Track of the Week: Aaron M… The Tech-Trance Revival

After a 12-year hiatus, Aaron M returned to the decks to chase the early 2000s Tech-Trance sound. When he couldn’t find the tracks he wanted, he started making them himself.

In 2013, Aaron M moved from Ireland to Perth. At the time, he was deep into a 12-year break from DJing and radio presenting, with absolutely no intention of ever returning to the decks.

Then, he stumbled into a Blazing Swan fundraiser hosted by local collective God Said No.

“The vibe, the sound, and the energy of these events inspired me to make it a goal of mine to play in the great Pyramid at Blazing Swan,” he recalls. After earning his stripes, meeting the right people, and playing over a dozen interstate gigs, Aaron M is firmly back in the driving seat, pushing a sound that the modern scene almost left behind.

We sat down with the DJ and producer to discuss his love for early 2000s Tech-Trance, the problem with booking for image over talent, and his brand new heavy-hitting release, Generation M.

🛸 Stuck in the 2000s (And Proud of It)

When asked how his sound has evolved since he started DJing at age 18, Aaron’s answer is refreshingly honest: it hasn’t.

“I’m still chasing and trying to deliver a fraction of the amazing drive and energy found in the music and sets I witnessed at underground Trance and Techno events when I was younger,” he explains.

His DJ name itself is a direct nod to Marco V, a pioneer of the early 2000s Tech-Trance movement. But chasing a nostalgic sound in a modern scene created a massive roadblock. “It became more or less impossible to find the type of music I love as it’s not being produced anymore, which left me with no choice but to start making it myself.”

🛑 Talent vs. Image

While he loves the current push for “no phone” policies on underground dancefloors, Aaron is heavily critical of modern booking practices.

“You can tell that promoters are certainly not using musical talent and accomplishments as a criteria,” he points out, noting that image and ego are currently winning the booking wars. “It is very sad and will have its consequences on the scene as a whole.”

However, he sees a silver lining: “The plus side is that this will force music lovers to cultivate the underground scene again, where music and connection win over ego and image.”

🤝 The Art of the Handover

Aaron’s philosophy on the decks is rooted in deep respect for the craft… especially the moments between sets.

“A ritual of mine is making sure I spend some time to create a nice handover between the DJ before and after me so that we can both portray a respectful transition,” he notes. “It makes a huge difference!” He applies the same respect to reading the crowd, ensuring his opening track creates a clear, memorable distinction from the previous set before building toward pure euphoria.

🔊 The Track: Generation M

Our Track of the Week is Aaron M’s Generation M, a stomping Tech-Trance anthem that perfectly encapsulates his early-2000s influence.

The biggest hurdle in the studio was dialing in the relationship between the kick and the bass. Built using Serum 2 and pushed to the limit with the Decapitator saturator plugin, the track finally clicked when he nailed the lead synth, injecting a massive surge of energy into the relentless groove.

⚡ Aaron M Quickfire

🔌 Pass the Aux

We ask every feature guest to answer a question left by the previous interviewee.

Incoming Question from LYNCH: “What’s one thing you wish you did earlier, or one thing you wish you understood the importance of more when you first started DJing?”

Aaron M: “Learning how to use Ableton Live.”

Outgoing Question for the Next DJ:

“Do you leave the tea bag in or out?”

Listen to “Generation M” on Spotify, SoundCloud & Beatport

Follow Aaron M: [Instagram Link]