First State is a prominent Dutch electronic music project, primarily associated with the evolution of progressive and vocal trance during the mid-2000s and early 2010s. Originally a duo consisting of Ralph Barendse (Ralphie B) and Sander van Dien, the project eventually became the solo vehicle for van Dien.
Signed to the influential Black Hole Recordings, First State became a cornerstone of the label's 'Searching for Sunrise' aesthetic, blending the melodic sensibilities of classic trance with the emerging 'Big Room' and electro house textures of the time. Their sound identity is defined by high-fidelity production, prominent use of supersaw synths, and collaborations with top-tier trance vocalists like Sarah Howells and Anita Kelsey. Critically, they are respected for maintaining a high level of musicality in an era where trance often veered into formulaic territory. Their influence is seen in the 'trouse' movement, bridging the gap between the purist trance of the late 90s and the EDM explosion of the 2010s. The project remains a significant reference point for the Dutch trance scene's global dominance.
Shares progressive trance, downtempo (subgenres); studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style)
Shares studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style); progressive trance (subgenres)
Shares progressive trance (subgenres); studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style)
Shares studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style); progressive trance (subgenres)
Shares progressive trance, downtempo (subgenres); studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive trance, downtempo (subgenres); studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive trance (subgenres); studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive trance (subgenres); studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive trance, downtempo (subgenres); studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style)
Shares studio_polished, digital_clarity, layered_dense (production style); progressive trance (subgenres)
Shares vocal trance, progressive trance, soprano, euphoric (signature)
Shares vocal trance, progressive trance, euphoric, hopeful (signature)
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