Also known as: Goa, 604 Psy

BPM range: 135 — 150

Goa trance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Goa, a state in western India. It is characterized by its distinctive sound, which combines elements of psychedelic trance, techno, and Indian classical music. The genre gained popularity among the hippie and party scene in Goa and eventually spread to other parts of the world.

Goa trance is known for its energetic and hypnotic beats, intricate melodies, and use of various electronic instruments and synthesizers. The music often features repetitive patterns and long build-ups, creating a trance-like state for the listeners. The tempo typically ranges from 130 to 150 beats per minute, providing a fast-paced and energetic experience on the dance floor.

One of the defining features of Goa trance is its psychedelic nature. The music incorporates various psychedelic effects such as swirling sounds, trippy melodies, and mind-altering samples. These elements aim to induce a sense of euphoria and transcendence in the listeners, enhancing their overall experience.

Goa trance also draws inspiration from Indian classical music. It incorporates traditional Indian instruments like the sitar, tabla, and tambura, blending them with modern electronic sounds. This fusion creates a unique sonic landscape that sets Goa trance apart from other electronic music genres.

The origins of Goa trance can be traced back to the late 1980s when a group of international travelers and hippies settled in Goa. They brought with them their love for electronic music and began organizing parties on the beaches of Goa. These parties featured DJs playing a mix of electronic genres like techno, house, and ambient music.

Over time, these parties evolved into full-fledged festivals known as “Goa parties” or “Goa trance parties.” The music played at these events became more focused on psychedelic and trance-inducing sounds, giving birth to the genre we now know as Goa trance.

Goa trance gained international recognition in the early 1990s when DJs and producers from Goa started releasing their music on vinyl records and CDs. The genre quickly spread to countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where it found a dedicated following.

In the mid-1990s, Goa trance experienced a surge in popularity, with numerous artists and labels emerging in the scene. Some of the most influential artists in the genre include Astral Projection, Hallucinogen, Juno Reactor, and Etnica. These artists pushed the boundaries of Goa trance, experimenting with new sounds and incorporating elements from other genres.

However, as with any genre, Goa trance has evolved over time. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it started to incorporate more progressive and minimalistic elements, giving rise to a subgenre known as “progressive psytrance.” This subgenre retained some of the psychedelic and trance-inducing elements of Goa trance but added a more modern and streamlined approach.

Today, Goa trance continues to have a dedicated fan base around the world. It is celebrated through various festivals and events that showcase both classic and contemporary artists in the genre. The music has also influenced other electronic genres, such as psytrance and psybient.

In conclusion, Goa trance is a unique genre of electronic dance music that originated in Goa, India. Its energetic beats, intricate melodies, psychedelic effects, and fusion of Indian classical music make it a distinct and captivating genre. Despite its evolution over time, Goa trance remains an important part of the electronic music landscape.

Notable Artists

Astral Projection,  Artifact303, Filteria, Hallucinogen, Man With No Name, Miranda, Ovnimoon, Pleiadians, Transwave

Notable Labels

Flying Rhino Records, MDMA Records, Suntrip Records, Timewarp, Twisted Records