Natural Within – Makebelieve Records
The Cosmic Groove: A Journey Through DJ Cosm’s Soundscape
DJ Cosm, a name that evokes images of vibrant, pulsating energy, isn’t just a DJ; he’s a sonic architect, a curator of cosmic soundscapes. To understand his music, we need to journey through the history of the genres that form his canvas – a tapestry woven from threads of psychedelic trance, progressive house, ambient, and techno.
The Psychedelic Revolution: Born in the 1990s, psychedelic trance (or psytrance) burst onto the scene with a chaotic, hypnotic energy. Influenced by acid house and goa trance, it featured fast tempos, intricate melodies, and a driving bass that propelled listeners into a state of euphoric consciousness. Artists like Robert Miles and Paul van Dyk became pioneers, while *Evax** created a legendary track, “The Bells,” that remains a cornerstone of the genre.
The Ambient Escape: Ambient, a genre born from the experimental electronic music of the 80s, is characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes, often devoid of a conventional beat. Artists like Brian Eno and Harold Budd created sonic landscapes that transported listeners into a world of tranquility and introspection. Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada later pushed the boundaries of ambient, incorporating electronic textures and experimental sounds.
The Progressive Pulse: Progressive house, emerging in the 90s, evolved from the harder, more aggressive sounds of house music. Artists like Sasha and John Digweed developed a distinctive style, incorporating intricate melodies, building tension, and creating a journey through sound that kept listeners on the edge of their seats.
The Techno Pulse: Techno, originating in Detroit, emerged in the 80s and was characterized by its repetitive rhythms and minimalist melodies. Pioneers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson developed a unique sound that emphasized the power of the beat and the hypnotic nature of repetition.
Funny Facts:
- Did you know that the first ever techno track, “No UFO’s,” was released in 1985 and was inspired by the alleged UFO sightings in Michigan?
- The iconic “Space Cowboy” by Jamiroquai, although not technically a psytrance song, became synonymous with the genre due to its spacey vibes and its use in countless psytrance mixes.
- *The infamous “The Bells” by Evax, a cornerstone of psytrance, was actually created accidentally when a synthesizer malfunctioned, creating the iconic bell sound that became the song’s signature.**
DJ Cosm masterfully blends these influences, creating a unique sound that is both familiar and groundbreaking. His music is an exploration of the cosmic consciousness, a journey through sonic landscapes that are both exhilarating and introspective. He is a testament to the enduring power of electronic music and the ability of sound to transcend time and space.