I feel that this serialised article is one of the most important pieces on this site. For without the power that trance, house and progressive music possess, without the thought processes driven by these uplifting genres, my passion would be lost. It is true to say that other genres are powerful and emotive, yet for me, none come close to the influence of refined dance music. A phrase not uncommon with trance music is the “music taking you on a journey”, one that I whole-heartedly endorse. From a young age I would select tracks to take with me on trips, whether I was being driven to see relatives, or on more exciting voyages, once or twice a year on holiday. Each tune had a common theme – emotive, powerful and whilst I watched the landscapes rush by, I immersed myself, captivated by the thought of a world out there that I had yet to explore. The music would be anything that could capture my curiosity and aspiration for travel. From Crowded House to Don Henley, and on to early trance tracks from York, Mauro Picotto and Paul Van Dyk.

My personal interest in flight and air travel is yet another indication of my passion for travel, and is in itself a perfect companion for thought-provoking music. I remember times spent on aeroplanes and at airports listening to poignant songs such as Groove Armada’s ‘Inside My Mind (Blue Skies)’ and Darren Tate’s ‘Destination’. The two hour excursion that is ‘A State of Trance’, one of many great electronic music episodes every week now replaces the early days spent flicking between tracks on a cassette and minidisc player. Once immersed in the sounds, it is difficult to prevent yourself from closing your eyes and drifting off to another place. The greatest antidote for such electronic filled slumbers is the adrenaline of travel. Airports are possibly the greatest location for such exhilaration. There is something about airports, the constant activity, the flow of people, the arrivals and departure boards displaying endless lists of destinations, the excitement of boarding an aeroplane. I know I am not alone in the fascination of air travel and the feeling experienced when inside the terminal buildings, as a passenger or not, one I am sure I share with many others.

The elegance at which modern aircraft fly, combined with the widespread accessibility to air travel has allowed us to visit places that would have been once unreachable, those that were long since undiscovered. This has shrunken the world, yet expanded our horizons. In the same respect, the global reach of trance music has brought us together, yet simultaneously, as I hear Armin read out emails from each and every corner of the world I realise just how much there is out there, just how many amazing people I have yet to meet.

DJ Shah featuring Adrina Thorpe - Who Will Find Me [Original Summer Sunrise Mix]

A stunning vocal tune that was the highlight for 2007 for me and many others. Warm vocals and guitar chords leave you smiling and comforted, as a slice of summer washes over. I can’t help but think of chilling on a beach in some far off place surrounded by friendly company and a beautiful sunrise or sunset. This was made for lying down with your head on your backpack, and staring out across whatever lies before you. Perhaps an empty train station, or through the window of a train crossing the evening horizon, or maybe a great plain that stretches into the distance.

DT8 Project – Destination

One of my favourite producers Darren Tate had a spell where he created several masterpieces one after the other. Each track left me completely blown away and touched many different situations in my life. ‘Destination’ is a great example of how vocal trance can evoke thoughts of travel by just the title. Dive a little deeper and you will find strong chords laced with epic strings combined with the luscious vocals of Roxanne Wilde that will help take you far far away.

Evbointh – One Wish [Daniel Kandi & Mark Andrez Remix]

The break on this tune is magnificent and melodies don’t come much better than this. All you need to do is press play and dream. I love to play this when I’m flying on a plane high above the clouds watching the sunset, remembering those I’ve left behind and the places I have yet to see.

Make sure you check out those tracks mentioned above. There was a very long list of tunes that I selected a few from, so classics such as 4Strings – Take Me Away and newer records such as Envotion’s ‘Familiar Places’ are always with me but due to space they were not included. Feel free to contact me here if you can think of any others that you never leave home without.