Introduction Utrecht-based Trance Induction is a project of former philosophy and artificial intelligence student Tjeerd Verbeek [1968], who left university for a career in dance music. Since 1990 Verbeek has been developing his own eclectic style - an original blend of acidhouse, ambient, techno, world music, breakbeats and industrial new wave. Especially the latter influence can be heard on Trance Induction's debut 12" 'Mindflower', released on Dutch underground label Djax-Up-Beats in 1991. After a second release on Djax - the 'Organic Floppy Disco' EP - in 1992, Verbeek signed to Dutch Play It Again Sam's techno offshoot Prime. This resulted in the release of 'Flexible Format/New Age Heart core' later that year and the 'Advanced Sonic Rituals' EP early 1993, featuring a remix of 'Robogroove' by Maarten van der Vleuten [R&S, Djax]. Recognition in the UK The track 'New Age Heartcore' was picked up by prominent British DJ's like Andrew Weatherall and Darren Emerson, and also drew the attention of UK label Guerilla, which put it on their compilation 'Narcosis'. Weatherall introduced Verbeek to the makers of Volume, who selected the track 'N' to be on their first Trance Europe Express issue, which sold over 60.000 copies. At the releaseparty held at Heaven in London, Verbeek joined British tribal band The Drum Club to add guitar improvisations to their live set. In december 1993 Guerilla put out the 'Context Control' EP, which was received very well by both the press and club DJ's. One particular track, 'Extra Terrestrial Welcome Song', a happy housey track based on a romantic seventies orchestra sample, immediately became a clubhit throughout Europe, got a second release on Italian label UMM and was licenced to many compilations. Tjeerd Verbeek [Photo by Jan Schreurs, 1995] 'Neerlandsch Fabrikaat' [old Dutch for 'Made in Holland'] is the title of the sixth Trance Induction EP. It combines oriental melodies and percussion with the deep and trancey sounds of analogue bass synthesizers. First Album Trance Induction's first full length album, 'Electrickery', contains 11 very different tracks, which range from trance to ambient to indie techno. It represents both the past and future, and shows the development of Verbeek's music. Spiced with eastern melodies, smoothly distorted guitar riffs and unusual sampling, it explores the spiritual side of contemporary dance, clearly illustrated in tracks like 'Nada Brahma' and 'New Age Heartcore'. On the singles following 'Electrickery', Trance Induction's sound shifts towards a crossover of European techno with New York club. A more DJ-friendly production style, groovier rhythms and higher sound quality, were brought about by better studio facilities and starting to DJ. Live In 1995 Verbeek decided to take his music into the clubs with the help of Sander Friedeman [aka DJ Zero One, Random XS and DJ Safri]. They developed a live performance and combined it with 2 DJ sets; thus creating a whole clubnight with which they toured the Dutch clubs. Find more in the live section. The Utrecht club scene with its emerging "Utreg sound" continued to influence both his music and DJing style. The eclectic atmosphere in "de Vrije Vloer" [and later "PLF"] created by DJ's like Dub, Carlton and DNA [Urban Dance Squad] , inspired Verbeek to write many tracks. Second album After this tour Verbeek left Prime in 1996 and founded his own label Desert Rose industries. Later that year, the second Trance Induction album 'Nano Magic' saw the light of day. This album incorporates ambient, electro, drum 'n bass, triphop and techno in a non-stop journey through various moods and rhythms. Trance Induction's live reputation grew. In 1997 Verbeek and Friedeman played many clubs and parties, together with DJ's like Kris Needs, Alex Reece and Jeff Mills. Break At the moment Tjeerd Verbeek is taking a break, after having spent seven years creating music and performing. He is looking for a new musical direction, while studying t'ai chi [Chinese martial art] and becoming a professional website designer and information architect. Trance Induction is no longer doing live performances. The third Trance Induction album is scheduled for 2012. Other projects Over the years Verbeek has released several other records under different names, sometimes together with other people. Find more information about them on the other projects page. Drugs The belief that higher states of conciousness, like ecstasy, can be achieved without the use of drugs, plays an important part in the formation of his music. Tjeerd Verbeek doesn't drink, smoke or use any other drugs.