Norwegian star DJ Ørjan Nilsen graced us with his presence at the Technics pop-up studio during Nexus Lounge Amsterdam, leaving everyone eager to see what this trance titan will do next!
Born and raised in the beautiful Norwegian countryside, Ørjan Nilsen didn’t exactly follow the typical path to stardom. Starting his career at 17, he wasn’t just learning the ropes of DJing—he was weaving his own intricate web of sound. Influenced by the likes of Paul van Dyk, Tiësto, and Armin van Buuren, Ørjan quickly found his rhythm and became known for his deep, progressive melodies and energetic build-ups.
One of the standout features of Ørjan Nilsen’s career is his incredible ability to produce music that resonates with fans. From early hits like “Violin” to the infectious “Endymion,” Ørjan has consistently released tracks that become instant classics on the dancefloor. His distinctive sound—a seamless blend of uplifting and progressive trance with an edge of electro—has made him a staple in the trance community.
Then came “Fall Apart.”
The story behind “Fall Apart” began in a studio in Los Angeles, where Ørjan Nilsen and his team worked on a show called Dream State. With artists like Phoebe, Adara, and Brianna Grace present, they knew they wanted to create something unique. The idea was to record something real and raw, something that captured the chaotic state of the world. The lyrics and vocals came together as they discussed how many bad things were happening around them, and they wanted to use the song to send a message about taking personal responsibility. Despite debating whether to keep the tone dark, they ultimately decided that the intensity and shocking nature of the track were necessary to get their message across. “If we don’t keep it dark and a little bit shocking, who’s gonna listen?” the artist reminisced about its production.
Recently, Ørjan Nilsen and Mark Sixma dropped their new music, "Bring Back the Techno", in December! When asked about the track, Ørjan described it as a "weird" track, something unique in its own right. While it doesn't have the same deep, reflective story behind it as "Fall Apart", the track embraces the essence of techno in a fresh way, bringing a high-energy, pulsating vibe that's sure to ignite dancefloors. Both Ørjan and Mark share a love for exploring different sounds, and this collaboration is no exception—it's a return to the raw, driving energy of techno with a modern twist.
Is Ørjan Nilsen the ultimate trance DJ? Well, it’s a bold claim, but it’s hard to argue when you look at his discography, consistency, and ability to electrify crowds worldwide. Whether it’s his seamless mixing, boundary-pushing tracks, or his passion for the music, Ørjan continues to shape the future of trance.
To learn more about Ørjan Nilsen, including his fun stories from touring, listen to our full interview below.
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