Bigfish presents Innovation White featuring Cosmic Gate, Myon & Shane 54, Bobina, and Emma Hewitt on vocals

For 12 years I have listened and followed German DJ/producer duo Cosmic Gate and for the first time I was able to meet, talk, and had a photo op with one of my fave trance artists! Nic Chagall and Bossi graced manila dance scene with their classic, re-worked, and current trance tunes. I feel in love with this duo back in 2000, back then most tunes were done through analog style. Their hard trance style during this time made a mark in my head. Now, with the shift in their sound, they still keep that signature style that took them to where they are now.

Hungarian duo Myon & Shane54 are another European trance tandem that’s carving a name for themselves as they gig from continent to continent. With a list of solid singles and fierce remixes to their name, even trance luminaries Armin van Buuren and Above and Beyond are fans of their work, having featured them on their respective compilations.

Also on the bill is Moscow-based trance master Bobina, whom Ferry Corsten has called “one of the most talented music producers ever to come out of Russia”. 

Being the rose among the thorns, Emma Hewitt comes back to Manila to perform and share her trance vocal goodness to the fans. Emma, as tagged by Cosmic Gate, is their angel. And it was only fitting that she was here for Cosmic's first Manila gig.

This is the second event of Bigfish International where they have invited media folks, bloggers, and select few fans to meet and greet the artists.

When I was called to ask a question, I couldn't help but be starstruck, hence it was heard in my voice how nervous and excited I was talking to these guys. My question went like, "how different was music then from now in terms of quality and appeal; and how far have we gone out in terms making music from analog means to digital means" - Both Nic and Bossi answered my question.

 Myon & Shane 54, Bossi of Cosmic Gate, Ricky of Bigfish, Nic of Cosmic Gate, and Emma Hewitt

 Emma Hewitt, Marty, Jase, Marx

With Bossi and Nic Chagall of Cosmic Gate

While the media conf started a little later than scheduled, Bobina was unable to join to meet the media guys and had to be on the decks to keep the momentum going. By far, this is the best line up of Bigfish. Though I feel they had brought in too many acts for one night, there were instances that these acts may outshine one another where in fact they could just be stars in their skies. My 2 cents is to stick with two international acts, plus the resident acts, and an option to bring in a vocalist.


It was a fun filled night as I have enjoyed mostly Cosmic Gate's set where they also played their re-worked hits like The Truth, Exploration Of Space, and Fire Wire. I also enjoyed the closing set of Myon & Shane -- this duo know how to work a crowd!

Here are some of the snaps from the event:

**photos courtesy of Marty Martin


If you were there, please share your experience on the comment field...

Album Review: Trance Nation 2012 (Remixed by Cosmic Gate)

The annual Trance Nation compilation from Ministry of Sound Records is out now, and this time the remixes are by one of my all-time fave duo Cosmic Gate. 

Following 2011's remix by Rank 1, this compilation shows no slowing down from it's predecessor. Expect ergasmic tracks from Trance giants like Sander van Door, Tiesto, Above & Beyond, and from new contingents like Andrew Bayer, Arty, and Mat Zo all wrapped up with a bough on it by Claus Terhoeven (a.k.a. Nic Chagall) and Stefan Bossems (a.k.a. DJ Bossi) collectively known as Cosmic Gate. Compiling some of their favourite producers, remixers, and artists over a 2CD release, Nic & Bossi perfectly capture the future sound of the genre. The duo explains: "It’s an honor for us to be mixing this international, established and influential brand mix series by Ministry Of Sound and be the next ambassador after respected colleagues and friends like Above & Beyond, Andy Moor and Rank1!"

