Guava Project (Ten Questions with...) Exclusive interview
Guava Project is Sascha Schwarz & Patrick Schanz from Germany. The guys have released their tracks on labels such as Amsterdam Trance, Reason II Rise Music, We Are Trance, Ablazing Records, State Control Records, Sundance Recordings, Think Trance and many others. They decided to share their impressions about their work in Trance music. I invite you to an interview conducted exclusively for Visions Of Trance.
1. What is trance music to you?
For us, trance music is an emotional journey. It has the unique ability to transport you to both the deepest lows and the highest peaks. What sets trance apart is this magical balance of emotional, uplifting melodies intertwined with energetic beats and driving basslines. It's a genre that captivates through its diversity, offering listeners an unparalleled sonic experience.
2. How do you perceive the current state of the trance music scene?
Some might say, "things were better in the old days." However, when we attend trance events—whether in clubs or at festivals—it's clear that trance continues to be loved deeply by its fans. The scene may have become more intimate, but a smaller crowd does not equate to a lesser experience. In fact, the connection we see among people on the dance floor, enjoying every moment from the first beat to the last, is special. The sense of community is vibrant, with people of all ages—from their 20s to their 60s or beyond—dancing together. It feels more like a close-knit family than a "scene," and that is something truly beautiful.
3. What are your goals in producing trance music?
Our main goal is simple: to make people happy. We want our music to evoke goosebumps and smiles. Creating those moments of joy and connection through music is what drives us. Of course, we also hope to expand our reach with more live gigs, so we can share our music with as many people as possible.
4. Who was your inspiration to start producing trance music?
We fell in love with trance in the late '90s and early 2000s, inspired by legends like Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Talla 2XLC, and Kay Cee, to name a few. Kay Cee’s remix of Binary Finary’s *1999* was particularly influential for us. Our current sound draws heavily from that era, and we still carry that energy and emotion into the music we create today.
5. Which song are you most proud of and why?
Rather than pinpointing one specific track, we're proud of the journey we've undertaken so far. Each production teaches us something new, and seeing so many people resonate with our music is incredibly fulfilling. It’s that ongoing experience of growth and connection that makes us most proud.
6. Will your future releases be collaborations with other artists, or are you focusing on solo productions?
We truly enjoy both approaches. Over the years, we've released solo singles and collaborated with artists and vocalists like Ren Faye and Numa. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline with incredibly talented artists and singers, but you can also expect plenty of solo productions on the horizon. Working solo allows us to fully express our own artistic vision, while collaborations offer a refreshing opportunity to be inspired by other brilliant minds in the industry. It’s always a rewarding experience to blend ideas and create something new together.
7. What inspires you to create trance music?
The music itself and the emotions it allows us to express are our biggest inspirations. Like an artist painting their emotions on a canvas, we channel our feelings into our tracks. We're both highly emotional individuals, and trance is the perfect medium for us to convey what we're experiencing inside.
8. What hardware and software do you use to create trance music?
We use a combination of software and hardware to craft our sound. On the software side, we rely on soft synths like Spire, Sylenth, Dune, Icarus, and Omnisphere, alongside Kontakt for choirs and other instruments. In terms of hardware, we use a Novation key synth for melodies and a Moog Subsequent for bass, along with a hardware DAW controller. This blend allows us to tap into the best of both worlds, merging the flexibility of software with the warmth and depth of hardware.
9. How do you perceive the influence of social media on the career development of a trance artist?
Social media can be a double-edged sword in today’s music industry. While it presents challenges, it also offers immense opportunities. In the past, reaching a broad audience was far more difficult. Today, platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow even emerging artists to gain attention and grow their fanbase. The key is to stay open-minded and make the most of these tools.
10. Finally, what would you like to say to your fans?
We are truly overwhelmed by the incredible support we receive from our fans. It still feels like a dream to know that people are listening to and enjoying the music we love so much. The positive feedback and encouragement we get is deeply meaningful to us, and we couldn’t be more grateful. So, to everyone who listens to and supports our music—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support means the world to us!
