Chris Metcalfe has built a reputation around high energy trance and emotional modern production aimed at the dancefloor. We caught up with him to talk about his sound, how he builds momentum in a set, what he has learned from the road, and where he is taking things next.
First things first, where are you right now, and what does a “normal” day look like when you’re not on a plane or in a DJ booth?
Right now I’m balancing life between the studio, travel, and everyday reality. My days are actually pretty grounded. It usually starts with coffee and the school run, then into the studio and spending a lot of time just listening and absorbing music, I have a weekly DJ residency at a beach club and when I get the chance, golf is my reset. Being out on the course helps clear my head and keeps me focused. That balance between family life, creativity, and switching off is what keeps me sharp when things get busy.
When someone hears a Chris Metcalfe record for the first time, what two elements do you want them to recognize instantly?
I want people to feel something straight away, Strong, memorable melodies paired with driving, purposeful energy is what defines my sound.
When you start a new record, what usually comes first a melody, a groove, a vocal idea, or a feeling?
I usually have a mood in mind before anything musical happens. From there, the melody tends to come first, because that’s what carries the emotion. The groove and sound design are built around it.
You have been releasing music on Armada, FSOE and Subculture for over 15 years, be honest, do you still get that same buzz when a major label email lands in your inbox?
Every time. You never really lose that feeling. Those labels shaped my love for trance, so having music released through them still feels special and motivating.
Ferry Corsten recently voted your track “Spacecraft” as his #2 track of the year on A State of Trance. That’s huge recognition from one of trance’s most influential figures, how did that moment land for you personally and creatively?
Ferry Corsten is a true pioneer of the genre, someone whose music shaped my understanding of trance long before I ever thought about releasing records myself. To have “Spacecraft” recognised at that level, and on A State of Trance, felt amazing.
How do you know a track is truly finished and not just good enough?
When nothing feels like it’s trying to prove a point anymore. If every element has a clear purpose, the energy flows naturally, also, when it works on a proper system, that’s the real test.
Do you test IDs live before release. If so, what are you listening for from the crowd?
Yes, always. Testing IDs live is essential. I’m watching for reactions, energy shifts, and how the crowd responds after the drop, not just in the moment. If a track holds attention and keeps people engaged as it unfolds, that’s usually the sign it’s ready.
Tiesto has been supporting your latest track ‘running man’ that must be a great feeling?
Tiesto was one of the reasons I got into trance over 20 years ago, getting his support is incredibly motivating, there is a huge buzz about him all over the world right now with him starting to play and release trance again, its amazing to have my track played on the first episode of his brand new radio show, my socials exploded when he played it.
You recently confirmed your debut in America at Dreamstate San Francisco on March 6 and 7, 2026. What does that moment mean to you personally?
It means everything, its been one of my main goals so making my debut there at Dreamstate, and with Insomniac feels like a real milestone. It’s something I’ve worked towards for a long time, and it feels incredibly rewarding.
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You are also booked for Beyond Wonderland Southern California on March 27, 2026. What can the crowd expect?
A lot of brand new material, big moments and plenty of uplifting bangers with some classics thrown in
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How are you preparing for US crowds who will be seeing you live for the first time?
I want my sets to represent who I am musically right now, powerful melodies, energetic, and immersive while still being accessible for people discovering my sound for the first time.
What’s the one moment on stage that made you think, “Yep, this is exactly where I’m meant to be”?
Playing one of my own tracks and watching a crowd react to it, no phones, no distractions, just pure energy. Those moments confirm everything.
Festival crowds vs dedicated trance crowds — who scares you more and why?
Festival crowds, in a good way. You havent got as long to grab their attention, so it pushes you to be sharp, confident, and completely present.
When you are releasing frequently, how do you keep quality control consistent?
By being disciplined and honest with myself. Not every finished track needs to be released. I’m very selective about what represents my sound at that moment, and I give myself enough distance to listen objectively before making release decisions. Consistency comes from patience, not speed.
What feels most rewarding to you right now — crowd reaction, DJ support, or seeing records connect online?
Crowd reaction, there’s nothing like seeing a track connect in real time. DJ support and online traction are also very important, but the energy exchange with a crowd is what keeps everything grounded and meaningful.
When you collaborate, what do you look for in a partner creatively?
I look for someone who brings a different way of thinking while still respecting the core of the music. The best collaborations challenge you without pulling the track in too many directions.
When you’re playing in America for the first time, what’s more exciting: the new audience or the pressure to make a statement?
Definitely the new audience. The US has such a passionate trance community, and I’m excited to introduce my sound to people hearing it live for the first time.
You’ve had support from some huge names — whose support made you stop, reread the message, and smile to yourself?
Any time an artist I grew up listening to supports a record, it hits differently. Those are the moments you don’t take for granted
If someone has never heard your music before and is about to see you live at Dreamstate or Beyond Wonderland, what should they expect in one sentence?
High-energy uplifting trance designed to lift the room and keep people moving from start to finish.
You recently delivered a Winter Waveforms 2026 mix for EDM Identity. What did you want that mix to represent about where your sound is right now?
It has a lot of my own tracks on there and some of my current favourites from other artists, I wanted it to feel like a snapshot of where I am right now, melodic, energetic.
One plugin or tool you are using constantly right now?
Serum
A recent personal level-up moment — studio or stage?
Stage. Seeing my own tracks connect in big festivals with mass crowds.
A non-music habit that makes you better as an artist?
Routine. Spending time with family, and switching off properly helps me stay focused.
Finish this sentence — This year I am chasing…
Growth, balance, and living life to the full.
