The Enigmatic Legacy of Ed Lynam: Unveiling the Mystique of a Trance Scene Icon

In the realm of trance music, there exists a luminary whose presence is felt not only in the pulsating beats and harmonious melodies but also in the very essence of the scene itself. Ed Lynam, a DJ, producer, and promoter of enigmatic caliber, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the trance landscape, particularly in Ireland and the UK.

Ed Lynam

With a career spanning legendary trance events worldwide, such as the Ministry of Sound, Godskitchen, and Goodgreef, Ed Lynam stands as a beacon of unwavering dedication to the genre. His reverence for both the old school vibes and modern innovations manifests in his seamless mixes and immaculate productions, bridging the gap between tradition and evolution in the trance scene.

At the heart of Ed Lynam's outreach lies the Adrenalin Sessions radio show, a platform that reaches millions of avid listeners across the globe. Through this show, he not only showcases established artists but also provides a spotlight for emerging talents, nurturing a diverse and vibrant trance community.

The Adrenalin Sessions events curated by Ed Lynam further solidify his commitment to keeping the scene alive and thriving. These events are a harmonious blend of familiar faces and fresh talents, creating an electrifying atmosphere where music transcends boundaries and unites trance enthusiasts worldwide.

Ed Lynam's influence extends far beyond the music itself; it permeates the very soul of the trance culture. His expertise and passion have not only propelled him to the forefront of the industry but have also inspired countless individuals to embrace the euphoria of trance music.

As we delve deeper into the enigmatic legacy of Ed Lynam, we uncover a narrative that transcends time and space, intertwining the past, present, and future of trance music in a symphony of melodies and rhythms. His unwavering commitment to authenticity and creativity serves as a guiding light for aspiring artists and devoted fans alike.

Ed Lynam

In a world where trends come and go, Ed Lynam stands as a steadfast pillar of the trance community, a living testament to the enduring power of music to touch hearts and souls. Through his creative endeavors and relentless pursuit of excellence, he continues to redefine the boundaries of trance music, keeping the spirit of the scene alive and pulsating with energy. Here is our exclusive interview with Ed Lynam.

Treavor

First of all, I want to express my gratitude for this interview, Ed. You've graced every major and legendary trance club and event worldwide. How did you achieve this feat? Do you have a favorite event among them all? And what stands out as your most memorable experience during your tours?

Ed Lynam

Well, I wouldn’t say I’ve played at all of them now! There are still Dreamstate, EDC, Luminosity, Beach Festival, and Amnesia Ibiza high on my still-to-play list. But hopefully, I’ll get there. Funnily enough, August is just gone, I did Nature One Festival in Germany and Zurich Street Parade in two weekends in a row. Two major festivals in mainland Europe. It was quite a buzz to do those. Street Parade especially, as the way the festival is run you get to play to so many people.

Treavor

Your DJ skills are amazing. What inspired you to become a DJ? Who were your early and current influences?

Ed Lynam

I used to live in Ibiza in the 00s and I think it was my 2nd summer, that a work colleague at the restaurant I was at convinced me to take it up. So I started a DJ course in Newcastle in the winter of 2006, and with that, my DJ career started. I’d say early influences would be the likes of Judge Jules, Eddie Halliwell, and Carl Cox (Carl is still the best DJ in the world for me, hands down). But current acts such as Scot Project, Indecent Noise, and Bryan Kearney still are great DJs to watch. I’ve shared the lineup with all three of those in the past, so great to be alongside those greats.

Treavor

While Germany may have originated trance, Ireland and the UK are considered the genre's true home. Despite the challenges of club and festival closures, the music scene in this region has persevered. How has the recent state of the music scene impacted the underground scene in your part of the world?

Ed Lynam

There’s no real easy answer to that. The Dutch would also answer they come up with trance, but who knows! For promoters overall, the costs for everything have gone up. Venue hire, DJ fees, production, and insurance (that’s a real bastard at the moment). For festivals, if you have a reasonable amount of financial backing you can survive and run an event well. And overall trance ravers prefer to limit their time more wisely to going out. So, festivals are going to win out over nightclubs. Nightclubs are going through a serious dry patch. But it’s not a complete problem. We still run three Adrenalin Sessions events here in Dublin during the winter months and we’re getting people more and more interested in our events and style.

Treavor

You are among the dedicated promoters/DJs striving to keep the trance scene thriving in Ireland. What challenges does the scene face, and how do you and other promoters overcome them?

