progressive trance
what it is
Today, the term "progressive" when used to describe dance music typically refers to the structure of a track which changes incrementally, though there are other uses for the term: progressive trance usually refers to a type of trance music that features a less prominent lead melody and focuses more on atmosphere. This trance is generally more laid back than Euro, it tends to be a lot deeper and has a less commercial edge. It is also usually slower (130 - 140 bpm) and has a wider variety of sounds - many progressive tunes use a lot of tribal techno and breakbeat sounds.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make progressive trance a playlist
turn these 38 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is progressive trance?
Today, the term "progressive" when used to describe dance music typically refers to the structure of a track which changes incrementally, though there are other uses for the term: progressive trance usually refers to a type of trance music that features a less prominent lead melody and focuses more on atmosphere. This trance is generally more laid back than Euro, it tends to be a lot deeper and has a less commercial edge. It is also usually slower (130 - 140 bpm) and has a wider variety of sounds - many progressive tunes use a lot of tribal techno and breakbeat sounds.
What are good progressive trance albums to start with?
Try EarthShine by Solar Fields, These Hopeful Machines by BT, PATH.FINDER by Notaker, and Intense by Armin van Buuren.
Who are some women making progressive trance?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/progressive-trance/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making progressive trance, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-21