Dubi Dagan, aka Ritmo, has managed to formulate a unique technique that captures moments in life and translates them to an addictive rhythmic Progressive Trance creation.

His most ambitious project to date is his current new album – “Adventures” – which comes out in 2016. This magical soundscape captures and modulates the diverse rhythms Dagan absorbed during his tours across the world. “Adventures” shows Ritmo’s sonic versatility, where he also collaborates with major acts such as Astrix, Ace Ventura and Liquid Soul. Tune in and join the adventure while blending in the rhythm and make it your own.

“I must admit that I am not really the “fastest” producer, it takes me a long time to get inside a track, shape it and then finish it.”

Israel is known for its strong diversity and has no shortage of psychedelic music. What was it about Japan, the U.S.A and India that influenced you so strongly early on in your career?

As a whole I would say I was extremely influenced by the Israeli scene, which was slightly more underground than these days, but kicking in all the right places. As for Japan and India these are non-Western regimes which I was fascinated about, it was a totally different experience than anything I have known before, culture and music wise. Naturally it had an effect on me, hard to pinpoint exactly what but I always love to meet new cultures!

Do you remember the first psytrance track you’ve heard and really got you hooked on it?

It’s pretty hard for me to point exactly what was the first track because there were so many great tracks back in the day, but around 1991-1992 I heard “Phantasia – Inner Light”. Although it’s not exactly what would be considered a psytrance track today, for me that’s where it all started…

Tell us a bit about your journey from those moments to become a psytrance producer.

Well I’ll go way back to 1994 when I first started to go to psychedelic trance parties in Israel – it was a real magical time. Then in 1998 I began traveling quite a lot to places such as Japan, USA and India where I also spent some time exploring the local party scenes. In 2001 I was given the opportunity to take my first steps as a resident DJ at the Luna Club in the city of Haifa, and I ended up staying there for approximately 3 years. I think it was all of those experiences over the years- traveling in all of those exotic locations as well as the skills I developed as a DJ- that made me want to produce my own music.

How you got into the psytrance world and what is the meaning behind the name Ritmo?

I’m doing great, thanks! Well, I go way back to 1994, where I first started to go to psychedelic trance parties in Israel. It was a real magical time. Then, in 1998, I started to travel quite a lot to places such as Japan, USA and India where I spent some time going to parties as well. In 2001 I made my first steps as a resident DJ, at the Luna Club in the city of Haifa for approximately 3 years. I think it was all the experiences I absorbed along the years, in all those exotic locations combined with the expertise I developed as a DJ, that made me want to make my own music. Ritmo means rhythm in Spanish or Portuguese and it represents what I find to be one of the most important features in a track.

In your opinion, what is it about progressive music that makes it so danceable? Do you think it has the potential to break into the mainstream?

Well there is no doubt that progressive is becoming much more popular these past few years. I think it has to do with the fact that it fits perfectly to the human body; it is not too fast, not too slow, and it contains many other genres, so many people can find something they like in it. For example there is dark progressive and off beat, so each genre is different. Another point is that it is not too aggressive or dull, I actually find myself playing it to people who never hear this kind of music and they love it! You could say it becomes a bit more mainstream, but I think there is still a long way before it will be declared as the new Lady Gaga!

You collaborate with a lot of top producers on this album – Astrix, Ace Ventura, Liquid Soul – can you share with us something from the work with them, best if it is juicy.

Yes. In this album I collaborated with six different top producers who also are great people and close friends. It was really important for me to have all of them on the album, first because I am a big fan of their music, but also because of the individual friendships we have. I am happy that they were able to be a part of this creation. Juicy stories.

Ever use Live instruments in your sets/ would you?

During my live set I use Chaos Oscillator, and samples that I made before handed I activate with the help of Midi Controller.

You play festivals around the globe in faraway locations. Are these kind of trips something you just get used to over time?

What a wonderful question! Ok, so the past few years have been totally hectic and crazy, I do get to go to many places around the world, and being on a plane is not that easy when it is so frequent. However, I just love what I do, the satisfaction I get from the smiling people, and the energy I absorb from the wonderful people across the world functions as a charger that keeps me going. So it was quite easy to get used to this unusual life style when you feel such a fulfillment.

What is it about Progressive Trance for you that just makes a party happen?

Well, personally I love the way this genre appeals to people who are not necessarily Trance fanatics. Progressive Trance manages to sweep a wider variety of crowd and it’s amazing to see different people dance to it.