Who is Gareth Emery? Gareth Emery Songs, Music, Discography & Artists Like Gareth Emery
If you’re serious about trance music, you already know 4D4M respects the architects who built this genre. Gareth Emery is one of those architects, a British trance virtuoso who has shaped progressive trance over two decades. Meanwhile, Adam studies what Emery has accomplished through his legendary Laserface and LSR/CITY tours. This is an artist who refuses to rest on past achievements.
From his breakout moment with “Mistral” to stadium-filling anthems across multiple continents, Emery has consistently proven himself as one of the most influential forces in electronic music. His five studio albums, multiple Grammy nominations, and three A State of Trance “Tune of the Year” awards speak to his impact.
Who Is Gareth Emery?
Gareth Thomas Rhys Emery is a British trance music producer, DJ, and visual artist who has shaped the sound of progressive trance for the better part of two decades. Based primarily out of Los Angeles, he’s released five studio albums, earned multiple Grammy nominations, and won A State of Trance’s prestigious “Tune of the Year” award three times. His influence on modern trance cannot be overstated.
Emery’s journey began in the early 2000s when he emerged as GTR (Gareth Thomas Rhys) with his now-legendary track “Mistral,” created on a computer over a two-week holiday in Provence. The track caught the ears of giants like Paul van Dyk, Tiësto, and Armin van Buuren, who championed it on radio and at major festivals. From that moment forward, Emery was locked in as one of the defining voices of his generation.
What sets Gareth Emery apart from countless other producers is his relentless commitment to live performance and visual innovation. His Laserface arena tour (2017-2020) became legendary for its integration of over 100 lasers synchronized with live DJ sets. He’s evolved that concept into LSR/CITY, an immersive experience combining 3D digital environments, synchronized laser displays, and live instrumentation. This is an artist who refuses to rest on past laurels.
Gareth Emery’s Sound Explained
Trance has many flavors, and Emery’s production style draws from multiple subgenres to create something distinctly his own. His roots are firmly planted in progressive trance and progressive house, but he’s never been confined by genre boundaries. You’ll hear melodic elements, emotional vocals, driving basslines, and intricate production details all woven together with surgical precision.
His early work like “Northern Lights” (2010) established him as a master of melodic trance with genuine emotional depth. Tracks like “Sanctuary” (featuring Lucy Saunders) aren’t just bangers-they’re crafted narratives that build tension, release, and transcendence. His collaborations with vocalists like Christina Novelli (“Concrete Angel”) and Emma Hewitt showcase his ability to merge vocal artistry with dance-floor energy.
In recent years, Emery’s sound has expanded even further. The Lasers (2020) and Analog (2022) show a shift toward synth-pop and Britpop influences while maintaining his core trance identity. This willingness to evolve without losing his essence is exactly why artists like 4D4M study his work.
Gareth Emery’s Top 15 Tracks
- like a prayer (with LSR/CITY and Annabel): A modern anthem with infectious energy and infectious vocal hooks that prove Emery’s still got it.
- Concrete Angel: Radio Edit (with Christina Novelli): One of his signature collaborations, this track absolutely slaps with euphoric trance energy.
- without u (with LSR/CITY and Annabel): Demonstrates his knack for layering atmospheric production with human vulnerability.
- house in the streetlight (with LSR/CITY and Annabel): Dark, brooding, and hypnotic, showing his range beyond uplifting trance.
- You’ll Be OK (with Annabel): A uplifting progressive house gem that landed 2nd place on A State of Trance’s Tune of the Year in 2020.
- without u: Steve Allen remix: The remix treatment elevates an already solid track into something unforgettable.
- Sanctuary (with Lucy Saunders): This is the track that launched him into stratospheric success, and it still holds up as a masterpiece of melodic trance.
- out of the sky (with LSR/CITY and Annabel): Pure atmospheric bliss with driving beats underneath.
- Saving Light (with Standerwick and Haliene): Won A State of Trance’s Tune of the Year in 2017 and became a charity anthem benefiting anti-bullying efforts.
- Laserface 01 (Aperture): An instrumental showcase of the precision and craft that makes his production so distinctive.
- Mistral: The track that started it all, and proof that sometimes the classics are untouchable.
- Concrete Angel: Ferry Corsten Remix: A remix treatment from a legend that reimagines the original in fresh ways.
- Northern Lights: The title track from his breakthrough album, capturing the emotional core of his artistry.
