Jackob Roenald (Ten Questions with...) Exclusive Interview

Jackob Roenald, also known as Jakub Sarnociński, is a producer and DJ hailing from Poland. His journey with electronic music began many years ago, and his passion and talent continuously propel him to the forefront of the trance music scene. Known for his energetic and emotive productions, Jackob has released his tracks on renowned labels such as Vandit Records, Pure Trance, High Voltage Recordings, Nocturnal Knights Fusion, Afterdark, Damaged, Borderline, Monster Tunes, Extrema Global Music, Reason II Rise and many others. Jackob Roenald is also a co-founder of the collective and podcast Victims of Trance. This initiative allows him not only to promote his own tracks but also to support other artists and build a strong community of trance music fans. The Victims of Trance podcast has gained significant popularity, offering listeners regular doses of the latest and most thrilling trance tracks. We invite you to an interview conducted exclusively for Visions Of Trance.

1. What is trance music to you?

For me, trance music is a form of therapy and a space where I can disconnect from everyday life. It's a genre that can convey emotions without words—building tension, releasing it, and leaving the listener with a sense of lightness.

It's this emotional journey that makes me feel better—both as a listener and as a creator.

2. How do you perceive the state of the current trance music scene?

I believe the trance scene is currently in quite good shape. There are many interesting new artists emerging (e.g., 0Gravity, Doppenberg, Aeon Shift, etc.) who bring fresh energy and new sounds. This gives hope for the genre's development.

On the other hand, the phenomenon of ghost production is still prominent. It's nothing new, but it still sparks controversy—especially when producers' hard work is overshadowed and the credit goes to someone else. In my opinion, this is a topic worth openly discussing.

3. What are your goals in producing trance music?

There are several labels I'd like to release my music on, although my portfolio already includes labels like Borderline, Pure Trance, Nocturnal Knights, and Vandit, which I'm really proud of. I also recently received approval from FSOE, so I feel like I'm getting closer to achieving my next goals.

A natural step for me is an international debut – since I produce, release, and DJ, I'd like to take my project beyond Poland.

My dream is to perform at Luminosity Beach Festival and Unkonscious Festival. These events have been shaping the trance scene for years, and it would be a huge honor for me to be a part of them. And as my ambitions grow, we'll see where it takes me.

4. Who was your inspiration for starting producing trance music?

My fascination with trance music began in 2006, when I was 12. That's when I first became interested in producing, although I was still too young to realistically enter that world. At first, Paul van Dyk and "For An Angel" made a huge impression on me – this track showed me the powerful emotions trance can evoke. At the same time, I was inspired by Deadmau5, especially "I Remember." It's a completely different sound, but I felt its melody and atmosphere shared a common thread with trance sensibilities.

Over time, as I became more familiar with the music scene, my biggest inspirations became Activa, Simon Patterson, Aly & Fila, and Lostly – artists who proved to me that trance can be both emotional and uncompromisingly energetic.

5. Which song are you most proud of and why?

It's hard to pinpoint just one track, as several are particularly important to me.

The first is "Illusion" – my third production, created in 2014 and released in early 2015 on Discover Digital. Despite the passage of time, I still return to it because I feel like it was the first time I fully grasped my sonic direction.

The next track is "Our Dimension", a collaboration with Mike Moor. I love the relationship between the atmospheric breakdown and the energy in the main drop—this contrast still gives me goosebumps. At this stage, Michał was still developing as a producer, but his substantive support throughout the creative process had a significant impact on the final shape of the track.

The final track is "Never Forgotten" from 2024, released on Vandit Records. What I particularly appreciate about this production is the melody and the energy it carries—this sound perfectly reflects my current artistic level.

6. Will your future releases be collaborations with other artists? Are you more into solo productions?

I believe that a balance between solo productions and collaborations is key. I currently have a lot of solo material – some is waiting to be released, and some is in the final stages of polishing.

At the same time, I greatly value collaborations, as each collaboration is an exchange of experiences and a fresh perspective on the creative process. Even after 12 years of releasing music, I still approach production with a mindset of growth.

I started this year collaborating with David (Amos & Riot Night) and Mike Moor on the track "Not Afraid," released on Pure Trance Neon. I have further projects planned, including two confirmed collaborations that will see the light of day soon, but I can't reveal the details yet.

7. What inspires you to create trance music?

I try to draw inspiration from various musical genres. My playlists often include liquid drum & bass, chillout, ambient, film music, and even classical music. I try to listen to everything that enriches my sound and my perspective on composing.

Lately, my biggest inspiration is my 3-month-old daughter – her energy and curiosity about the world remind me that music isn't just about sounds, but about emotions and moments that I want to share with listeners. These emotions often shape my songs – their melodies, dynamics, and mood. I like to think of music as a journey, where every influence and sound merges into something unique and full of life.

8. What hardware and software do you use to create trance music?

In terms of equipment, I don't currently use any – due to limited space at home. This may change in the future.

For production, I use FL Studio, Yamaha HS5 studio monitors, Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X headphones, a Motu M2 audio interface, and an Arturia MiniLab MkII MIDI keyboard. When it comes to software, I primarily work with synthesizers like Sylenth1, Spire, Diva, and DUNE. For mixing and effects, I use plugins like FabFilter Pro-Q4, Pro-C2, Valhalla Supermassive, and LFO Tool.

9. How do you perceive the influence of social media on a trance artist's career development?

Social media has become an essential tool in developing a trance artist's career. At the same time, its role often complicates the creative process. Nowadays, artists not only create music—they also have to manage content creation, graphics, communicate with fans, and promote their releases. This is a huge challenge that requires juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.

On the one hand, it's unfortunate because it sometimes distracts from the music itself, but on the other, a lack of social media activity means limited visibility these days. I'm not a huge fan of social media myself, but I've learned to use it in a way that supports my creativity, not replaces it.

10. Finally, what would you like to say to your fans?

I'd like to sincerely thank all my fans for every kind word and support—it truly means a lot to me. I hope we can meet at a festival soon and experience these musical moments together. Thank you for being a part of this journey!