TasteXperience: “New Listeners Discover the Emotion, Older Ones Relive the Memories”
For many years, TasteXperience has remained deeply connected to Balearic Trance's emotional spirit, blending nostalgia, escapism, and uplifting melodies into its signature sound. Inspired by a recent Full Moon Party experience in Thailand, the collective are now revisiting those timeless beachside emotions with “Beach Ball.”
For around four decades, TasteXperience has carved out a unique space between Balearic Trance, progressive house, and organic electronic music. Emerging from the UK rave era before becoming closely connected to Ibiza’s golden-age club culture, the collective built a reputation around emotional melodies, beach-inspired atmospheres, and a deeply musical approach shaped by their roots as a live band. Long before laptops dominated dance music, TasteXperience blendedguitars, saxophone, keyboards, vocals, and sequencers into immersive electronic journeys inspired as much by sunset sessions and travel experiences as by the dancefloor itself.
Their breakthrough classic “Summersault” became one of the defining records of late-90s Balearic Trance, earning support from legendary DJs including Paul Oakenfold, Tiësto, and Nick Warren. Tracks like “Highlander” and “Tantrix” further cemented their status within the progressive and Trance underground. Across the years, TasteXperience continued to evolve naturally with the scene, balancing chilled organic grooves with uplifting Trance influences. They also drew inspiration from places like Ibiza, India, and Thailand, locations that became deeply connected to their creative process.
Now, with “Beach Ball,” TasteXperience taps into those timeless beachside emotions again. Inspired by hearing “Summersault” played during a Full Moon Party in Thailand, the track captures the same carefree spirit that first made their music resonate decades ago. It also reminds listeners why emotionally driven dance music continues to connect so deeply after all these years.
Q: “Beach Ball” has that classic Balearic Trance feeling that instantly brings back memories of old-school beach parties and sunsets. What is it about that sound that still inspires you today?
Russell: I find Balearic Trance to be an emotional, uplifting journey that transcends you to a place of love and togetherness. It's the perfect kind of music for me.
Q: The track also sounds very true to the signature TasteXperience style. Do you feel “Beach Ball” captures the heart of your sound as artists?
Russell: Yes, definitely. For me, "Beach Ball" captures the heart of the TasteXperience sound because it combines emotion, melody and that uplifting, magical Balearic feeling we've always loved. It felt nostalgic and forward-looking at the same time, which is exactly what I wanted it to be.
Q: You mentioned being inspired after hearing “Summersault” at a Full Moon Party in Thailand. How did the creative process behind “Beach Ball” actually come together?
Russell: In Thailand, I mapped out a string arrangement based on an uplifting piano piece, and on returning, I added guitars to complete the production. It's as simple as that. (Laughter)
Q: Balearic-inspired Trance has been around for decades, yet people still connect with it so strongly. Why do you think this sound never goes out of style?
Russell: Younger listeners are discovering the emotion of that sound for the first time, while older listeners reconnect with the memories attached to it. That's why it will never disappear.
Q: If “Beach Ball” had one perfect setting, one moment where people should hear it, what would that look like?
Russell: The afternoon is turning into sunset, the air is warm, and a group of friends is smiling together at a beach festival somewhere by the sea. That's the perfect moment for a "Beach Ball".
