When it comes to electronic music, few artists push boundaries like Ed Lynam. Renowned for his innovative approach and seamless ability to blend genres, Ed has carved out a reputation as a trailblazer in the global dance music scene. His tracks aren’t just music—they’re experiences, each one telling a story that resonates with listeners whether they’re on a packed dance floor or lost in their own world with headphones on.
Thanks to SCHÖN management, I had the privilege of sitting down with Ed to get a glimpse into the mind behind the music. From his distinct production techniques and creative influences to the electrifying energy he brings to his live sets, Ed shared his journey as a DJ and producer with an authenticity that’s as captivating as his sound. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just now discovering his work, this interview offers a rare look into what makes Ed’s artistry so unique. Let’s dive in!
DJ and Producer. Known for playing Very Hard Trance and a bit of Hard Dance too! Also the man behind Adrenalin Sessions on AH FM and events in Dublin.
Ed, thank you for taking the time to do this. I’m excited to learn more about you and your journey. What initially drew you to the world of electronic music, and who were your early inspirations?
I grew up in the UK in the 90s. When dance music was really taking off. I first got into trance around 1996 and the golden year of 1999 really cemented my love for it. I was also a rocker and grunge kid back then. I’ve always been about tracks with energy. Trance, and especially hard trance really did the trick for me. I’d say the DJs I liked the most when I started were Judge Jules, Ferry Corsten, Lisa Pin Up, Andy Farley, Carl Cox, Paul van Dyk, and Eddie Halliwell.
How did your journey as a DJ and producer begin, and what challenges did you face starting out?
I was out working in Ibiza for the 2nd season in 2005. I was going to Cream @ Amnesia every Thursday and banging on about the music and the DJs to my work colleagues. One of them then suggested I should take up DJing myself. So, in January 2006, I was working at Digital NCF and one of the resident DJs was running the DJ course. I enrolled and that’s how it started.
I didn’t produce till 2013. I rather mistakenly believed I could make it big just on DJing. Which as we all know, is now practically impossible to achieve. I moved to London in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2012, people started to become interested in my hard trance sound. Then I figured I’ll start making tracks as well. So slow years, but not entirely wasted.
What inspired your decision to focus on hard trance as your primary genre?
It was just the energy. I certainly didn’t take the decision due to its popularity! I love trance overall, as well as hard house and hard techno. I think my sound just took elements from all of those and hard trance floated to the top of the pile.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a new track?
It depends if it’s an original or a remix. If it’s a remix. I already have the melody and elements to work off. I then just try to bring in my interpretation of how the track should’ve sounded like and go from there. If it’s an original, I do use 2 or 3 tracks for reference for an idea. Once the melody and the lead are locked in (this bit I struggle with the most), then I can get to work on the rest of it.
What tools or software do you rely on most in your production setup?
I use Ableton 11 as my DAW. I use Sylenth and Spire for synths. Loopcloud for percussion ideas. FabFilter Pro Q-3 and Valhalla DPS I also use a lot. I try not to overload the track with too many VSTs. It can get easy to lose control of the project if 1 of them fails.
Can you tell me more about your aliases—6GR, ProgressEd, and Dirty Chef—and how those projects differ from the music you release as Ed Lynam?
So 6GR is my techno alias. I’ve released 4 tracks as the alias on Wicked Waves Recordings. And I’ve played out as that alias a few times in about 3 countries.
ProgressEd is my latest alias, which is for progressive trance and house. I do have a track as ProgressEd coming out later this year. And again, I play out as that alias too, mainly in Ireland. But I plan to also come to England with that alias at some point.
Dirty Chef is my oldest alias, which is used solely for my mashups. I have played out as Dirty Chef a couple of times, some years ago. But I have slowed down the amount I use to make to only 2 or 3 a year. I might come back and do it again, but I don’t think there is enough new material to warrant it. But never say never.
Hard trance has evolved significantly over the years. How do you see the genre growing, and where do you fit within its evolution?
