Classic, Euphoric and Hard Trance by the DJs who defined it
Join us at Ambers
20th June, 2PM to 10PM.
1 Circle Square, 3 Symphony Park, Manchester. M1 7FS.
To buy tickets for this event please visit our events page: TranceMCR tickets from Skiddle .
Airwave
Airwave is a pioneering electronic artist from Brussels who rose to prominence in the late 1990s at just 20 years old. His early releases, including “Innerspace,” “I Want To Believe,” and “Above The Sky,” gained worldwide recognition and were championed by leading DJs such as Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, and John Digweed. Known for his melodic, forward-thinking sound, he quickly established himself as a key figure in the global trance and progressive scene.
Over the years, Airwave has performed extensively across the world, touring throughout the USA, Asia, Europe, and Australia, and becoming a regular at major festivals such as Tomorrowland. With a career spanning decades and a catalogue that continues to influence new generations, he remains a respected and innovative force in electronic music.
Art of Trance
Art of Trance is the long-running project of Simon Berry, founder of the influential Platipus Records. Emerging in the early 1990s, Berry became a key figure in shaping progressive and trance music, with early releases like the “Deeper Than Deep EP” and the iconic track “Madagascar” earning widespread acclaim. His work, often blending organic textures with melodic depth, helped define the Platipus sound and gained support from top DJs across the global scene.
Alongside projects like Union Jack, Art of Trance achieved international success with albums such as Wildlife on One and Voice of Earth, while continuing to release influential tracks like “Mongoose” and “Killamanjaro.” With decades of output, collaborations, and label curation, Simon Berry remains a highly respected figure in electronic music, known for his distinctive, emotive productions and lasting impact on the trance genre.
Sean Tyas
Sean Tyas is a leading figure in the global trance scene, renowned for his high-energy productions and driving, uplifting sound. Rising to prominence in the mid-2000s, he quickly gained recognition through releases on top labels such as Armada Music and Discover Records, with standout tracks like “Lift” becoming modern trance classics. His work has received strong support from major artists including Armin van Buuren, helping cement his reputation as one of the genre’s most consistent producers.
As a DJ, Sean Tyas has performed at leading festivals and clubs worldwide, known for his powerful, fast-paced sets that blend uplifting melodies with tech-driven intensity. With a steady stream of releases, remixes, and global performances, he continues to be a key name in contemporary trance, respected for both his technical skill and dedication to the sound.
Thrillseekers
Steve Helstrip, better known as The Thrillseekers, has been a leading figure in the global trance scene for over two decades. Since his debut with “Synaesthesia,” he has produced a string of iconic tracks including “The Last Time,” “Affinity,” and “Es Vedra” (with Aly & Fila), as well as more recent releases like “After The Rain” and “Amber.” Renowned for his emotive sound, he has collaborated and remixed for major artists such as Chicane, Ferry Corsten, Tiësto, and Armin van Buuren.
Alongside his production success, he has performed at top festivals and venues including Creamfields and Tomorrowland, earning a place in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs. His “NightMusic” compilation series and global tours further expanded his reach, while standout tracks like “This Is All We Have” and “Find You” reinforced his reputation in modern trance. He released his debut album Escape in 2016, followed by the acclaimed double album Altered State under his Hydra alias, widely praised as one of the standout trance releases of its time.
DJ Wag
DJ Wag began his DJ career in 1989 as a resident at Lopos Werkstatt in Darmstadt, Germany, where he played for four years and released his first vinyl on Torsten Fenslau’s Abfahrt label. He later connected with DJ Talla 2XLC at Frankfurt’s iconic Dorian Gray club, producing on influential trance labels and performing at the legendary Technoclub. His breakthrough came in 1998 with “Man on the Moon,” a defining hard trance track, followed by hits like “Life on Mars” and “The Darkness.” Alongside his project Yakooza, he achieved international success with tracks such as “Cocaine,” cementing his reputation in the global trance scene.
Over the years, DJ Wag has toured extensively across Australia, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, performing at major events like Nature One and alongside leading artists including Ferry Corsten, Sven Väth, and Cosmic Gate. He launched his own label, Traffic-Tunes, in 2005 and continued to release and remix influential tracks, including updated versions of his classics supported by top DJs like Armin van Buuren. With decades of experience, global tours, and enduring releases, DJ Wag remains a respected figure in trance and hard trance music.
Robert Nickson
Robert Nickson is a highly respected figure in the uplifting and melodic trance scene, known for his emotionally driven productions and refined sound. Emerging in the early 2000s, he gained recognition with releases on leading labels such as Anjunabeats and Armada Music, delivering standout tracks like “Spiral” and “Heliopause.” His music, often featured by top DJs including Armin van Buuren, has become synonymous with melodic depth and timeless trance energy.
