From Goa to Ozora — and now back to Serbia — Tristan Cooke has been a defining force in psytrance for decades. Known for his uplifting energy and deep sonic journeys, he’s returning to Jungle Island this summer for a set that promises nothing short of transcendence. Ahead of the show, we caught up with him to talk music, memories, and what keeps him inspired after all these years.
With over 25 years behind the decks, DJ Tristan is a true icon of the global psytrance movement. Whether it’s Boom, Universo Paralello, or Ozora, he’s lit up stages worldwide with his signature sound. And this June 21st, he’s back in Serbia — ready to take us on another unforgettable ride.
What was your first encounter with electronic music, and when did you realize it was your true calling?
I first discovered dance and rave music while traveling through Australia in 1989. The scene in Sydney was absolutely pumping, and it was there that I found my passion. It just clicked — I knew this was something I wanted to dedicate myself to.
How did your early experiences in Goa shape your identity as an artist?
Goa didn’t just shape me as an artist — it shaped me as a human being. Experiencing exotic cultures, traveling the world, meeting people from every walk of life, and of course, dancing under the stars on tropical beaches — it all had a profound impact. It helped define the lifestyle I knew I wanted to live.
Do you remember your first-ever DJ set — where it was and how it felt?
Absolutely! My first paid gig was in 1992 — I earned £20 for playing at a club on the High Street in my university town. We kept doing those nights for a few years, and they were a blast. It was a great learning ground. The night was run by Simon Wild, who later launched 21.3 Records — a label that played a major role in the early days of my career.
What does your creative process look like when working on a new track — from concept to final mix?
It really depends, but I often have a specific gig or setting in mind. If I know I’ve got an afternoon set at a sunny festival, I’ll aim for something uplifting to match the vibe. I like to create tracks that fit different moods — from club nights in London to open-air festivals in Brazil. That’s why I’m constantly in the studio, pushing myself to craft music for every occasion.
Where do you draw inspiration from outside of music — travel, nature, philosophy?
A good friend once told me: to be a good artist, you need to watch great films, read meaningful books, have stimulating conversations, and explore inspiring places. I’ve taken that to heart. What you feed your mind and soul comes out in your art. My music is about expanding consciousness, always moving toward the light. I tap into deep emotional states — trying to recreate those moments of transcendence for others on the dancefloor.
How have you evolved musically and personally from Audiodrome to Crazy Wisdom?
Life is full of paradoxes — some moments drag on while years fly by. We’re always evolving, yet there’s a constant within us. The desire to create altered states of consciousness through music hasn’t changed since I started. It’s a timeless pursuit — something humans have been doing for millennia through dance and ritual.
What are your go-to tools in the studio — favorite software, hardware, synths?
Ah, the techy stuff! I use Ableton as my main DAW. I love incorporating the human voice to blend organic and synthetic textures. In terms of hardware, I often reach for the Virus, Nord, and Octave Cat. There are some amazing sample libraries out there — Futurephonic, Sonicspore, Timecode — they’ve streamlined the process, but I always encourage artists to find their own unique sound rather than rely solely on presets.
Do you prefer working solo or collaborating with artists like Avalon, Ajja, or Laughing Buddha?
I’m primarily a solo artist — that’s where I feel most in flow. But collaborations have been a big part of my journey, and I’ve learned so much from the incredible artists I’ve worked with. It’s a real creative challenge and joy to blend your vibe with someone else’s and make something new together.
You’ve played all over the world — is there one festival or event that stands out as unforgettable?
That’s a tough one! Playing for 25,000 people at a massive festival is an unbelievable buzz — but so is a small underground party in the woods with 100 people totally in sync. The magic can happen anywhere, often where you least expect it.
How do you see the evolution of the psytrance scene globally, especially in Europe and Asia?
It’s definitely evolving. Psytrance has always had a spiritual dimension — rooted in its origins in Goa and the broader psychedelic tradition. That spirit continues to resonate. The genre is also influencing and merging with other styles now, which is exciting. There’s a lot of cross-pollination happening — and I think that’s healthy.
How do you balance your intense touring schedule with family life?
Haha, this interview feels like therapy! Thankfully, I have an amazing and supportive wife who understands what I do. I try to stay grounded by doing things like catching the first flight home, being there for family dinners even when I’m jet-lagged, and never missing important moments like school plays. Now that my daughter is grown up, we even go to festivals together — which is a beautiful thing.
What are you currently working on — any new projects or releases?
Yes! I’m just finishing an album with Regan from Nano Records — our project is called 8ternal Beings. It’s a deeper, darker, nighttime sound, and we’ll be playing it live at Boom and Free Earth Festival this summer. I also have a Killerwatts remix album coming, plus loads of solo material in the pipeline. Things are flowing really well at the moment.
Where do you see the psytrance scene heading in the next 10 years — and what role would you like to play in it?
The scene is growing and influencing other genres, which is amazing to see. The key is continuing to release great music and support quality events. I’m optimistic about the future. As for my role — I hope to keep doing exactly what I’ve been doing: creating, sharing, and evolving with the people I love.
Thanks so much for your time, Tristan. It’s been a pleasure.
Thank you — I really enjoyed that.
Author: Stojan Ćutilo
Photo: Lilit Andrić