Ed Lynam

Well as I alluded to before. The festivals cropping up are an issue, so that’s four or five months a year you can’t really operate. We also have significant events which are happening in the UK which attract a lot of people from Ireland. Such as Rong or Trance Sanctuary. So, we have to be smart to avoid clashing with them too. At the moment, the other promoters in Dublin are recalibrating their output. So, whilst my brand is not alone in Dublin, we seem to be the only ones lucky enough to have repeat custom with a venue that likes to keep us. Which in Dublin is very tricky to do, so hopefully we can keep going and keep growing. Whilst I also wish for other brands such as Trance Army and Trance8 to start outputting events again very soon.

Treavor

Adrenalin Session is one of the most popular Trance Radio shows worldwide. How important are these underground sessions and what role do they play in the local scene in Ireland?

Ed Lynam

The radio show has always been the backbone for what I do as a DJ. And I’m grateful for the listeners it gets around the world. The show is important, to me anyway, to showcase the latest tracks that I’m enjoying and give the artists exposure. Our guest DJs do range from well-established names to new acts making their way into the scene. So, I like keeping the show as varied as I can. We’re celebrating 200 episodes in May next year and we’re aiming to do some live broadcasts in Ireland, the UK, and possibly the USA!

Treavor

You often feature guest DJs on your Adrenalin Session show. Anyone we should keep an eye out for? 

Ed Lynam

The show is only on once a month, so whoever is on that month, just tune in. I tend to have DJs who are due to appear at an Adrenalin Sessions event (who haven’t been on the show before) For example this month, we have Binary Finary on guest mix duties, as the Friday after the show goes out, we have our event in Dublin with Binary Finary headlining.

Treavor

Techno has incorporated many elements from trance. Trance can be seen as the lifeline that has revitalized the music industry. Where do you think the trance genre will be in the next ten years? Most dance genres don’t survive a decade, yet trance has thrived for over thirty years. Why do you think that is?

Ed Lynam

Techno and Trance have always had a symbiotic relationship to me, so it’s no surprise that’s happening. Would be ace to blend the lineups with the two genres a little more, but perhaps in time that could happen. I would like that in the future. To be honest, I think most dance genres survive, but their level of survival is different. There are still plenty of electro events and even DubStep around, which might not be in its heyday, but still, plenty of good DJs and producers still doing their thing. Different tastes, I guess.

Treavor

You are recognized for your hard trance-style productions. What was your initial process in music production?

Ed Lynam

It took me a while to get into production. And to be honest I still am trying to get into it. It’s a never-ending journey of discovery. It’s fun to do. But even the best producers have their bad days in the studio.

Treavor

Your new singles "La Cuarenta," "The Remedy," and "Ephedrine" are gaining global attention. The tracks feature high-energy trance with a blend of hard trance and euphoric breaks and leads. What inspires you when writing music?

Ed Lynam

There are loads of good tracks out at the moment, which I hear and wish I had made. So I take an influence from them and try to put an Ed Lynam twist on it with a remix. Or if I like a particular structure and so on. It’s hard to pinpoint anything in particular that inspires me. I find remixes easier to come up with than originals obviously.

Treavor

You recently collaborated on a remix of "Comic Strip" with Orla Feeney, whom I'm a huge fan of. How did that collaboration come about and what was the process like?

Ed Lynam

I’m good friends with Orla, so I did this remix as a gift to her really. The process was fairly straightforward, as I knew from day one I wanted a long breakdown and long build. It needed to be twisted into the tech trance sound as the original was. And sure enough, it was mastered and then released on Auditory Recordings this summer.

Treavor

You've been doing this for almost 20 years. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

Ed Lynam

With more grey hair I suspect! Haha! At the moment I do around 20-25 gigs a year (this year being an exception due to my three months off) and any more for me, might be a little too much. Less is more sometimes. Hopefully, I will have ticked off a few more events and locations on my bucket list!

Treavor

Finally, how has becoming a father impacted your life? Any last words for aspiring trance producers and DJs? 

Ed Lynam

It’s certainly made me appreciate my life and the lives of those important to me more. And I came to the realization that, and I’d happily advise any up-and-comers this; make time for yourself and your family. There are plenty of DJs and artists who have a relentless schedule, and whilst of course, it’s fun. It’s more important to make sure you have your time off and to enjoy important moments that are personal to you.

In conclusion, Ed Lynam's contribution to the trance scene transcends mere artistry; it embodies a spirit of resilience, innovation, and boundless passion. His journey through the realms of music serves as a testament to the transformative power of sound and the enduring legacy of those who dare to dream beyond conventions.