Having witnessed the very rise of electronic dance music and continuing to feed its future, is exactly what makes Misja Helsloot one of the stand-out names in the international dance scene. To those who’ve danced during the early days of trance music, he’s a legend. To others, who’ve only just become infatuated with the ever-growing sound and movement of it, he’s a new favorite – taking all the experience he’s got and investing it in a sound that’s sure to stand strong years from now. Misja Helsloot is a key player in the trance scene for nearly 20 years – and who knows, he might just double that number.
Back in the days, when 12 inch was the norm, he stood up and organized his own events, spending all of his money on albums and DJ gear – and became a respected member of the Dutch dance community. With an extensive network and the right stamina, he got the chance to make a quick rise to fame with the first ever ‘In Trance We Trust’ compilation. Having been invited by his friend, a certain DJ Tiësto, to compile and mix it, and have it released on Black Hole Recordings, was the first step to years of touring, travelling from mainstage to prime time, at massive events like Trance Energy, Impulz and Dance Valley, Nature One, Zurich’s Street Parade, Hyperstate and Rotterdam’s Fast Forward Parade. Misja became one of the banner names of trance, flying the flag alongside Tiësto, Ferry Corsten and Armin van Buuren – touching down for gigs in Australia, Asia, the Middle East and all across Europe. The inner music junkie fueling Misja’s passion roared, as the crowds screamed for more.
He never let it get to his head though. Anyone who’s ever met the guy in person will agree; Misja’s a level-headed guy, social and open – always up for a good laugh. When it comes to music, he’s sure to do some serious business. In the past 2 decades, he’s owned three different record labels – Gesture Music, First Second and Create Records. His first solo single ‘First Second’ was heavily supported by guys like Paul van Dyk – followed by sure-shots ‘Blue Monkey’, ‘Back Tracking’ and ‘Back From Your Past’. Releases on GO On Air Recordings, Defqon Records, Black Hole and Cloud 9 Recordings kept his name in demand, with worldwide promoters eager to book him. However, it was 2006 when Misja decided to revive his skills as an event promoter, organizing his very own and beloved Create events – sure to bring up some fond memories for several generations of trance lovers. In 2009, he finally found the time to focus on his studio work – with his debut album ‘All Inclusive’ brought to life – including collabs with Signum, Sied van Riel and Leon Bolier. Ten years later, his second artist album dropped – the aptly named ‘What The Helsloot’. Featuring a collection of solo work, as well as collabs with the likes of Xijaro & Pitch, Fred Baker, Woody van Eyden, Lumin-8, AxelPolo and vocalists Natalie Gioa and Cari – the album marks another highlight in Misja’s career.
Throughout the years, Misja has kept the trance flame going through releases on labels like Future Sound of Egypt, Universal Nation, In Trance We Trust and Armada Music, earning him a stage at massive shows like A State of Trance, Electronic Family and Luminosity Beach Festival. Looking back, it all led to the launch of his Open To Close concept – kicking off in Amsterdam’s Dhoem Dhaam in 2017, followed by editions in The Hague, Prague (CZ) and Bergen (NO). Next up on Misja’s Open To Close agenda will be November 11th, at Paard, The Hague – a night in collaboration with long-time friend and trance powerhouse Sean Tyas. Misja’s unique way of musical storytelling – travelling from the deep, heavy bass of progressive to a ballsy techno outburst, all the way on to a wondrous, uplifting trance melody – makes a Misja Helsloot set best enjoyed from start to end. Sharing musical synergy – ever focussed on energy, movement and impact, this all-nighter is bound to be another one for the books.
Currently taking a side-step to progressive through his collaborative Hel:sløwed project with Michael de Kooker, as well as having joined the Grotesque family as the official A&R manager – Misja shows to ever follow the unstoppable drive that guides him in his career. Taken by an energy that’s relentless, you won’t be seeing Misja resting on his laurels anytime soon. Our advice? Keep an eye out, you never know when the next Misja Helsloot original, remix or night hits in.