Update 52
“Psychedelic Trance” (formerly called “Goa Trance”) is a style of electronic music belonging to the Trance music movement. It appeared in the early 1990s in Goa,
India, hence the name “Goa” or “Goa Trance” originally given to this musical trend.
Nowadays, the term is only used to designate a particular trend of Psychedelic Trance.
It is music that appeal to the emotions, imagination and dreams, that does not hesitate to create unexpected, and even startling, impossible and immaterial sounds,
seeking to plunge into a trance and to alter the emotional state of the listener.
This type of Trance music is a global phenomenon although it is especially popular in Europe, Israel, Japan and, of course, in Goa.
It is typically characterized by a tempo in the range of 125-160 beats per minute (bpm), although some pieces can have as little as 110,
or amount to 190, and even more than 200 ; making it faster than “classic” Trance.
Its basslines are strong, uninterrupted except for breaks, and covered by many other rhythms, often produced using the famous Roland TB-303
synthesizer known for its peculiar “acid” sounds.
The artist can use sounds recorded with a microphone, which he then reworks to create “kicks” (rhythmic beats), often mistakenly called “bass”.
These sounds are often passed by an echo chamber to give rise to lingering synthetic shade and highlight the rhythm. Thus, the Psychedelic Trance
will highlight not the melody but the synthetic rhythm pushed to the extreme of systemic repetition.
The Psychedelic music is essentially a type of dance music (it was designated as “trance dance” in its formative years). It has an energetic rhythm,
almost always in the 4/4 meter and often going into the 16th or 32nd notes, especially for pumping basslines. One can also note a change in the beat to 12/8
with the same tempo during some parts of certain compositions. Most of the time, a typical piece will often build up to a stronger movement in the second half,
and then decrease quite rapidly in the end. Generally having a length of 8 to 12 minutes, the Psychedelic Trance tracks usually have significantly more prominent
basslines and kick compared to other types of Trance (except for Hard Trance).
However, as you could have guessed, it is composed of several styles.
Young traveler or seasoned adventurer,
You are now arrived at the end of this mystical grimoire of energies forming part of Psychedelic Trance. They made you browse thousand and one places.
Thousand and one atmospheres and philosophies. From the darkest forests and oceans to the most distant and luminous space confines, from the most profound and intimate psyche to the coldest and chaotic world,
from the most ancient times to the most futuristic dimensions, from the most harmonious paradise to the most tortured underworlds.
Know that Psychedelic Trance is a gathering of a huge amount of influences of genres and styles, mentalities, universes and all different people that are water and fire.
And it is from this diversity that draws its wealth because it is his philosophy.
Whatever the style or genre that suits you best, close yourself to a musical environment (or other medium) will only bring you the narrowness of mind and snap judgment.
An artist can be bad but never a genre. So do not hesitate to open yourself up to other musical genres. Forge your own musical identity and do not let others dictate it to you,
because that's what makes the diversity of a culture.
I have given you enough momentum and enough have guided you so that you can now fly on your own. Now it's up to you to explore the world through music.
So remember one thing: keep an open mind, and good trip in Wonderland ;)
Lightforce
Aa