Trancestep — hypnotic Drum & Bass with a Trance atmosphere | Minatrix.FM

Trancestep � hypnotic trance at drum & bass speed

Trancestep is a substyle of electronic music that emerged at the intersection of trance and drum & bass, where atmospheric, hypnotic melodies are combined with high tempo and broken rhythms. This is music in which trance does not slow the mind down, but accelerates consciousness.

Today, Trancestep is increasingly listened to online as a niche yet expressive genre � ideal for night-time sets, concentration and deep immersion into flow.

What Trancestep really is

Trancestep is not just �DnB with trance synths.� Its essence lies in a state of mind.

The genre is built on:

• the speed of drum & bass,
• trance pads and arpeggios,
• long, evolving melodies,
• minimal yet dense basslines,
• a sense of continuous motion.

While classic trance relies on builds and climaxes, Trancestep creates a constant hypnotic flow without sharp peaks.

Genre history: when trance met jungle

1. Early foundations (mid-1990s)

In the mid-1990s, the electronic scene was actively experimenting with hybrid forms. Jungle and drum & bass evolved alongside trance and progressive house, and producers began to:

• transfer atmospheric trance elements into fast formats,
• layer trance melodies over breakbeat rhythms,
• search for alternatives to hard techstep aesthetics.

2. The emergence of Trancestep (late 1990s)

By the late 1990s, the term Trancestep appeared to describe tracks where:

• the DnB tempo was preserved,
• trance harmonies dominated,
• rhythm served as motion rather than aggression.

The genre developed mainly within the underground scene, without aiming for mainstream success.

3. Connection to atmospheric DnB

Trancestep closely overlapped with:

• atmospheric drum & bass,
• early intelligent DnB,
• melodic jungle.

In many ways, it became a bridge between club speed and meditative sound.

Sound and technical characteristics of Trancestep

From a technical perspective, Trancestep blends elements of two worlds:

• Tempo: 160�175 BPM
• Rhythm: breakbeat, smooth and flowing
• Melodies: trance leads, arpeggios and pads
• Bass: steady, supportive, non-aggressive
• Atmosphere: spacious and cosmic

Production is often built around long transitions and gradual development, rather than drops.

Trancestep and the philosophy of Organic / Atmospheric Sound

Despite its electronic nature, Trancestep fits well into the modern trend of Organic / Atmospheric Sound:

• minimal harsh compression,
• strong attention to spatial depth,
• smooth dynamics,
• a sense of the track �breathing.�

This is electronic music that does not overwhelm, even at high BPM.

How Trancestep differs from related genres

Confusion is common, so it is important to distinguish:

• Trance � slower tempo, four-on-the-floor beat, club-oriented builds
• Liquid Funk � soul and vocals matter more than hypnosis
• Atmospheric DnB � less pronounced trance melodies
• Trancestep � trance thinking at DnB speed

Trancestep always sounds airier and deeper than most drum & bass substyles.

Key artists and the scene

The genre was never mainstream, but its evolution is linked to producers working at the boundaries of styles:

• LTJ Bukem � atmospheric and melodic foundations
• Peshay � trance sensitivity within jungle
• Blu Mar Ten � depth and harmonic richness
• Omni Trio � melodic thinking
• Sebastian � early sound experiments

Many of their tracks are retrospectively classified as Trancestep.

Trancestep as background music and for focus

Despite its high tempo, Trancestep works perfectly as:

• background music,
• music for concentration,
• a night-time radio format.

The steady flow and hypnotic melodies allow for long listening sessions without fatigue.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Trancestep (FAQ)

Is Trancestep a drum & bass substyle?

Yes. Formally, it is a DnB substyle with strong influences from trance and atmospheric electronic music.

Why didn�t Trancestep become mainstream?

Because it focuses on state and depth rather than instant dancefloor impact.

Is vocal used in Trancestep?

Rarely. When used, vocals function as an atmospheric element rather than a pop structure.

Can Trancestep be mixed with trance?

Yes, but it is more often mixed with atmospheric or melodic DnB to maintain tempo.

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Trancestep is trance without slowdown � hypnosis at high speed and a rare balance between movement and meditation. A genre for those seeking depth within rhythm, not just energy.

Listen to Trancestep online, discover popular tracks, rare releases and new genre entries on Minatrix.fm.

Turn on the stream and let the trance flow carry you � fast, deep and without rush.