With ongoing support from the likes of Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk, Steve Helstrip remains one of trance’s most recognised producers. The man’s work as The Thrillseekers includes enduring anthems like Synaesthesia, and his studio output is ever-growing. On the eve of his Australian tour, inthemix found out what’s behind The Thrillseekers touch.

First up, did you have any tour plans messed with because of the volcanic ash situation in Europe?
Yes, unfortunately. I was absolutely distraught because I was due to perform the Asian premiere of my new ‘Live Xtreme’ show. As you can imagine there had been an immense amount of preparation and promotion for the event, so then to find out on the day I was due to set off that the UK airspace was on lockdown didn’t come as the most pleasing news.

Is there another edition in the NightMusic series on its way?
Absolutely, we have plans for NightMusic 4 to be released at the end of this year, which I’m very excited about. I love the selection process and the opportunity to able to show the world my perspective on the best records available at the time. Preparation starts for it very soon.

Having notched up plenty of success with collaborations, do you still get a kick out of working in the studio with other producers?
Yes, completely. It’s a great way of being able to learn new workflows and bounce ideas back and forth. You always inevitably end up with a finished track that consists of different elements that may not have transpired if you had completed the record yourself. In fact, I have just finished a collaboration with M.I.K.E which will be out soon on his label.

How about vocalists? Is it a challenge to get the performance you want, or do you just have to trust the vocalist?
There is an element of trust, for sure; however I’m always very careful when selecting a vocalist to work with for that very reason. I am some what a perfectionist so will never settle for something I’m not completely satisfied with, which often means I have to work very closely with the vocalist to ensure we get an end result that we can both be happy with.

As someone who has worked in the scene for some time now, do you feel there’s a healthy amount of talent currently working in trance?
I feel there is certainly the talent in the scene. To be completely honest though, I believe because of the pressures that the industry places on artists there seems to be a quantity over quality ethos, which has seemingly taken over. More and more records are coming through which just haven’t had the appropriate care and attention. Therefore it kind of de-values the entire genre.

Are you always adding to your studio arsenal, or have you pretty much settled on the equipment that gives you the best results?
I am constantly adding new equipment to the studio. As a self confessed ‘techy’ I’m addicted to new toys. Although nowadays it’s usually more software and soft-synths than hardware, however saying that though, I have recently purchased two new MacBooks and an Akai APC40 for use in my live sets.

Does all the touring and playing shows keep you inspired, or can it take its toll?
It absolutely keeps me inspired. Sure, it can feel tiring at some points but ask any DJ the different experiences that are enjoyed on a weekly basis far outweigh any cons. I never want it to end.

Anything you’re looking forward to trying out at the shows in Australia?
I’ve got some new tracks which I have been working on in the studio which are dying to be road-tested for the first time. Plus a few little surprises I have been hanging on to especially for the tour.

Catch The Thrillseekers at the following dates:

Friday 14 May – Sunset @ Brown Alley, Melbourne [with Martin Roth]
Saturday 15 May – Rise, Perth