When Real Progressive is mixed with Balearic Vibes you get a sound that is simply “So Serene”!
Lasting impacts on the Trance market are not easy accomplishments, but this week’s Throwback Thursday producer, Mark Otten, did just that with a series of seminal releases in 2004 and 2005 like “So Serene”.
Trance circa 2005 was a more diverse fare in my opinion. It was the year that Armin van Buuren released the incredible Shivers album, the year before Above & Beyond released Tri-State, the year A State Of Trance hit its 200th episode (unthinkable how huge that milestone was back then), the year after Tiësto released Just Be. For a Trance fan, it was a divine period of opportunity and growth with Tech Trance, Progressive Trance, and Uplifting Trance all playing major parts throughout the scene. You’d hear Trance dropped in House sets, Techno sets, and could find it in all major areas of the scene.
As such, you also found Trance at its most stunning during this period. So Serene captures this beautifully: long-form journey focused music you can absolutely meditate to. Mark Otten’s perfection at crafting the track is apparent in the details – the percussion lines are insatiably Balearic, the melody lines playful subtle in the stunning piano, and that swelling backdrop of strings and pads just wrap the ears in the warmth of the sun at the shoreline in Summer. Be ready for the journey on this ten-minute excursion.
Check out Mark Otten – So Serene (Original Mix) on YouTube:
Mark hung up the production and DJ skills for a period of years within the industry, focusing on other ventures, but came back into the fold in 2015. Today he not only produces and disc-jockeys again, he acts as a music production coach as well. Some of this Trance producers former students might surprise you but include: Martin Garrix, Julian Jordan, Firebeatz, Maduk, and more. If you are serious about learning the trade, you may want to reach out to Mark, as he’s picking up students again when this post first published.
For details on Mark’s efforts as a production coach and to take advantage of the possibility, check the details in the post below from Facebook:
Follow Mark Otten on Social Media:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
