Allen Watts: “Trance Was the Genre That Had the Biggest Emotional Impact on Me”

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Trance artist Allen Watts swung by to discuss his creative evolution, the story behind HIGH VOLTAGE, and what continues to inspire his sound.

Dutch DJ and producer Allen Watts is one of the leading forces in modern trance music. Known for his unmistakable, high-energy 140 BPM sound with no filler, he has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of uplifting trance music, bringing an explosive energy to dancefloors around the world.

Driven by a clear creative vision, Allen Watts has continued to expand his artistic identity beyond production and performance. In 2020, he launched his own label and radio brand, HIGH VOLTAGE, creating a platform to showcase his signature sound and spotlight emerging talent. He’s also explored a heavier side of his artistry through his AWaken alias, unleashing high-octane cuts that have found a home on major festival stages.

That strong work ethic and momentum have continued into 2026. Allen Watts has kept up a steady stream of releases this year, dropping “Anticipation,” “Silver Arrow,” “Northern Lights,” and “Sex, Pills & Thrillz.” He’s also slated to return to Dreamstate SoCal in November, taking the stage alongside legendary artist Talla 2XLC for a set that’s sure to be filled with energy.

As he continues to push his artistry forward across his music, label, and AWaken project, we caught up with Allen Watts to discuss his musical journey, the vision behind HIGH VOLTAGE, and what continues to fuel his deep passion for trance. Read on for the full conversation!

Hey Allen, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today! For those who may be discovering your music for the first time, can you tell us a little about yourself and how Allen Watts came to be?

I’m Allen Watts, a trance producer and DJ from the north of the Netherlands. I’ve always been passionate about music, but once I discovered trance, it really clicked with me. The emotion, the energy, and the connection it creates on a dance floor inspired me to start producing my own tracks, and over time, that grew into a full-time career.

You grew up in Roden, which is in the northern part of the Netherlands. What first drew you to electronic music—and trance in particular? Did you experiment with other genres before finding the sound you’re now known for?

Growing up in the Netherlands, I was exposed to electronic music everywhere from a young age. I listened to different styles, but trance was the genre that had the biggest emotional impact on me. I experimented a little with other sounds while learning production, but I always found myself coming back to uplifting, energetic trance.

Over the years, you’ve built a signature style that’s instantly recognizable: 140 BPM, razor-sharp leads, and tracks designed for maximum impact on the dancefloor. How would you describe the Allen Watts sound in your own words, and how has it evolved since your early releases?

I’d describe it as energetic, emotional, and made for the dancefloor. I’ve always loved powerful melodies and driving energy, but over the years I’ve become more focused on creating tracks that balance emotion with impact. The production has evolved, but I think the core identity has stayed the same.

In 2020, you launched HIGH VOLTAGE as both a label and a radio show, and it’s since grown into a much broader brand. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from building something that extends beyond your own artist career?

I wanted to create a platform that represented the kind of trance I love while also giving other artists a place to showcase their music. It’s become much bigger than I originally imagined. One of the biggest lessons has been that building a brand takes patience and consistency. It’s not just about releasing music—it’s about creating something people genuinely connect with.

You’ve also introduced AWaken, a harder-edged alias that explores another side of your sound. How has performing under that identity challenged you creatively, and what does it allow you to express that doesn’t necessarily fit under the Allen Watts name?

AWaken gives me the freedom to explore a harder, more driving sound without changing what people expect from Allen Watts. It’s creatively refreshing because I don’t have to stay within one style. Both projects reflect different parts of my musical personality.

Between Allen Watts, AWaken, HIGH VOLTAGE, touring, and a busy release schedule, you’re juggling several creative projects at once. How do you balance them while ensuring each one maintains its distinct identity?

It definitely requires planning and discipline. Each project has its own purpose and audience, so I try to approach them with a different mindset. Sometimes it’s challenging, but I enjoy having different creative outlets because it keeps things exciting.

Finally, you’ve now been releasing music for well over a decade. Looking back across your catalog, is there one track you feel deserved more recognition than it received, and what makes it so special to you?

That’s always a difficult question because every track represents a different moment in your life. There are definitely a few releases I thought would connect more than they did, but that’s part of music. Sometimes the tracks you’re most proud of aren’t necessarily the biggest ones. I’m just happy people continue to discover my catalogue over time.