Influences: N-Trance’s DJ Junior K on the Tracks That Shaped a 90s Dance Legacy
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Few acts carry the weight of UK dance history like N-Trance.
From ‘Set You Free’ to global chart success, their sound helped define a generation of rave culture. Now, with their new single ‘Higher’ marking their first original release in over two decades, the energy feels familiar. Not nostalgic, but reawakened.
For Junior K and the rest of N-Trance, that foundation was built long before the hits.
These are the records that shaped the group's ears, instincts, and ultimately the N-Trance sound that still fills dancefloors worldwide.
The KLF - 3am Eternal
"The first song that ignited the spark for N-Trance was "3am Eternal" by the legendary KLF. Their audacious approach to music and fearless innovation and creativity served as a profound inspiration, pushing us to explore uncharted territories in electronic music. Little did we know that fate had a fascinating twist in store. A few years down the line, we found ourselves collaborating with the very artist who lent his distinctive voice to that iconic track – Ricardo Da Force, the talented rapper behind "3am Eternal." It also became a playful ritual during interviews; I'd often choose KLF songs that didn't feature Ricky, just to wind him up. Tragically, Ricky’s vibrant presence was silenced far too soon; he passed away 13 years ago, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a significant void in the music world. My admiration and the enduring impact he had on our creative spirit even led me to name our record label, DaForce, as a heartfelt tribute to him."
Shut Up & Dance - I'm Raving I'm Raving
"The second song we have chosen was the spark that ignited the creation of "Set You Free." It happened during a sound check for a rave booking in Bootle, where the warm-up DJ dropped a track that instantly resonated – "I'm Raving, I'm Raving" by Shut Up & Dance. As a pianist, I had a trove of musical ideas I'd been developing during my college years but hearing that track and it’s infectious rhythm provided the perfect catalyst. Suddenly, those pieces of music I'd written began to coalesce, transforming from abstract concepts into the building blocks of a new song. The driving beat and piano melody wrapped up in a rave track gave me the inspiration and framework to finally bring "Set You Free" to life."
Queen - The Show Must Go On
"The echo of Freddie Mercury's final performance, "The Show Must Go On," resonates with a profound, almost unbearable beauty. It's a poignant testament to a spirit that refused to be extinguished. My writing career was just beginning, unaware that such a monumental talent was about to depart us. The lyrics, sung with a voice that carried the weight of his struggle, transform from a mere song into a deeply personal, heartbreaking declaration of resilience. To channel such immense pain into an artistic expression of such power is, indeed, tragically beautiful, a final, defiant masterpiece etched into the walls of music history."
Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
"We could have chosen any track from the album “Off The Wall” but we went with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" as it's simply a disco masterpiece. Its infectious groove and irresistible rhythm of pure joy, draws you onto the dance floor. MJ's falsetto weaves through Quincy's masterful arrangement, creating a sonic tapestry that is both intricate and effortlessly danceable. The song doesn't just demand attention; it commands celebration, a timeless anthem that continues to ignite parties and stir souls decades after its creation."
Lee Greenwood - Wind Beneath My Wings
"The final selection is a profoundly moving rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings," a piece not widely recognised in this particular interpretation by the esteemed Lee Greenwood. The profound depth of the lyrics resonates deeply, and Lee's distinctive vocal delivery imbues the song with an entirely fresh and compelling perspective on this already magnificent composition. It's a testament to his artistry that he can take a song so many know and love, and yet present it in a way that feels utterly unique and deeply personal, a truly remarkable track."
What stands out across these choices is range. Rave. Disco. Rock. Soul. Different worlds, but all built on feeling. That’s the thread that runs through N-Trance’s catalogue. Big hooks. Emotional pull. Music that connects instantly but stays with you long after.
‘Higher’ taps straight into that same DNA. Not chasing trends. Not reinventing for the sake of it. Just doing what they’ve always done best. Making records that work. And more importantly, records that mean something.
Comments