DJ Solitare's Retro Goa Explorations, Episode 69 - Pleiadians: Maia

The 69th in my Retro Goa Explorations series of videos in which I present some of my favourite 'Goa Trance' tracks from the '90s.
In this series, I go back to my first experiences in the Goa Trance electronic dance music movement starting in late 1994, drawing upon my recollections of hearing specific music at certain events and using my classical music background explore the elements that I believe make these tracks so great.
The series is currently focused on music I first encountered in the '96-97 season, starting in September 1996, when I moved to London. The track featured today is part of an iconic release in 1997 that is so unique in so many ways. After I give some background about my first time hearing this music with a few extra details from one of the producers, I present the track simultaneously with my observations; after some closing remarks, I then share it without my commentary.
One of my recent sets featuring this track:
/ dj-solitare-live-mix-b...
For written features and mixes, go to my website at djsolitare.com/
and my Soundcloud at / djsolitare

[@colinbenfield326]

The reaction at Apsara says it all. Superb track. Superb album.

[@LiamVonOahu604]

Goa trance perfected

[@Clone604]

What an epic TUNE. So much amazing going on. The little background details that bring out the harmonics, the insane syncopation of elements and the heavy driving low end. So GOOD!

[@olilarkin]

masterpiece!

[@gergoszabo7465]

nice music dj

[@anoopbanarjee8397]

was waiting for this one....😁😁😍

[@pepoelectra5439]

it's not every day that a track comes along and captures the essence of a genre, but "Maia" from the Pleiadians' album IFO does just that. When I met Mark, in Goa, we pondered over which track he might choose to review from this iconic album. I had a hunch it could be either "Maia" or "Alcyone," and here we are, with "Maia" taking the spotlight. For many Goa trance enthusiasts, IFO is revered as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, albums within the genre. As it nears its 30th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity, having withstood the test of time. Personally, I regard it as the pinnacle of artistic expression in music. Mark astutely points out that "Maia" isn't a track you can just play at any party, regardless of the vibe. It demands a certain atmosphere, a certain moment. I got hold of this album after hearing the rave reviews, but to be honest i had a hard time getting to understand it first. But then, I remember the day it all clicked for me; driving on a cool summer afternoon through a vast desert, the music gods finally blessed me and this album struck me like a bolt of lightning. After Alcyone, I had to pull over to fully immerse myself in the experience, as if a portal had opened, just as Mark described. I really appreciate the fact that you could recognise and connect immediately to the Epic climatic portion of ELectra when DJ purple ported it to your consciousness. Electra is a beast, the climatic part is nothing but divinity itself. This album, IFO, is heavyweight in every sense - an undisputed champion of the Goa trance genre. It's a masterpiece that commands respect and should be played for the right audience, at the right time, and in the right place. Everything about this album is extraordinary. Its the peak of creativity, imagination, ideas, intelligence, story telling and direction. Thank you Mark for getting this one on, and eternal thank you and respect to Max, Maurizio, Carlo and Andrea. An album truly forever.

[@Leo_prado]

It definitely sounds like Carlo! Was it him alone? Yes it was! It's perfect like Beethoven!

[@alvinlepik5265]

IFO is an amazing album. It took some time for me to appreciate Taygeta. The highlight for me is hands down Electra and as always, I appreciate a good downtempo and Celaeno delivers :)

[@orenpsun]

practically impossible to choose a favorite etnica/pleaiadians track - but when I first heard this, I was catapulted to a completely different dimension, such amazing storytelling - and then the last passage where it just completely explodes tearing everything to little bits, then collecting it all at the end and you're just completely breathless

[@DJSolitare]

YESSSSSSSS!

[@konvejoryou]

Haha, I was there on Apsara. Your set was epic :) also the whole party was unforgettable.

[@DJSolitare]

So happy to hear you enjoyed my set. It was indeed a great festival!

[@LiamVonOahu604]

Subaru