ATB: The German Pioneer of Trance Music

ATB is the stage name of German DJ and producer André Tanneberger, a defining force in the global trance and dance music scene. Hailing from Saxony, Germany, his career is anchored by the monumental success of his 1999 debut single "9 PM (Till I Come)", which became a worldwide phenomenon and topped the UK Singles Chart.

Early career

André Tanneberger was born in 1973 in Freiberg, East Germany. His musical journey began in the early 1990s with the group Sequential One, where he explored house and techno, achieving notable chart success in Germany. This period served as a crucial foundation before he launched his iconic solo project under the name ATB in 1998, signing with the German dance label Kontor Records.

Breakthrough

The breakthrough moment arrived in 1999 with the release of "9 PM (Till I Come)". The track's distinctive guitar riff and euphoric melody catapulted it to number one on the UK Singles Chart and into the top ten of charts across Europe and Australia. This single propelled his debut album "Movin' Melodies", which achieved platinum status in Germany and sold over two million copies worldwide, firmly establishing ATB as a trance superstar.

Key tracks

9 PM (Till I Come) — This global chart-topper defined the late-90s trance sound and remains his signature anthem.

Ecstasy — A follow-up single that reinforced his hit-making prowess with its melodic, vocal-driven trance style.

Let U Go — Featured on his 2004 album "No Silence", this track showcased a more vocal and commercial direction while maintaining his melodic core.

Could You Believe — A collaboration with singer Jan Löchel, it highlights ATB's skill in crafting radio-friendly dance tracks with emotional depth.

When It Ends It Starts Again — This 2011 single with singer Sean Ryan demonstrates the evolution of his sound towards a more modern, progressive house-influenced style.

Following his explosive start, ATB maintained a prolific output, releasing a consistent stream of studio albums including "Two Worlds", "Dedicated", and "Contact". He founded his own label, Kontor Records, becoming a central hub for German dance music. His collaborations span the genre, featuring vocalists like Heather Nova, Jes, and Armin van Buuren, further solidifying his network within the electronic music industry.

Fans of ATB's melodic and uplifting trance sound also enjoy the music of Paul Van Dyk, another German trance legend known for his euphoric productions and live sets. The driving, anthemic style of Ferry Corsten shares a similar energy and Dutch roots in the trance scene. For a more vocal-centric approach within the genre, listeners turn to Above & Beyond and their emotive, song-based trance compositions. The melodic techno and trance fusion of Kobana also resonates with ATB's audience, offering a modern take on classic melodic structures.

ATB's extensive catalog of trance anthems and melodic dance music ensures his tracks are staples on electronic music radio stations. His hits from the late 90s and 2000s are regularly featured on classic trance and dance FM stations, while his newer productions find rotation on modern progressive house and online electronic music streams.

You can hear the iconic music of ATB, the German trance pioneer, on the electronic and dance radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his classic anthems and latest productions through our curated selection of radio stations.