Sander van Doorn’s new alias, Purple Haze, explores the darker side of trance

by: Ryan Castillo Mar 22, 2017

Sander van Doorn has been a trance force to-be-reckoned since the mid-2000s. Before transitioning into a more progressive house style, the Dutch producer actually nestled his early recording career in the tech-trance pillar of dance music. Over the weekend, Sander’s socials went completely dark in a move that ultimately signified a return to this style. Emerging from the ashes was the launch of his alter ego: Purple Haze.

The move towards a new moniker surfaced when van Doorn previewed the track “Neiloj” on A State of Trance (Episode 804) earlier this month. The mastered version of “Neiloj” is set for May 15 release on his Doorn Records imprint.

The full live experience will be revealed during the official Purple Haze launch at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, although he began previewing new material in Australia last week. What better timing for the official debut of such a creative pursuit, which marks a return to van Doorn’s darker, moodier beginnings; if nothing else, the project demonstrates his versatility as an artist as well as how attuned he is to industry trends.

Given the sheer quality and sharp, sinister feel of Purple Haze “Bliksem,” we’re incredibly eager to see what’s in store for the trance luminary during Miami Music Week.