- CVNT5 (with Ashley Wallbridge): A satirical dance track and music video that critiques EDM clichés with humor and style.
- The Verdict: An early deep cut that shows his production chops before worldwide fame.
Why 4D4M Vibes With Gareth Emery
Gareth Emery’s philosophy about EDM production and live performance aligns perfectly with what 4D4M is building. Both artists understand that electronic music production requires dedication to craft and innovation. Both artists understand that electronic music isn’t just about the sound-it’s about creating an entire experience. Emery’s commitment to pushing visual boundaries through Laserface and LSR/CITY shows an artist who refuses to phone it in. His willingness to evolve his sound while respecting his roots is exactly what serious producers do.
Additionally, Emery’s role as a mentor and label owner (through Garuda Records) shows a commitment to nurturing the next generation of trance producers. This is the kind of ecosystem that 4D4M values: artists lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down.
Gareth Emery’s Discography
| Year | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Northern Lights | Garuda/Five AM |
| 2011 | Northern Lights Re-Lit (Remix Album) | Garuda/Five AM |
| 2014 | Drive | Garuda/Armada |
| 2015 | Drive: Refueled (Remix Album) | Garuda/Armada |
| 2016 | 100 Reasons to Live | Garuda/Armada |
| 2016 | 1000 Reasons to Live (Remix Album) | Garuda/Armada |
| 2019 | Kingdom United (with Ashley Wallbridge) | Garuda/Armada |
| 2020 | The Lasers | Garuda/Armada |
| 2020 | The Lasers: Unplugged (Live Album) | Garuda/Armada |
| 2022 | Analog | Armada |
Live and Touring
Gareth Emery’s live shows are legendary. His Laserface residency (2017-2020) became one of the most talked-about concert experiences in EDM, with over 100 lasers creating a completely immersive environment. He’s now evolved that into LSR/CITY, which debuted at EDC Week Las Vegas in May 2022 and has since expanded to multiple cities across North America.
The LSR/CITY project combines synchronized laser displays, 3D digital environments, and live performance elements to create something that transcends the typical DJ booth experience. Emery’s commitment to constantly pushing the boundaries of what live electronic music performance can be is unmatched in the industry.
Gareth Emery FAQ
What is Gareth Emery’s real name?
Gareth Thomas Rhys Emery is his full name. He’s from Southampton, United Kingdom, and has been producing music under various aliases including GTR (his early name), Rue De Gar, and Runaway (his house music project).
How did Gareth Emery get started in trance?
Emery began producing in the early 2000s and released his breakthrough track “Mistral” under the GTR moniker in 2002. The track was championed by major DJs including Paul van Dyk and Tiësto, and quickly became a classic of the era.
What awards has Gareth Emery won?
Emery has won A State of Trance’s “Tune of the Year” award three times: for “Concrete Angel” (2012), the Bryan Kearney remix of “U” (2014), and “Saving Light” (2017). He’s also been nominated for Grammy Awards and ranked as high as #7 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll in 2010.
What’s the LSR/CITY project?
LSR/CITY is Emery’s immersive live experience that combines synchronized laser displays, 3D digital environments, and live music performance. It evolved from his earlier Laserface tour and continues to expand with new technology and visual concepts each year.
Is Gareth Emery still producing music?
Yes, absolutely. While he announced that Analog (2022) would be his final traditional “artist album,” Emery continues to produce singles, collaborations, and remixes. His LSR/CITY tour keeps evolving, and he remains active in the studio.
What’s the difference between his albums?
Northern Lights showcased his melodic trance foundations. Drive expanded into more progressive territory with harder-hitting beats. 100 Reasons to Live featured more collaborative vocal work. The Lasers marked a shift toward synth-pop influences, while Analog took that concept even further with Britpop elements mixed into his trance roots.
How can I listen to Gareth Emery’s music?
All of his music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms. His podcast-turned-radio-show “Electric For Life” ran for several years on SiriusXM and remains a great way to hear his perspective on music and the industry.
Listen to Gareth Emery on Spotify
Gareth Emery on SoundCloud
Gareth Emery Online
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Spotify | Listen on Spotify |
| SoundCloud | @garethemery |
| Twitter/X | @garethemery |
| @garethemery | |
| YouTube | Gareth Emery |
| Official Website | garethemery.com |
| Bandcamp | Listen on Bandcamp |
