“She Would Shine”: RAM on Love, Loss, and the Lasting Power of “RAMelia”

From spinning at underground parties in the early '90s to headlining global festivals, Ram Boon — aka RAM — has spent over 30 years shaping uplifting trance. His 2009 anthem ‘RAMsterdam’ shot him into the spotlight, earning praise from Armin van Buuren and becoming a defining moment in his career.

Success and tragedy have walked hand in hand: after losing his wife Amelia, RAM poured his grief into ‘RAMelia’, a moving tribute that turns heartbreak into music. Along the way, he founded Grotesque, his label and events brand, continuing to innovate while staying true to trance’s soul.

Through every triumph and heartbreak, RAM continues to craft tracks that move hearts and ignite dancefloors — uplifting trance with purpose.

‘RAMelia’ remains one of the most emotional trance records ever made and it still moves people around the world after all these years. How does it feel to see that kind of love and connection live on?
Magical! I did not expect that at all when it was made. However, this shows the power of music as well as the connection between people. This is why I do what I do. That's my motivation and inspiration. Hearing what it means to all the people is still heartwarming.

When you first wrote this track as a tribute to Amelia, did you ever imagine it would resonate so deeply with fans and even go straight to No. 1 on the Beatport Trance charts?
I wasn't busy with that; I was very lonely and dark at the time. It couldn't matter less what position it was in on Beatport. It was just a big surprise to see the response from everyone. The track was a way for me to say goodbye. Despite being complimented on the track, I wasn't feeling well.

You’ve now brought ‘RAMelia’ back to life with a new remix alongside Richard Durand under your Digital Culture project. What made you feel that now was the right time to revisit such a personal piece?
I always had 2 ideas for the track. The original was meant to be a sort of introduction to my tribute set for Amelia two weeks after she passed away. Then it exploded in a way I did not expect. Having played it thousands of times, I figured it was time to try out the other idea, but remixing your own track is hard enough as it is. So when my 30 years of RAM came around, I asked Richard for help.

Richard clearly brought a special touch to this version. What do you feel he added that made this remix stand out or feel “complete”?
I told him what my ideas were and since it's such a personal track, it was also a challenge for him. But I think we nailed it! The original version had a pretty long breakdown, which is not really great anymore these days. Despite that, it is still my number one request in Asia.

You and Susana have shared such a strong musical bond since the original version. How has your creative connection evolved over the years through your other beautiful collaborations?
She knew Amelia as well, so she was the best person to ask, and she did an excellent job.

With the lyrics, she captured her personality as well as the meaning of losing someone, so that touched my heart and soul deeply. So that feeling we wanted to continue making music that had a meaningful message that people could relate to. Not singing about birds in the sky.

You’ve also worked with so many amazing vocalists and producers throughout your journey. What’s the secret ingredient that makes a collaboration really work for you?
In order to feel the music and go to the next level, you need to inspire each other. As a result, 1+1 = 4. There is no connection, no extra vibe, no extra feeling.

Looking back, what’s one moment in your career — whether on stage or in the studio — that you’ll carry with you forever?
The moment I played 'RAMelia' for the first time, there were oceans of lighters and people in white to show respect. Forever goosebumps!

Your live sets are known for their emotion and energy. What do you hope people feel when they experience a RAM performance and how do you think fans will react when they hear the new ‘RAMelia’ remix live for the first time?
For me, music is a way to express my emotions and let go — and that just doesn’t happen without melody. I love playing music that makes people feel the movement and emotion behind it. Like ‘RAMelia’, it’s a journey through feelings that can hit deep and help you release what you’ve been holding inside. Hearing that my music helps people do that means everything to me. The RAM experience is all about connecting with your feelings and energy.

If Amelia could hear this new version of ‘RAMelia’ today, what do you think she’d say?
❤️ I know she would shine!