One note worthy track that really caught my attention and ear drums is Cosmic Gate and Andrew Bayer's track Nothing Ever Lasts. The said track headlines the first cd. This 2-CD goodie is such a good listen you wouldn't even realise that two hours had already passed just by listening to it. It then ends with a CG classic Fire Wire 2011 remix (that can also be found on CG's Back 2 The Future Remixes complilation)

Track list:

CD1:
01. Cosmic Gate & Andrew Bayer – Nothing Ever Lasts (Extended Intro Mix)
02. Jerome Isma – Ae - Speed
03. Nic Chagall & Duderstadt Feat. Relyk – Alone With You
04. Cosmic Gate – Crushed
05. Boom Jinx Feat. Justine Suissa – Phoenix From The Flames (Maor Levi Remix)
06. Sunleed – Rasalhague
07. Temple One Feat. Neev Kennedy – Love The Fear (Tom Fall Remix)
08. Mat Zo – Bipolar
09. Emma Hewitt – Colours (Cosmic Gate Remix)
10. LTN – Ordinary People (Anhken Remix)
11. Abstract Vision & Elite Electronic – Always Exotic
12. Alex Kunnari Feat. Ben Andreas – Taste The Sun (Tom Fall Instrumental)
13. Space Rockerz Feat. Ellie Lawson – So Out Of Reach
14. Matt Davey – Castaway (Daniel Hairston Lonely Road Remix)

CD2:
01. Cosmic Gate with Myon & Shane 54 and Aruna – All Around You (Extended Intro Mix)
02. Ost & Meyer – Scarlett Heaven (Dan Stone Remix)
03. Ummet Ozcan – Cocoon
04. Tiesto – Flight 643 (Nash & Pepper Remix)
05. Cosmic Gate & Arnej – Sometimes They Come Back For More (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)
06. Above & Beyond – Formula Rossa (Nitrous Oxide Remix)
07. Cosmic Gate & Emma Hewitt – Be Your Sound (Extended Mix)
08. Cosmic Gate – The Theme
09. Kyau & Albert – Are You Fine (Arty Remix)
10. Sander van Doorn, Adrian Lux – Eagles (Album Mix)
11. Cold Blue – Coconut
12. Gareth Emery – Tokyo
13. Marcel Woods – Accelerate (Chris Schweizer Big Room Mix)
14. Cosmic Gate – Fire Wire (Cosmic Gate’s Back 2 The Future Remix)

If you have this compilation or have listened to this record, do share your thoughts--

Album Review: Cosmic Gate - Back 2 The Future: 1999-2003 Remixed

One of my favourite Trance acts of all time gives a re-birth to their past hits - hits that got them to concrete their spot in this industry. But while the musical artistry of Cosmic Gate’s drivers Nic Chagall and Stefan Bossi have been substantial and innovative, their style and motivation have - naturally - come to mature. Prior to 2002’s release of The Truth, Cosmic Gate’s youthful tastes and motivation were geared towards the harder, edgier side of trance, known to catch the dance floor within a frantic and unrelenting grip. But with a familiarity that comes as a result of experience and wisdom - particularly noticeable after 2003’s Human Beings - this turbulent agitation has given way towards an understated and natural sound that remains utterly compelling. The cycle of their maturity is especially evident with the release of their latest album Back 2 the Future where Cosmic Gate revisits the past to supply a modern twist on days of old. Much loved anthems, including Exploration of Space, Firewire and Human Beings are remixed by the CG boys with plenty of assistance on offer from distinguished colleagues, counting Markus Shulz, Jochen Miller, and John O’Callaghan among others. 

Thia record will serve as a reminder for fans exactly why Cosmic Gate remain as the celestial doorway to the deeper side of trance, while simultaneously initiating a timeless journey for new faces in a quest back to the future.

Your thoughts???

Official Video: Cosmic Gate - Back 2 Earth (2010)

As Cosmic Gate revives their classic hard trance tunes and par it with today's trend in trance -- uplifting -- they give new life to these great classics. Arty in particular, made a massive remix of this song and it is wildly driving me crazy.

On the video, it looks like a compiled version of Cosmic Gate's live gigs. I have also linked the video of the original version of Back To Earth.

I'm coming from the edge of space, visiting another race. Here is the place of my birth, I'm at home - I'm back to Earth

This is the original version from their 2002 artist album No More Sleep
Back To Earth (original version)


Share your thoughts please--

Trance Around The World - Episode 350

One of my favourite EDM acts -- Above & Beyond -- celebrates 350th episode of their Trance Around The World radio show with 7 hours of non-stop live sets from the likes of Cosmic Gate, Jaytech Super8 & Tab, and Above & Beyond performing live at the L.A. Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

I have pinned myself on the location map as I have been bed-raving and experiencing too much eargasm for this one.

Set list for each djs to-follow... Stand-by...

Meanwhile, do share how your experience was like.