

Cirostratus
Cirostratus is a Romanian electronic music producer and DJ, active since 2015, and recognized among the All-Time Top 22 Romanian Techno-Trance Producers. With releases spanning labels across Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia, his tracks have also been featured on international radio stations and podcasts, including Trance Energy Radio (Italy), Big FM (Romania), Radio Nacional (El Salvador), and Tranceplayer FM (USA).
My Story
Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of?
I recently had the opportunity to remix a track from Armada Music as part of a SKIO contest. It’s a really beautiful vocal uplifting trance, and it’s been great to see such a positive feedback from my fans. This project definately stand out for me.
What's the biggest misconception about Producing?
One of the biggest misconceptions about music production is that it’s just about assembling samples and calling it a finished track. In reality, it goes much deeper than that. A professional producer builds a track from the ground up, focusing heavily on sound design to create something unique and that’s where your identity comes in.
How would you describe your style?
My style sits between uplifting and progressive trance. I enjoy blending the two, building a more tech-driven, groove-focused bassline, then contrasting that with uplifting breakdowns and melodic leads. It’s that balance between energy and emotion that really defines my sound.
What type of music do you usually Produce?
I produce trance music by bringing together all the elements of the genre: melody, energy, atmosphere, and emotion. I like to create driving rhythms and expressive leads, so each track feels both powerful and immersive.
Analog or digital and why?
I have a strong preference for analogue instruments because they give you that tactile, hands-on feel, which really connects you to the music. At the same time, I use digital synthesizers to shape and refine my sound design.
What do you like most about Electronic music?
I love electronic music because it gives anyone the opportunity to create a track without needing to graduate a music university. There are countless talented producers who may not be famous worldwide but still have the chance to build something from scratch. For example, Avicii started out using FL Studio on a computer in his living room, and look at what he achieved.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been producing electronic music since 2015, releasing tracks on labels from around the world while some of my tunes have even entered the Beatport Top 100. I’ve also had guest radio mixes on trance stations and perform live gigs on the clubs.
What's your typical work process?
When I produce a track, I always start with the melody, creating my own personal layering and chords progressions. From there, I move into the breakdown, adding emotion through piano, atmospheric elements, or vocals. After that, I bring in the energy by crafting the bassline. I also enjoy mixing and mastering my own tracks, as it allows me to shape the sound exactly how I imagine it.
Tell us about your studio setup.
I use a lot of VSTs, but my favorites are Spire, Sylenth, and Serum. I also prefer using physical keyboards when creating MIDI parts and for audio, I rely on professional speakers/headphones to get the best sound. For the guest sets, I really enjoy mixing on Pioneer DJ decks.
Can you share one production tip?
In today’s world, it’s very easy to use AI when creating a track. While it can be a helpful tool, I strongly encourage producers to stick to a more ‘classic’ approach, making music with their own creativity and talent. It will make you proud knowing you’ve built a track from scratch, rather than relying on something superficial generated by robots. That human and personal touch is what truly makes the music yours.
What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
Ever since I discovered trance music in 1999, my role model has been Armin van Buuren. I met him a few months ago at the ASOT studio in Amsterdam, and he’s not only highly professional but also genuinely friendly, a real mentor for me. I also admire the styles of Xijaro & Pitch, Ben Gold, or Craig Connelly.
LINKS
TikTok
SoundCloud