It’s certainly grown very well since the pandemic. And even the mainstream trance DJs are now speeding up and hardening their sound. I’m not sure entirely where I would fit into all of it. Hopefully my career will also rise with its popularity.
What are some of the biggest influences on your sound today compared to when you first started?
I’m really digging the sound of Scot Project, Indecent Noise, Mark Sherry, David Forbes, Renegade System, Nomad, TrickyDJ, and Mindflux. Can’t go wrong with any of that lot!
Do you find inspiration from genres outside of electronic music? If so, which ones?
I like my rock and indie still. In 2023 I remixed Depeche Mode – “Never Let Me Down Again,” which I was very happy with how it turned out. And last year I did a mashup with The Last Dinner Party – “Nothing Matters.”
But you know what, even pop music sometimes creeps in! I did a remix of Olivia Rodrigo – “Driver’s License” a while ago. And I would love to have a crack at remixing Chappell Roan or Sabrina Carpenter at some point. I thought as I was getting older, I’d be more inwards looking with what music I like and dislike, but the opposite seems to be happening!! But look at it this way; good music, is good music!
What has been your most memorable gig or performance, and what can fans look forward to when they see you perform live?
I think my debut at Ministry of Sound main room, was still the most special to me. It just so happened to be on my birthday. The room was rammed, all my friends showed up and the atmosphere was just electric. I did enjoy Street Parade last year too, with the sheer numbers I was playing at. But yea Ministry still edges it for me.
People can always expect 100% commitment from me, when I play. I dance around like a maniac, no matter how busy it is and always try and rev up the crowd as best I can.
How do you approach preparing for a set when performing at festivals compared to smaller, more intimate venues? Do you usually stick to a set list, or do you adapt and switch things up based on the crowd’s energy and vibe during the performance?
A lot of it actually depends on the event in question. Sometimes if it’s an older crowd, I would tend to play a bit more of the classics. Most of the time, my set is only an hour. That’s around 12-15 tracks to spin, so I tend to split it into 3 categories. My stuff, other people’s new music and back catalogue or classics. I change things around a bit, and sometimes I might find I don’t play any of my own stuff at all. I just take each gig as it comes and make an educated guess. Whilst also been prepared to do the show completely off plan if I have to, to keep the crowd engaged.
You’ve worked with legends like Binary Finary and The Space Brothers. What have you learned from collaborating with such iconic figures, and how have they influenced your approach to music?
Well, I’ve only ever had them DJ at my events in Dublin. They’re both fabulous producers and DJs and always seem to get their tracks just right. So, I’d say that does influence me to some degree to try and find a sound that’s unique to me.
How do you approach working with other artists or vocalists in the studio?
It depends if it’s online or in person. If I’m at the other person’s studio, I am quite happy with them to take the lead, sat at the computer. There’s no point jumping in, especially if they have a different DAW to you, and messing up their settings. And the reverse of course applies if anyone comes to my studio.
Online tends to be a bit more fluid. Where we would send bits and parts to each other. But you know, everyone I have worked with has a different way of working. So, I just make sure to adapt and make sure to not get in the way of their creative flow, and they do the same for me.
With streaming platforms and social media transforming the music industry, how have these tools influenced the way you connect with your fans? Also, where do you feel most at home online, and where can we best engage with you and your work?
Well, I am not a fan of Spotify, at all really. I think their payment structure to artists and their algorithm needs a lot of improvement. But I am on there and do try and promote it occasionally. I’d say Facebook seems to be the site that my fans interact the most with me. I do have Instagram, X, and TikTok too.
With social media I tend to just post what I need to on any specific day (I have a social media schedule that I draw up once a month). Then I go offline again. I’ve found social media a little more tedious these days, with various issues people experience around the world. So, I try not to get sucked into that and just be on it for a short time, but efficiently.
Adrenalin Sessions has reached impressive milestones with consistent episodes and major guest appearances. What has been the most rewarding part of hosting the show, and how do you keep the content fresh and engaging for listeners?
