Dance Nation: “Positivity has always been our driving force, and with ‘Hold On,’ we wanted to give people a track that resonates deeply in a time full of negative news”

At the turn of the millennium, a wave of euphoric dance music was sweeping across Europe, filling clubs, festivals, and radio airwaves with anthems that defined a generation. Right at the heart of that movement was Dance Nation, the Dutch project founded by producers Rob Janssen and Brad Grobler, whose mix of uplifting trance, house grooves, and soaring vocals struck a chord with millions. Their breakout hit “Sunshine” didn’t just climb the charts - it became a soundtrack to summer nights, beach festivals, and the golden age of vocal-driven dance.

With Sean and Kim bringing that energy to life on stage, Dance Nation stood out for pairing big studio productions with the immediacy of a live performance. And while styles and trends have shifted over the years, their music continues to resonate, proof that those early 2000s sounds still carry a timeless magic.

Q: You’ve been in the music world for quite a while, though not everyone knows the full story. Can you take us back to your beginnings?
A: It all started in 2000, in a London record store. Rob and I, two music fanatics, connected over vinyls, and that spark ignited something incredible. One conversation led to another, an invitation to Rob's studio in the Netherlands, and suddenly, Dance Nation was born! Our debut track, 'Sunshine,' exploded onto the scene, spreading like wildfire across the globe - it was absolutely surreal!

Q: Dance music blew up in the ’90s and early 2000s, but it feels like it never really disappeared - it’s still moving along with house and trance. With so many subgenres now under its umbrella, how would you personally describe dance music, and why do you think people connect with it so deeply?
A: Dance music is pure escape! It's that electrifying chance to forget reality, even for a few minutes, and to feel something entirely on your own terms. It's about being swept away, moving your body freely, connecting with the rhythm - whether you're in a club, cruising in your car, dancing at home, or getting lost in the crowd at a festival. That's the undeniable power of dance music!

Q: Dance Nation exploded onto the scene in the early 2000s with “Sunshine” and other vocal trance anthems. What was that moment like for you?
A: It was utterly surreal! 'Sunshine' was our very first release, and within a mere six weeks of signing with Magik Muzik, we were charting! Everything was moving at lightning speed. Suddenly, we were on major TV shows and sharing stages with our idols; it was truly bizarre and amazing. The touring that followed with partner Jive/Zomba Records, plus three albums with Avex Records, and spending a total of 18 weeks at number one in Germany alone with ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Dance’ was incredible. In Japan, it felt like living in a real-life soap opera. We still feel incredibly blessed by that experience!

Q: Your sound blends trance, house, and big vocal-driven dance hooks. Looking back, how did you develop that signature style, and what do you think made Dance Nation stand out in that era?
A: We never followed trends, more like we combined trends; we forged our own path, creating our unique interpretation of the genre. Back then, 'vocal trance' did not exist. Everything was Club, Rave, Acid, or Pure Trance - mostly instrumental with short vocal samples. Looking back, I guess we were pioneers blending full, complete vocals with verse, chorus, and ad-libs into trance.

After 'Sunshine' hit number one everywhere, the Vocal Trance genre truly exploded! Our label wasn't sure what to make of us at first, but they trusted our vision, released 'Sunshine,' and the rest is history. We were never 'Pure' Trance; we were something entirely new!

Q: Live vocal performances were such a big part of dance music’s golden era. How did Sean & Kim shape the live side of Dance Nation compared to the studio work?
A: Sean and Kim were absolutely pivotal in Dance Nation's early days! As a Vocal Trance act, we wanted to be seen as both a vocal group and a DJ/Producer team, giving us the best of both worlds. Sean was an incredible performer, a true artist - driven, focused, always ready for any show with a smile, radiating pure positive energy. He gave Dance Nation a face and a look we were so grateful for. Kim was a hidden gem, an 18-year-old with the voice of a superstar! Together, Sean and Kim have brought an electrifying entertainment force to Dance Nation. Our tours in Japan, the Netherlands, and Germany were spectacular thanks to these two amazing performers. Kim even went on to perform with Ray from 2Unlimited for four years, becoming a seasoned pro. We are still incredibly grateful and proud of Sean and Kim!

Q: From “Sunshine” to “Hold On” is a long journey with lots of twists and turns. What guided those musical choices, and what inspired you to get back in the studio again?
A: After countless backstage stories and incredible anecdotes from Dance Nation's early years, the idea of reigniting the project truly took hold, especially with the fantastic reception our 'Sunshine' remixes received over the years. This sparked the idea for a new track, and we brought in our incredibly talented friend, Barend Zevenbergen, who has produced massive tracks in harder styles. Through many 'backstage meetings,' we discussed the collaboration and the track's direction, seeking the perfect inspiration for our return. We brainstormed on what's relevant today, especially with the negative vibes in the news. Positivity has always been our driving force, and we wanted to infuse that into the new track, ensuring it resonated deeply with our listeners.

Q: What does "Hold On” represent to you and what’s the message you hope both long-time fans and brand-new listeners take away from your music?
A: 'Hold On' is pure nostalgia and raw power! It transports you back to cherished memories while simultaneously urging you to cling to what truly matters: your dreams, your memories, and that incredible feeling of togetherness. With its compelling melody, a chorus that gives you goosebumps, and a drop that unleashes everything, 'Hold On' is our soundtrack of hope, energy, and connection!

Q: You’ve experimented with different aliases and phases (like Double Nation). What have been some of the biggest challenges and breakthroughs in keeping the project alive over the years?
A: We never intentionally experimented with different names! The truth is, 'Dance Nation' was already in use in various territories worldwide, so we had to adapt. That's how 'Double Nation,' 'Cyber Nation,' and 'Sean & Kim' were born for different regions. For instance, Ministry of Sound in the UK actually called Rob for permission to use the 'Dance Nation' trademark for their compilation releases. In Japan, they preferred the artist's name, hence 'Sean and Kim' was favored. It was never a deliberate choice on our part.

Q: With trance and vocal-driven dance music making a comeback, how do you see Dance Nation fitting into today’s scene?
A: As music lovers first and foremost, we immerse ourselves in a vast array of genres, always bringing what we feel into our songs. So, fitting into today's scene feels incredibly easy and natural because, in our hearts, we've never truly been away! Production simply led us to explore other projects and ideas over time. Now, we feel the moment is right to pick up exactly where we left off!

Q: Can you share any new projects, collaborations, or reissues that fans should keep an eye out for?
A: We’re incredibly busy working with some A-List DJ-producers on new remixes and releases planned well into 2026! I’m also deep into an exciting techno project as Rob Janssen, while Brad continues to produce and support numerous acts worldwide across multiple genres. On my end, as DJ Rob, I currently have more than 45 million streams on Spotify under Boy Interface, and with DJ Rob & MC Joe, we’ve enjoyed massive success since the ’90s.

As for Dance Nation, we already have three follow-up songs in the works with our good friend Barend. We hope to bring Dance Nation back to the masses by doing what we love most: making music from the heart - with love, feeling, and deep respect for our listeners and our shared journey through life.