About

The Ektoplazm Web Site

Ektoplazm is a site devoted to psychedelic trance (psytrance), a distinct form of electronic dance music and vibrant global counterculture. Founded in 2001 by DJ Basilisk, Ektoplazm is now the world’s largest distributor of free psytrance music with a focus on high-quality Creative Commons-licensed content from netlabels and independent artists, all released in MP3 and lossless CD-quality FLAC and WAV formats. To date, we have facilitated the delivery of more than 1.75 million individual releases to countless listeners all over the planet.

The Ektoplazm Netlabel

DJ Basilisk established the Ektoplazm netlabel in 2008 to realize the revolutionary potential of free music distribution in the 21st century. Not only is every Ektoplazm release available for free download in MP3, FLAC, and WAV format, but Ektoplazm also offers “on demand” CD versions for listeners wishing to purchase traditional physical media and support the concept. This unique approach maximizes the promotional reach of Ektoplazm releases and liberates listeners from industry-standard guilt trips about music piracy. The producers benefit as well; their creative freedoms are ensured since Ektoplazm does not operate within the confines of the commercial distribution system and its increasingly marginal economics. Ektoplazm is not about defining a specific sound; individual releases are likely to vary in style as we seek to showcase the range and diversity of psychedelic trance, techno, and downtempo music.

What Is Psychedelic Trance?

For the uninitiated, psytrance is a type of electronic dance music characterized by hypnotic arrangements of synthetic rhythms and mesmerizing melodies. Of course, there is considerable variety in terms of mood, tempo, and style within the confines of the genre–psytrance can provide the “full program” of emotional possibilities. Psytrance has a unique history that can be traced back to the post-hippie traveller scene of the late 1980s situated in Goa, India. Since then, psychedelic trance has evolved into a thriving global counterculture with a massive following. Fans gather at events to dance and celebrate life, enjoying music provided by DJs and live acts at massive festivals, indoor clubs, conceptual art parties, and intentional gatherings.

The central idea of psytrance is the union between our collective tribal past and the promise of an enlightened and conscientious technological future. Merging the rational with the romantic, psychedelic trance bridges the gap between distinct eras of human history. People have been coming together to dance and celebrate since the dawn of time; the psychedelic trance movement merely renews this ancient ritual for the 21st century. While the music can be enjoyed simply for what it is, many adherents consider psychedelic trance to be a way of life–a fundamental aspect of their identity.

Behind The Name

Ektoplazm is named for the immaterial or ethereal emanation that surrounds a person in a deep state of trance. Although the root word “ectoplasm” was originally a biological term (it means “outside skin”), parapsychologists and the occult adopted it for their own uses in the late 19th century. In the new millennium, the term serves as a reference to the elusive “vibe” revellers experience at proper trance gatherings. Imagine it as a sort of inexplicable luminous glow that can be perceived surrounding a “fully activated” dance floor. If that seems slightly too obscure and mystical, consider the beaming smiles and bright-eyed excitement that accompanies a deeply satisfying musical experience–and the social connectivity such a state encourages. This is what the psychedelic trance experience is all about: breaking through to new states of consciousness and awareness by manipulating reality with sound, light, and motion.

Any Questions?

Please visit the help section and browse through a list of frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered you may send us a note via the contact form.

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