We certainly have been having the momentum for the last couple of years with our events. And as for the radio show. I keep it fresh by having acts that are new or need to be showcased. I always play the latest music for my set on the episodes, so there is little to no repetition. And as its monthly, I do have the time then to plan it. We are celebrating 200 episodes in May. And we have some big events planned to celebrate that!
When you’re not creating or performing music, how do you spend your time?
I have a 10-month-old baby, so she takes up most of my spare time now!! But yea, I like to have a busy calendar outside of music. So, I go visit places and countries with my family, eat at nice restaurants, and work on improving my house. I’m also a big F1 fan, so I always make time to watch it live on a Sunday when I can. And this year I will be going to the British Grand Prix too.
Are there any upcoming projects, tracks, or performances that you’re particularly excited about?
I have a collaboration with Lange that is almost finished, that should be out the 2nd half of the year. I have a few European festivals lined up too. But mainly I’m looking forward to my Adrenalin Sessions and Sunset Sessions events. As this promises to be our biggest year ever. With 5 shows in Dublin. 2 in Rotterdam in tandem with ASOT. And we’re also heading out to Malta too!
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to make a mark in the hard trance scene?
I would say make sure to submit to the following labels first. Hard Trance Europe, Hyper Reality Records, Hard Trance Revolution Records, HQ Recordings, or Radiation Recordings. Even if they don’t take your track, they will almost always give you indispensable advice and feedback. The trickiest bit is finding a sound unique to you. And your first track will 100% not be your best work, so time and patience are the key thing really.
Between hosting radio shows, organizing events, and performing internationally, how do you manage the balance between being a producer, DJ, and event curator?
With difficulty! (Laughs.) I try and find an equilibrium between the various jobs I do. I find the best way is write up a schedule for myself. And try to complete my task I set for the day, as best I can. Often, I miss the target, but I just re-algin. I would say though this year, the events will be taking precedence in 2025.
Your merchandise line is impressive. How do you ensure the designs reflect your brand, and are there plans for future expansions or collaborations tied to your music?
I haven’t had a look at my merchandise for some time actually! I may have a look at updating it at some point! (Laughs.)
You’ve released a lot of music over the years. How has your sound evolved from your very first single to the latest banger you’ve dropped?
I’d like to think it’s improved somewhat! But I do try and keep as close to what I believe an Ed Lynam track should be. But as time has gone on, I’ve found myself more flexible and bringing in new and fresher sounds.
I love what you’re sharing on Instagram—it’s such a great mix of on-stage moments, promotions for your live performances, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your personal life. It’s not really a question, but as a fan, I really appreciate you showing your authentic side like that.
Thanks! My wife is better at the Instagram stories than I am, so a lot of the personal stuff is me resharing. I do like to keep a certain level of privacy with my personal life. So, everything I do put up is deliberate and thought through.
Your artwork consistently complements your releases. How involved are you in the design process, and what role do visuals play in telling the story of your music?
I actually don’t have any say in the artwork for my releases. But I must admit some labels get very creative with it, and they have fantastic results.
What’s next on the horizon for you? Do you have any new music releases coming up or plans to hit the road for live performances?
I have that collaboration with Lange out at some point this year. Also, some more content coming out on Hard Trance Europe and Hard Trance Revolution Records. The year is starting to fill up nicely. Most of my gigs will be in Ireland. But I will also make appearances in England for the Hard Trance Europe Weekender, Malta for Captured Festival, Ibiza and other European destinations. Perhaps even some further afield! January tends to be a month, where lots of deals for gigs are done, and the announcements come later, so sorry I can’t be more specific.
How do you see the future of hard trance evolving in the next 5–10 years, and how do you envision your role within it?
I just hope it continues its current upward trajectory. And I’ll enjoy anything that comes my way a part of it
Thanks for doing this! In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thanks very much. I will!
For more information about Ed Lynam, go to:
Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | SoundCloud | Spotify
