Liquid Space: Pioneers of Australian Psychedelic Trance
Liquid Space is the electronic music project of Australian producer and DJ Paul Kershaw, known for crafting immersive, melodic psychedelic trance. Originating from the vibrant coastal scene of Byron Bay, the project gained international recognition in the early 2000s with the hit single "Escape from Planet Monday," which became a staple on global dance floors and festival circuits.
Early career
Paul Kershaw formed Liquid Space in the late 1990s, drawing inspiration from the burgeoning psychedelic trance and goa scenes. His early work was characterized by euphoric melodies and driving basslines, leading to his first releases on respected Australian labels like Psy-Harmonics and the German-based Spirit Zone Recordings.
Breakthrough
The major breakthrough came in 2003 with the release of the album Escape from Planet Monday on Spirit Zone. The album's title track became an instant anthem, receiving heavy rotation on national radio stations like Triple J and propelling the artist to the forefront of the global psytrance movement.
Key tracks
Escape from Planet Monday — This defining track catapulted Liquid Space to international fame with its infectious melody and energetic rhythm.
Shakalaka — A later hit known for its playful, funky bassline and widespread play in mainstream club sets beyond the trance scene.
Southern Sun — A collaboration with Ticon that showcased a deeper, more progressive side of the Liquid Space sound.
Melbourne Bounce — This track demonstrated versatility, incorporating elements of tech-trance and harder styles.
Following this success, Liquid Space released several more albums, including Audio Rebel and Freak, and performed at major festivals worldwide from Australia's Rainbow Serpent to Germany's Voov Experience. Collaborations with artists like Ticon, Atmos, and California Sunshine further solidified his reputation within the genre.
For fans of the melodic and driving Australian psytrance sound, similar artists include Shpongle for their shared emphasis on psychedelic atmosphere and world music influences. Hallucinogen represents the foundational goa trance sound that inspired the project's early direction. The energetic festival trance of Infected Mushroom shares a similar appeal for big melodies and powerful rhythms.
Liquid Space's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated electronic music stations, online psytrance streams, and specialty programs on independent and community radio stations that feature progressive and psychedelic sounds.
The music of Liquid Space can be heard on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover this pioneering Australian psytrance artist by tuning into the electronic and trance radio stations available on onairium.com.