As a DJ, Robert Nickson has performed at clubs and festivals around the world, earning a reputation for uplifting, atmospheric sets that connect deeply with audiences. With consistent releases and support from the global trance community, he remains a key name in modern trance, bridging classic influences with contemporary production.
Oliver Lieb (LSG)
Oliver Lieb is a pioneering force in electronic music, with over three decades of influence and an extensive catalogue including 13 albums and more than 300 EPs on legendary labels such as Harthouse, Superstition, Data Records, Hooj Choons, and Yoshitoshi. He has remixed major artists like Faithless, The Human League, Moby, and Yello, while also shaping the underground through influential aliases including L.S.G., Paragliders, and S.O.L. His work spans techno, trance, house, and ambient, defined by a distinctive and widely respected sound.
Beginning his international career as a live act in 1992, Oliver transitioned to DJing in 1997 to connect more directly with audiences. Since then, he has performed at major clubs and festivals worldwide, touring across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia, and earning a reputation for consistently powerful and memorable sets.
Jam El Mar (Jam & Spoon)
Jam El Mar is a pioneering figure in the global trance and techno scene, best known as one half of the iconic duo Jam & Spoon. Rising to prominence in the early 1990s, he played a key role in shaping the sound of European trance with groundbreaking releases like “Age of Love (Remix)” and “Right in the Night,” helping bring the genre to an international audience. His productions blended melodic depth with club energy, earning widespread recognition and influence across the electronic music world.
Beyond his studio success, Jam El Mar has built a strong reputation as a DJ, performing at major clubs and festivals around the globe. With decades of experience behind the decks, his sets reflect a deep understanding of trance’s evolution—combining classic anthems with modern sounds. As a long-standing innovator and performer, he remains a respected name in electronic music and a key contributor to the genre’s enduring legacy.
Jon The Dentist
Jon The Dentist is a respected figure in the UK trance scene, known for his high-energy sets and long-standing presence in the underground rave movement. Emerging in the early 1990s, he quickly built a reputation through performances at legendary events such as Fantazia and Helter Skelter, helping to shape the sound of early UK trance and hard dance. His dynamic mixing style and crowd-focused approach earned him a loyal following during the golden era of rave culture.
Over the years, Jon The Dentist has continued to perform at clubs and festivals across the UK and internationally, maintaining his status as a fan favourite in the harder and uplifting trance scenes. Known for blending classic anthems with driving modern sounds, he remains an influential and enduring name in electronic music, representing the spirit and energy of the original rave generation.
Podders
Cheshire-based trance DJ with a preference for vinyl and the skills to deliver just as comfortably on digital. DJing since the late 1990s, his sets are built around classic trance, forgotten gems and timeless tracks that bring real energy and feeling to the dancefloor.
Alongside DJing, he also plays an active role in the scene through his involvement with Trance Addicts, Eclipse Events and Digbeth Rewind.
David Finch
David Finch has called Manchester home since 1991, drawn in by the city’s energy, character, and most of all, people. He arrived at the height of "Madchester", following The Mix Factory on Sunset 102 FM, and attending Dave Booth's legendary Tuesday night's Upfront at The Academy. It was Dave who first taught David how to mix on vinyl, laying the foundations for his own three-decade journey through the UK’s underground trance and classic old school scene.
Artists such as The Thrillseekers, Oliver Lieb, Jam El Mar, Jon The Dentist, Art of Trance and DJ Wag became defining reference points, embedding a deep appreciation for driving, melodic, and intelligent trance. His sound today reflects that heritage, and he enjoys work from Robert Nickson, Sean Tyas and Airwave's back catalog. He plays a carefully curated blend of classic euphoric and hard trance, layered with subtle acid textures.
TranceMCR is his passion, and he is excited by having so many great artists come together for one day in the town he loves and calls home.
Sean E.C.
Sean is a old skool Vinyl / digital DJ Classic Trance - Old Skool House - Rave
Playing in some big and small venues in his DJing career with some of the best local talented DJs and some big names on the field the likes of Stu Allan, Rob Thurston, Jon Dasilva, Rob Tissera, Davos, Mark XTC, Love Decade, DJ Faydz, Suddi Raval, Bassheads to name a few.
This DJ is one crazy guy always taking risks just the way he likes it taking you on a journey!
There's no holding back once he's behind the decks This DJ is one to keep your eye on when you catch him on events around your city or town.
Now promoter / DJ for Unfazed Events Mrc.
