ISOS 21 is a sophisticated musical journey crafted by the legendary Markus Schulz, where the past, present and future of trance music come together
By the end of 2025, it’s likely that In Search Of Sunrise will become one of the most talked-about and sought-after titles among trance music enthusiasts. Tiësto’s strong return to the trance scene – beginning with that now-famous In Search Of Sunrise set at EDC Las Vegas last May – has further amplified the name of the most iconic and globally recognized trance compilation, which is now preparing to reach a new milestone with a completely renewed look.
In recent days, Markus Schulz officially announced the beginning of a new phase for the project, now managed exclusively by him. ISOS 21 won’t just be a simple track collection, it will take the form of a more structured and profound work, divided into three distinct parts.
The first chapter, titled The Awakening, will be released on August 6, followed by The Nirvana on August 27 and The Nocturnal Voyage on September 17: a sonic narrative that will accompany the entire summer.
For the first time, Markus Schulz has handled the entire project on his own, after co-curating the compilations starting from the 14th edition, he now takes full control of the series. Regarding this new direction, he stated:
“The world has changed. So has the music. But the need to escape, to dream, and to feel – that remains. And that’s what this next era of In Search of Sunrise is about: building a bridge from nostalgia into a future worth believing in.”
The title of the first volume, The Awakening, reflects Markus’s intent to reignite the essence and magic of traditional trance, enriching it with modern and refined sounds that blend immersive melodies, engaging rhythms, and cinematic atmospheres.
In this first part, we’ll find legendary names from the electronic scene who, until now, had never appeared in the ISOS series, such as Sasha, Hernan Cattaneo, and the iconic Deep Dish. The complete tracklist of The Awakening:
- Markus Schulz presents Dakota – Before the Light Knew Us
- Gai Barone – Classrooms
- PROFF – Light Magic
- Aeridan – Everything Changes, Yet Nothing Moves (Interlude)
- Huminal – Mountainside (Hicky & Kalo Remix)
- Khen – Florida
- Woo York featuring Mark Tarmonea – Feeling (Korolova Remix)
- Jerome Isma-Ae – Rise (Jerome´s Discotheque Mix)
- Paul Oakenfold & Hernan Cattaneo – London to Buenos Aires
- Trilucid – Spirals
- Deep Dish & Eynka featuring Wrabel – Midnight
- Cosmic Gate – ID 1
- Markus Schulz presents Dakota – Faultline
- Sasha & Super Flu – Astra (Sasha ‘Daydream’ Mix)
- Estiva – E.T. Dust
- Noctello – When the Sky Paused (Interlude)
- London Grammar – Into Gold (Kitty Amor Remix)
- Mees Salomé – Beyond Us
As for the following two chapters, Black Hole Recordings has revealed that The Nirvana will feature emotionally powerful selections, while The Nocturnal Voyage, will explore more pronounced and purposeful techno-oriented sounds.
In short, this new musical experience curated by Schulz represents a journey that honors the past while decisively looking toward the evolution of sound. A musical bridge capable of connecting styles and generations through a shared sonic language.
You can pre-order here In Seach Of Sunrise 21 For the Next Generation of Dreamers.