Simon Patterson: Biography, Discography and More | EDM Encyclopedia

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Introduction

Simon Patterson is a British trance electronic music artist and DJ. Active since 2009, Patterson has maintained a consistent presence in the European trance scene for over a decade. His career began with his first confirmed release in 2009, and he continues to produce and release music into 2022.

Hailing from Great Britain, Patterson emerged during a period when the UK trance scene was experiencing significant growth. His early output quickly established him within the genre, leading to multiple album releases and compilation appearances throughout the 2010s and beyond.

Patterson’s work spans album-length compilations, collaborative mixes, and standalone EP releases. His discography reflects partnerships with other artists in the trance community, including a notable collaboration with Photographer on a 2014 mix album. Over his career, he has contributed to several established mix series within the electronic music landscape.

With confirmed releases dating from 2009 through 2022, Patterson demonstrates a sustained output that has kept him relevant within his genre. His body of work includes contributions to well-known compilation brands and series that circulate within the global trance EDM community.

Genre and Style

Simon Patterson operates within the trance electronic music genre. His style aligns with the high-energy, melody-driven approach characteristic of European trance production. Patterson’s mixing and compilation work suggests a focus on seamless transitions and extended DJ-friendly arrangements.

The trance Sound

Patterson’s approach to trance emphasizes driving rhythms and layered synthesizer work. His selections as a DJ and compiler favor tracks that build tension and release, a hallmark of trance music’s emotional resonance. The tempo range in his work generally sits within the upper bounds of trance, reflecting the faster, more intense style popular in European clubs and festivals.

His collaborative output, including work with Photographer, indicates a style rooted in the harder, faster end of the trance spectrum. This is further evidenced by his association with the “138 BPM” movement within trance, which prioritizes higher tempos and aggressive sound design while maintaining melodic elements.

Patterson’s style bridges classic trance sensibilities with modern production techniques. His compilations often feature a blend of established names and emerging artists, reflecting a curator’s ear for both dancefloor functionality and emotional impact. The progression from his earlier compilations in 2009 and 2010 to his later work in 2020 and 2022 shows a consistent commitment to trance music’s core principles.

Key Releases

Simon Patterson’s confirmed album releases span over a decade. His earliest confirmed album, Trance Awards 2009 Euphoria, arrived in 2009. The year brought Techno Club, Volume 32 in 2010.

  • Trance Awards 2009 Euphoria
  • Techno Club, Volume 32
  • Full On Fluoro, Vol. 01
  • Who’s Afraid of 138?! (Mixed by Simon Patterson & Photographer)
  • VII Vol. II

Discography Highlights

In 2013, Patterson released Full On Fluoro, Vol. 01. A collaborative project one followed in 2014: Who’s Afraid of 138?! (Mixed by Simon Patterson & Photographer). This release connected Patterson to the faster-tempo trance movement.

Patterson’s next confirmed album, VII Vol. II, appeared in 2020. His latest confirmed release is the Red & Black EP, which arrived in 2022 and represents his only confirmed EP in the provided discography.

The discography breaks down as follows:

Albums: Trance Awards 2009 Euphoria (2009), Techno club, Volume 32 (2010), Full On Fluoro, Vol. 01 (2013), Who’s Afraid of 138?! (Mixed by Simon Patterson & Photographer) (2014), VII Vol. II (2020).

EPs: Red & Black EP (2022).

These releases document Patterson’s involvement with multiple compilation series and confirm his activity from 2009 through 2022 as a consistent presence in trance music.

Famous Tracks

Simon Patterson operates as a British electronic music artist specializing in trance. His discography includes notable compilation albums that highlight his specific approach to mixing and track selection. In 2009, Patterson released the compilation album Trance Awards 2009 Euphoria. This release captured the energy of the late 2000s trance scene, providing listeners with a curated snapshot of the era’s favored sounds and sequencing techniques. By carefully layering these selections, Patterson demonstrated an ability to control the pacing of a continuous mix in a studio environment.

Building on this momentum, the year saw the arrival of another major project. In 2010, he contributed to the long-running mix series with Techno Club, Volume 32. This installment allowed Patterson to showcase his skills in blending high-energy electronic music, bridging various shades of trance and harder dance music. The mix serves as a recorded representation of his capabilities behind the decks during this specific period of his career. Rather than focusing solely on ambient soundscapes, these compilations emphasize driving rhythms and precise transitions. They reflect the specific stylistic preferences Patterson brings to his studio mixes, focusing on tension and release. Through these two releases, Patterson established a clear sonic identity that resonated within the British trance community, setting the foundation for his subsequent projects.

Live Performances

Translating studio mixes to the stage, Simon Patterson cultivated a distinct presence as a live DJ. His performances are characterized by high tempo counts and relentless energy, traits heavily documented in his recorded mixes. In 2013, Patterson captured this specific atmosphere with the release of Full On Fluoro, Vol. 01. This compilation functions as a direct reflection of his club sets during the early 2010s, showcasing a fast-paced, acid and psytrance-influenced style. The album provides a window into how Patterson structures his sets, focusing on maintaining a continuous driving force. The sequencing on this volume illustrates his method of reading a dancefloor, even when translating that energy into a studio recording.

Notable Shows

Patterson further explored this high-speed approach with a collaborative effort the year. In 2014, he partnered with the artist Photographer for the compilation Who’s Afraid of 138?! (Mixed by Simon Patterson & Photographer). This release is directly tied to the faster end of the trance spectrum, explicitly referencing the 138 beats per minute benchmark in its title. The collaboration highlights the synergy between two EDM artists pushing the upper limits of the genre’s tempo. By combining their track selections, they demonstrated how live sets can prioritize speed and rhythmic density without losing melodic structure. These projects serve as clear examples of Patterson’s live performance ethos: prioritizing velocity, precise layering, and an unyielding pace.

Why They Matter

Simon Patterson maintains his relevance in the electronic music landscape through consistent output and adaptability. His significance lies in his commitment to the harder and faster edges of the trance genre, refusing to dilute his sound as broader trends shift toward slower tempos. The year 2020 marked a notable milestone in his career with the release of VII Vol. II. This compilation aligns Patterson with a distinct collective of artists dedicated to a specific vision of the genre’s future. By contributing to this volume, he reinforced his standing within the international club circuit, proving his ability to curate and mix music that fits contemporary environments while retaining his signature sonic intensity. The release serves as a clear marker of his endurance in a highly competitive field.

Impact on trance

His continued evolution as a producer is equally evident in his approach to original music. In 2022, Patterson released the Red & Black EP. This project allowed him to explore different textural elements within his production work, dividing the release into two distinct aesthetic themes. The EP format provided the necessary space to experiment with darker, more aggressive basslines alongside precise synthesizer arrangements. This dual approach highlights his versatility within the confines of a specific genre. Patterson’s career matters because he represents a specific strand of British electronic music that prioritizes physical impact and rhythmic speed. From his early awards compilations to his recent extended plays, he provides a consistent listening experience that caters to audiences seeking out highly energetic dance music.

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