Dennis Sheperd: “Helping my mentees also gives me so much inspiration for my own work”

For nearly two decades, Dennis Sheperd has been a steady, guiding presence in trance — both on stage and behind the scenes. From the breakout success of “Fallen Angel” with Ana Criado to playing some of the world’s most celebrated festivals, the German producer and DJ has built a career on melodies that linger long after the last beat fades. But Dennis’s story goes beyond his own discography. Through mentorship, masterclasses, and championing new voices, he’s helped nurture the next wave of trance artists while keeping the genre’s heart beating strong.

His albums have always marked turning points — A Tribute to Life (2011), Find the Sunrise (2021), and Release (2024) each capturing a moment in his evolution. Now, with The Next Generation arriving September 26 via Black Hole Recordings, Dennis is stepping into perhaps his most ambitious chapter yet. Part reflection, part vision statement, the album fuses soaring vocals, bold collaborations, and his unmistakable touch into a project that feels like both a tribute to trance’s legacy and a blueprint for its future.

‘The Next Generation’ is a pretty bold album title! What does it mean to you — a fresh sound, a new era for trance, or something a bit more personal?

Dennis: The album title means something else. I do a lot of coaching and mentoring on the side. A lot of my students are very talented. And The Next Generation is an album made entirely through collaborations with my mentees. I wanted to showcase the talent that’s out there and pave the way for future success for them. At the same time, I believe this album is the strongest album I have created so far, thanks to all the collaborative input from my students. Together we created something beautiful!

You’ve taken us on big journeys before with A Tribute To Life and Find The Sunrise. How does The Next Generation show where you are now as an artist?

Dennis: The album features a wide variety of genres, from deep house to progressive house, melodic house, melodic techno, progressive trance and even oldskool trance! I have always been open-minded about music genres, but I feel that this album shows this more than ever!

Did making this album feel different from the past ones — more of a collaborative effort, more experimenting and challenges, or more of an introspective journey?

Dennis: The album was definitely my most challenging project to date. Imagine managing a project that big – 16 collaboration tracks with semi-professional producers and singers! The amount of communication and explanations, etc. was very high. For example, I had to help some of my collaborators to register with PROs in their countries, had to explain the record contract step by step and had to show how to send project files back and forth (with all samples included). It was like a case study for my students and a nice view for them of how things work in the background. They'd better get used to it, because I am very confident that they will start releasing music regularly from this point on (if they are not doing so already). :-)

Every album has that one track that really tests your limits. Which song on this album pushed you the furthest out of your comfort zone?

Dennis: I would say that’s “Destination”. Phillip Castle and I had some disagreements during the creation process, which we managed to sort out. However, the result speaks for itself. The record turned out awesome and was probably all around the most successful single of the album.

You’ve collaborated with so many amazing vocalists and producers over the years, and this album mixes old friends with new names. Which collab surprised you the most / what track left the biggest mark?

Dennis: First of all, a small disclaimer here: Every track on this album feels special to me. I connected every track with memories and moments. But if I had to pick one track from the album that surprised me the most, it would probably be “Release Me”. These vocals are just something else. BRAVVN really delivers here. And we really gave her a tough job, as we were only able to give her 5 days to write and record the vocals. But she totally delivered. Every time I hear that song, I get goosebumps!

Nearly two decades in trance is huge. Do you see The Next Generation as you passing the torch on to a new wave of fans and producers, or is it more about reinventing yourself?

Dennis: I would say it’s both. I definitely enjoy helping new producers succeed in this scene. And in a way, helping my mentees also gives me so much inspiration for my own work. It’s easier for me to keep up with current trends and I learn so many new production techniques by helping my students figure things out in their favorite genre. So it’s really a win-win here.

Every long studio session has its fuel… what’s your go-to studio snack or drink when you’re deep into album mode? :-)

Dennis: Oh, that’s easy. Who knows me knows that I am a total coffee lover. So my fuel is coffee. I didn’t even have to think twice.

Imagine someone hearing trance for the very first time through this album. What do you hope sticks with them after listening?

Dennis: I wish they would remember what beautiful melodies and emotionally sung vocals can do to your skin (hint: goosebumps). ;-)

If you could perform the album from start to finish anywhere in the world, which stage would be your dream spot?

Dennis: Tough question. There are so many amazing venues and spots. Because of the vibe of the album and the sound of the records, I would probably want an outdoor festival with a sunset or sunrise spot in the timetable. Tomorrowland could be a cool one!

Once the album drops on September 26th, what’s next on your list: a big tour, new collabs, or maybe a radio show?

Dennis: I am touring Taiwan at the end of September, Bangkok at the beginning of October and I am also doing an in-person guest mix for Andrew Rayel’s radio show Find Your Harmony from Chisinau, Moldova. How cool is that? :-) Check my social media for more info on where I’m heading next!

Looking way ahead… when people revisit The Next Generation in 20 years, what do you hope it represents in your story as an artist?

Dennis: I hope people will look at it and think that this was an awesome initiative and a huge stepping stone for some now very popular and famous artists. :-)

📀 Dennis Sheperd – The Next Generation is out September 26 on Black Hole Recordings.