The nostalgic side of the Dutch DJ and producer comes to life in this new alias, with a brand-new collaboration with Ferry Corsten dropping on August 1st
Over the past fifteen years, the Dutch trance scene has found an undisputed point of reference in Ruben de Ronde. Born in Gouda, Ruben has built a career that speaks for itself: he’s not only a skilled and refined producer but also a charismatic and recognizable figure. For many years now, he has stood alongside Armin van Buuren in the A State of Trance project, with Armin being one of the first to recognize and nurture his talent.
In a short time, Ruben managed to build a strong identity in the eyes of the public, combining a well-defined stage presence with intense studio work, both for his own music and in support of several other artists.
One of Ruben’s most distinctive traits, beyond his bright and creative mind, is the way he approaches music together with other producers. Collaborations have often been the driving force behind the creation of high-quality tracks: just think of the captivating tracks he’s crafted over the years with another undisputed trance icon, Ferry Corsten, or with Estiva, to name just a few. These connections have further helped shape a highly recognizable trance sound, making Ruben one of the leading figures in progressive trance.
Like many artists of his level, Ruben has recently embarked on a journey back to his roots, rediscovering the trance sound of years gone by. It’s no easy feat to recreate the unique atmosphere of the genre’s golden age, but he has succeeded. This new phase of his career, which began earlier this year, takes the name NRG2000.
The debut of this project premiered last year: initially, for the remix of Lufthaus feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Immortal and subsequently in Rotterdam, during A State of Trance: DESTINATION: on that occasion, during a special set, Ruben de Ronde and Ferry Corsten presented New Inner Way to the public, a track full of energy and authentic trance atmosphere, released on Flashover Recordings exactly a year later, this February: the track represents a perfect fusion of the two Dutch producers’ musical souls.
Ruben explained that this new journey was born with the intention of reviving the authentic nostalgia of trance from twenty years ago. In this spirit comes Rise Up, once again produced with Ferry Corsten and set to be released on August 1st: a track even more rooted in the sound of that era, with enveloping melodies and crisp, dry sounds in perfect old-school style.
But that’s not all: more high-profile collaborations are already in the works: names like Mauro Picotto and SØNIN will be joining Ruben on this new musical journey, with a new tracks heard during his recent DJ sets at Luminosity Beach Festival (NTG2000 debut) or for A State Of Trance, in Miami and London.
In short, to recreate the trance of the past, you need style, passion, and enthusiasm, qualities that Ruben, the iconic face of A State of Trance, undoubtedly possesses.