Grotesque Music

Grotesque Music was launched in 2010 as a Black Hole Recordings imprint (based in Breda, Netherlands) co-founded by Dutch DJ-producer RAM (Ram Boon) and Geert Huinink. The label and its associated Grotesque Indeed compilation series and Grotesque Radio show have been a key platform for the modern 138 BPM tech-uplifting sound, sitting alongside Subculture, FSOE, Damaged, and Outburst as one of the genre's flagship harder-trance labels. RAM stepped away from Grotesque in July 2019 to start a new venture. RAM was the label's most active artist during his tenure, releasing trademark productions like "RAMexico," "RAMses," and "RAMeladrama" — anthemic, melodic, peak-time tech-uplifting tracks that have become staples of the harder-trance circuit. The Grotesque roster has also included Sneijder, Talla 2XLC, Heatbeat, James Dymond, and many others working in the 138 BPM space. The associated Grotesque Indeed events at venues across the Netherlands and Europe have built a devoted community. While Grotesque is smaller in scale than Armada or Anjunabeats, its consistent editorial focus on the technical, emotionally-driven side of 138 BPM trance has earned it a dedicated audience among connoisseurs of the harder modern sound.