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International Breakthrough in ITALY

The Italian trance scene started to develop in the mid-90's, after a bunch of young people made their first trips to Goa, and began to attend some parties in Switzerland. It is hard to accurately identify where the first party took place in Italy, but it was most likely Milan, or even Bologna, cities where the trance scene was having its momentum.

In Milan, the group Con:tact, was mainly in charge of organizing "soirées" and nice indoor parties relying on internationally renowned artists, while in Bologna, we witnessed the blossom of several groups (among others: Space Spices, Jolly Group, etc.) that organized Open Air events in locations such as the hills of the Emilia Romagna region and Tuscany.

During the following years (and just like it uses to happen) these groups split and some of their former members created new teams intended to carry on with the work already started, but going on new paths. Amongst the teams of higher relevance, we find: Goaspirit, Electronic Brain, Psyconauti, Trancemission, Looney Moon, Veleno staff, Crystal Vision.

Currently, several parties take place every weekend, nonetheless, it becomes necessary to be aware and know the organization behind them, in order to be sure to identify a high-quality event; notwithstanding the above, last year it took place the SONICA Festival (the first real Italian trance festival ever) organized by Neurobiotic Records, which draw the attention and brought people from all over the world, finally meaning that a -small- door has been opened for Italy to enter the world trance scene. Sonica will be held again in 2006 (July 21-24).

Furthermore, other events take place year after year: the SUNEXPLOSION and BOLOGNA'S STREET PARADE. This last is an Italian version (focused on antiproihibition) of the Berlin Love-Parade, with psy mobile stages all around the city.

In Italy we count with good djs, who made a name for themselves based on their ability to choose and mix, like: Garo, Young, Santiago, Kaio, Meko, Tommy, Josko, Nicholas, Edoardo, Peyo, Fog, Maitake, Eve, Piero.

Other good artists are: Golikem, Pineal, Alion, Pulsar, Hyrani, etc

Regarding the “deko” aspect, we identify outstanding teams like: Electronic Brain, Atlantix Tribe, Neurosis, Moon Flowers, PsyFly Project, and above of them all: Paramatma Family, which is the leading one.

When speaking about labels, the top ones are: Neurobiotic Records, Magma Records, Inpsyde Media Records, Pixan Records, Solarsiv Records,etc.

It is important to highlight that the trance scene in Italy is moving towards two different directions in parallel: the first one is inspired by the international psytrance mood, willing to evolve based on the music, while the second one keeps on being focused on low-quality events, relying on obsolete music (minimalist and non-psy), attracting an extremely young fanbase, who do not really know and appreciate the pure psytrance sound and just look forward to gather and have fun.

We are confident that the whole trance movement will grow and improve more and more. We are supported by great teams, good djs and emerging artists: in a not so distant future, we will count with a strong trance scene, recognized worldwide.

Facts

Population: 56 millions - Capital: Roma
Situated in Mediterranean Europe, Italy is favored by a great deal of variety in its landscape, with majestic mountains of extraordinary beauty, placid lakes, idyllic islands, splendid art cities and wonderful walled villages.
The great artistic legacy of Italy, unequalled anywhere in the world, is distributed throughout the major cities and their famous museums and there is maybe no Italian city which does not contain some share of this wealth of art.
An ideal climate, plus friendly people, good accommodation and a gentle lifestyle make Italy more than a worthwhile destination.
Unfortunately, we witness that in several occasions, parties and similar events are banned due to the fact that people attending these parties may incur in the abuse of substances forbidden by the Italian legislation; most recently a new law has been voted, stating that there is no distinction between possessing hard or soft drugs. Severe penalties are laid down by law .