A (Quick) Preview of Dreamstate SF Day 1

2016 is the start of a new year, thus meaning that NorCal trance fans who have been counting down the days can rejoice as Dreamstate approaches. With the success of SoCal’s Dreamstate, the Northern fans who were not able to make the journey will soon prepare for a break in reality and enter Insomniac’s majestic, tranceriffic two-day journey at the Bill Graham Civic Center January 16th and 17th.

On Saturday the 16th, there will be eight DJs (count them: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, DJs) for your viewing, listening, Instagraming, SnapChatting, bragging that I’m-here-and-you’re-not pleasure. The eight DJs that will be playing Saturday are Jordan Suckley, Markus Schulz, Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyk, RAM, Sean Tyas, Simon Patterson and Vini Vici. Writing about all eight DJs will be quite troublesome, so here are my Top 3 DJs that I’m most excited for at Dreamstate San Francisco.

RAM

It pains me to say that despite all the trips RAM, real name Ram Boon, has made to San Francisco, I have not been able to attend one of his shows. And there has been plenty, thanks to TranceFamily SF. Originating from Amsterdam, RAM burst onto the scene in 2009. He quickly gained the hearts of trance lovers with his RAM- series. These tracks showcase his ability to produce a perfect fusion of uplifting and blood-pumping bass. Fellow countryman and renown trance DJ Armin Van Buuren announced RAM’s hit “RAMsterdamn” as “the best track of the year”. The most notable RAM track that’s engraved in the hearts of fans -and pretty much everyone- was his tribute to his late wife, “RAMelia”. Its beautiful melodies elegantly plucks at our heart chords as its wistful lyrics encourages tears of love. His set is going to be a wet one, so bring your hankies.

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Paul Oakenfold

The three-time Grammy nominated, and the two-time winner of DJ Mag’s #1 DJ in 1989 and 1999, will be making his return to SF but this time on the Dreamstate stage. This is a legend that has been around since vinyls and walk-mans. Growing up, I remember the sweet sounds of “Southern Sun”. Its beautiful melodies and smooth vocals painted an aesthetic escape for my mind in Central California. Oakenfold has been on fire lately and is staging a long overdue comeback as he presents Full on Fluoro (I don’t particularly know what that pertains, but I’m excited to find out) on Saturday. His set at Phoria’s anniversary party blew me away; he combined his nostalgic tunes with modern beats and synths to a satisfied crowd. This man maybe an electronic music veteran, but he is no useless relic. His skills on stage and amazing productions are still as sharp as any. Don’t count him out and make sure you pay attention as he exhibits a set of skills and techniques that is lacking in modern DJs today.

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Markus Schulz

Markus Schulz doesn’t need any introduction for Dreamstate. I’m super excited to see him spin, once again, in my city because HE’S MY FAVORITE DJ!!! Schulz has been a hot topic lately with his comments about EDM and his passion for trance, its fans and the state of electronic music today. His skill as a DJ is top-notch and one that was learned first before entering the world of producing. 2015 was a busy year for Mr. Coldharbour as he completed the City Series compilation, where he produced and released a track that’s dedicated to a city every month in 2015. The 12 tracks, which have been released on Beatport, will soon be put together in a nice album for fans to purchase. Aside from his own compilation, Schulz was asked to compose this year’s Ministry of Sound Trance Nation album. His hard work ethics and drive to produce powerful bassline trance are some of the many reasons why fans devoted to his music. You won’t find any other DJs on Saturday that will emit the same euphoric energy like Schulz . . . well, you probably will but not for me.

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Tickets are almost sold out. Grab yours NOW!
Saturday tickets: http://insom.co/DreamstateSF_Sat
Sunday tickets: http://insom.co/DreamstateSF_Sun
2Day tickets: http://insom.co/DreamstateSF_Tix

Here’s a video preview of you might expect to see at Dreamstate SF!