DJ Spotlight: ATB

In the realm of dance music, there are many hotspots in the global community that can be accredited with producing the most premiere artists & Djs. The United Kingdom is known for its Drums & Bass, and ‘Block Rockin’ Beats’, The U.S. Is known for its different genres of house, and their many ‘Falling Anthems’, and Italy has long brought the world its many Italo hits to show just how ‘Bella Italia’ is. However, none can produce like Germany, the unique style and sound of one certain genre, known as Trance.

In the early 1990s, a phenomenon began to take hold of the once again United country. It would get its influences from the early 80s composer, Klaus Schulz, but only would be fully distributed a decade later, when the group ‘The KLF’ would release its album ‘The White Room’. This album alone, would go on to influence an entire country to get up and move, inspire, and create a most hypnotic sound that was not only fast, but soothing at the same time. One such DJ influenced by this movement, was that of ATB.

ATB, was born February 26, 1973 in Freiberg, Saxony, Germany, in a time when the country was divided between East and West. However, this would not keep the aspiring DJ from being influenced from one thing that unites us all: Music. It was not until later though, in the early 90s, when the young aspiring musician would start in the music industry. In 1993, he had founded the group ‘Sequential One’. He was most influential in the creation of the groups music, however, he could would not be able to gain the acclaim without having to depart. So in 1998, he decided to release his first solo track, ‘9pm (Till I Come). This song would launch the DJ into international fame, as it would go on to become the United Kingdom’s 1st #1 trance song ever.


With this popularity, ‘Sequential One’ would be put on hiatus, and the DJ/Producer would go onto create his own studio albums, namely his debut, ‘Movin’ Melodies’ (1999). Other singles that would go on to chart from his debut would also include the hits, ‘Killer 2000’ & ‘Don’t Stop’. However, unlike most of those in Trance, ATB found himself experimenting with all sides of trance, especially Ambient.


In 2000, he released his 2nd album ‘Two Worlds’, in which the DJ would experiment heavily. One such song that would go on to success, would be a remix of the Wild Strawberries’ ‘Let U Go’


In 2002, ATB would go back into the studio, and release his 3rd studio album, ‘Dedicated’. The title of the album would be named in honour of the attacks of September 11th. The album would include such hits as a new version of ‘Let U Go’, as well as the hit single ‘Hold You’


In more recent years, ATB has gone on to release 5 more albums. Most memorable of these 5 was, 2007’s ‘Trilogy’. It was a double disc that displayed the DJ’s wonderful talent of music experimentation, not just delving into trance but rock as well. One such song that would go onto chart would be the collaboration with songstress Heather Nova, in ‘Renegade’


In 2009, ATB, released his latest album, ‘Future Memories’. This like ‘Two Worlds’ & ‘Trilogy’, was also a double CD. It was also put in the same format, in which one CD was Dance, and the other was that of the ambient nature. It also once again, contained many collaborations like his previous work. The lead single, ‘What About Us’ was released in promotion for this album, however, the album itself was available for preview as well


Be sure to check ATB out, you will be glad you did…