Talla 2XLC Points Out the Top Trance Tracks in His ‘Year in Music 2016’ Mix

The sounds Talla 2XLC is notorious for dishing out during his sets are enough to command anyone’s attention on the dancefloor and fully immerse them in a melodic journey. It’s the sign of any skilled selector, actually, and this seasoned vet is overqualified for the job.

Operating out of Germany, he’s remained a steadfast figure of trance in the purest form since 1996. In that time, he’s cranked out releases on his own Tetsuo record label, as well as Aly & Fila’s Future Sound of Egypt, Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto Flouro, and Pure Trance Recordings. After having a front-row seat for his remarkable set at this year’s Dreamstate SoCal, we reached out to get his thoughts on the year trance had in 2016, as well as his perspective on the scene as a whole. Talla also took part in our Year in Music series by kicking down a mix in which he smoothly covers his top pick from each month of last year.

Walk us through the high points you personally had this year.
One was my rework of Alan Walkers’ “Faded.” When I first heard the track, I thought it was awesome, but thought it could use an uplifting trance touch. I took the vocals and added in the piano sound. A few days later, my rework was finished, and and the reactions around the globe were amazing. I never got that many plays in a long time; Armin van Buuren played it four times at A State of Trance shows, and all other key players pushed my version. Another high point was my debut at Dreamstate SoCal. I have played at many festivals, but this one was very special for me, because I love the American fans and their passion for trance.

What kind of year do you think the trance community had as a whole?
I think trance was pushed to the side for the last three years because of EDM but is slowly coming back. The trance community is growing again. Also, I think Insomniac has done a pretty good job by starting the Dreamstate brand and supporting trance with it. Still, some countries are suffering and have really empty parties, but others are still succeeding with sold-out shows. It’s really important that the trance community supports events and artists. A scene lives not just because of the artists and promoters, but also the fans.

What new parts of the world did you enjoy playing in or traveling though this year?
I like to travel everywhere. China was new for me, and lots of fun. The venue had giveaway CDs with my music, a giant banner in front of the club, and they even made towels with my logo on them. That’s what I call a proper promotion, haha. I like Singapore very much, but also the US is one of my favourite places. I would love to perform in South America more; I miss Argentina and their great vibe. Africa is already planned, and I am open to go to more exotic places.

I am really looking forward to playing more in the USA. All the gigs I did there were great. I am playing some huge festivals in Europe this year.

How do you approach a new project? Do you let inspiration drive you into the studio, or does it naturally come once you’re settled in?
It’s always different. Sometimes, I have a sound or melody in my head—often a track title or a bassline. Other times, I find an acappella or hear a sample in a movie. I always start by programming the drums first and then build the rest step-by-step. It takes about one to two days to come up with a proper demo.

What do you believe constitutes the “true” trance sound, and which of those elements in today’s scene fit into that definition?
Strings, a strong kick, memorable melodies, fat sounds, and vox create a good, true trancer. I am a bit old-school. A track has to be identified in the beginning and not in the break after two minutes. Nowadays, many songs are so exchangeable and boring.

What are your major goals for 2017?
Of course, producing a lot. There is a new single, “Infinity,” coming on FSOE, a collab with youngster Adam Ellis, and a single with a known Scandinavian singer. Also, the follow-up to my “Faded” rework, except with my own singer. I’m also focusing on my psy project named Zyrus 7; I am finishing collabs with Eddie Bitar and with Zyce. And of course, I will lay my “Hands On” reworks on some special tunes I like this year. You can expect plenty of music from me in 2017.

What role do you think dance music needs to take in the coming year to encourage positivity amid all of the craziness of this last one?
That’s not easy to answer. One of the biggest problems in dance music is coercion and pressure on artists and promoters, too. It’s caused by less income of track sales and less event attendance. We all need the fans, and we need their support. I can only suggest that everyone buy more artists’ tunes and visit good events. I think slowly the EDM bubble gets a bit smaller, and people are coming back, and more new fans are coming to the proper trance sound.

Please introduce the mix you’ve made.
I took a selection of the best tunes from last year. They aren’t only my tracks, either. There’s a bit of uplifting, trance, progressive, psy and vox. You have a representative sample of tunes that rocked the global trance scene. I hope you enjoy the mix.

Track List: Simon Patterson ft. Lucy Pullin “Now I Can Breathe Again”
Alan Walker “Faded” (Talla 2XLC Uplifting Rework)
Highlight Tribe “Free Tibet” (Vini Vici remix)
Simon Patterson & Magnus “Evoke”
Jorn van Deynhoven “We Can Fly”
Talla 2XLC ft. Pay and White “Storm”
The Thrillseekers pres. Hydra “Amber”
Aly & Fila, Roger Shah, Susana “Unbreakable”
John Askew “Supersonic”
Talla 2XLC “Free Your Mind”
ReOrder “Venice Beach”
Phaxe “Angel of Destruction” (Talla 2XLC Hands on Neelix Rework)