dance music community and spots on global charts. As a prominent member of Armin van Buuren's Armada Music family, he continues to shape the future of trance music alongside label-mates such as Andrew Rayel and Orjan Nilsen.