If you’re new to the world of psychedelic trance music, discovering the right artists can be overwhelming. While the term “best” is subjective, certain names have undeniably shaped the genre and continue to regularly perform at some of the best psytrance festivals in the world. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned listener, this list highlights some of the most influential psytrance artists worth exploring.
Astral Projection
Formed in 1993, Astral Projection is an iconic Israeli duo known for their pioneering work in Goa trance and psychedelic trance. With timeless tracks like Mahadeva, People Can Fly, and Dancing Galaxy, they remain a staple at major festivals worldwide.
Avalon
Hailing from London, Leon ‘Avalon’ is one of the most sought-after producers in the psytrance circuit. Known for his high-energy performances and collaborations with DJ Tristan as Killerwatts, Avalon has solidified his place as a leading name in the genre.
Astrix
Avi Shmailov, better known as Astrix, is an Israeli producer whose signature sound has defined modern psytrance. Since his debut album in 2002, Astrix has consistently delivered groundbreaking music, making him a favourite at festivals and events globally.
Ace Ventura
Yoni Oshrat, the mastermind behind Ace Ventura, blends his rich musical background with cutting-edge production techniques. His tracks are a fusion of melodic and driving psytrance, earning him a dedicated fanbase and frequent spots on international stages.
Burn In Noise
Brazilian artist Gustavo Manfroni, aka Burn In Noise, brings a unique energy to the scene. With a background in rock music, his transition to psytrance has resulted in dynamic tracks and memorable performances, including his collaboration with Dickster as Circuit Breakers.
Dickster
Dick Trevor, a legendary figure in psytrance, has been shaping the genre for decades. From his work with Green Nuns of the Revolution to his current projects like Circuit Breakers, Dickster’s influence is undeniable.
Eat Static
Formed in 1989 by Merv Pepler and Joie Hinton, Eat Static is a UK-based project that has explored various styles of psychedelic music. Known for its experimental approach, Eat Static remains a key act in the electronic music scene.
Electric Universe
German project Electric Universe, led by Boris Blenn, has been a driving force in psytrance since 1991. With a blend of classic and modern sounds, their live performances often feature additional instruments like guitar, adding a unique touch to their sets. More recently, he’s incorporated a laser harp which makes for a great live show.
Infected Mushroom
Israeli duo Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani, known as Infected Mushroom, have redefined psytrance with their genre-blending approach. From psychedelic trance to electronica and drum & bass, their innovative sound has made them one of the best-selling acts in the genre. Despite shifting their sound towards the EDM genre, last year they released Reborn, one of the best psytrance albums of 2024.
Liquid Soul
Swiss artist Nicola Capobianco, aka Liquid Soul, is a leading name in progressive psytrance. His melodic and atmospheric style offers a slower, more introspective take on the genre, making him a favorite among fans of deeper sounds.
Space Tribe
Olli Wisdom, the creative force behind Space Tribe, left an indelible mark on psytrance before his passing in 2021. Known for his eclectic style and collaborations with artists like Simon Posford, his music continues to inspire new generations.
Shpongle
Shpongle, the brainchild of Simon Posford (Hallucinogen) and Raja Ram, is a groundbreaking project that blends psytrance with ambient and world music. Their innovative sound has been instrumental in shaping the psybient genre.
Tristan
Tristan Cooke, a UK-based DJ and producer, is a respected figure in both psytrance and Goa trance. His journey from playing at Full Moon parties in Goa to headlining global festivals highlights his enduring influence on the scene.
Whether you’re diving into psytrance for the first time or looking to expand your playlist, these artists offer a diverse range of sounds and styles. From high-energy festival anthems to melodic, progressive grooves, there’s something for every listener in the world of psytrance.
