Wow, what a crazy year this has been… If you were gonna tell me in January all this was gonna happen within twelve months, I would’ve thought you were insane and you probably needed to go talk to somebody.
Thank you everyone for making this year incredible. I know I always say I don’t base things off stats or numbers but it’s honestly been one of the most exciting years for my music ever and it’s all been possible thanks to the support of you guys. To celebrate, I’ve decided to do a looking back type blog post. I’m writing this blog post because a lot happened and I think it’ll be better than trying to keep everything within social media’s wording limits (it’s gonna be a long one, bear with me).
If I forget anything, please bear with me, this has been a VERY busy year and it’s gonna be hard to mention everything, but we’re gonna see what happens. Also this may be a messy post as I’m preparing this last minute. Thank you for understanding!
This year, I worked a lot with labels by, well, releasing tracks with them (surprise surprise I guess). First up was with Neoluminum for a few remixes of “Magic Mirror” by Desx & Zef Parisoto as well as “Vision” by Trianglory (I actually released with them again on Fragments Vol. 1 with “Altitude” later during the year), and then I had my ClubHaus debut with “Never Stop” over in April (then coming back with Tohrchu for “Chrono Break” in October). I also did some releases with EDM Mania (“Space Cadet” with Intrust), Futurising (“Proof of Concept” with Sybranax), and, of course, Radium (with having the most releases this year, from “Spectre” to “Brainwasher” to even collabs like “Homecoming” with Michael Wojick and “Sakuru” with Rukku Takahashi). I also got a self release in with “Summer 2017”, a color house complextro-style track I released to celebrate 200 followers on SoundCloud.
To say the least, it’s been a reeeeeally busy year LOL.
It’s been amazing to see everyone’s reaction to these tracks. I’ve gotten Discord messages from friends and comments from other people, and it has been an honor to say the least. Reading these messages and watching everyone enjoy these tracks as much as I do always brings a smile to my face and I appreciate every single comment that I get, whether it’s in relation to the tracks, anything else, or seriously just a hi. It really means a lot, so thank you everyone!
But that’s not at all where it stopped.
I’ve been featured on shows ranging from ClubHaus Radio to even Aphelion Radio (hi Seren and Hausman if you’re reading this, thanks for the support as always!). I’ve also had guestmixes on Aphelion (two times) as well as ClubHaus (one solo and another B2B with Tohrchu), as well as appearances on Noveci’s Novels of the Past and even HXBass’s YouTube channel! It’s been a huge honor to participate in these opportunities as well as hang out with the chats while the premieres were live, so a huge thanks to everyone who’s been part of these whether as a behind-the-scenes person or a chat member!
On a side note, one of the hugest things regarding rardioshows this year was when me and Tohrchu had our track “Chrono Break” played on ABGT and ASOT ADE through Hausman’s mixes, which was INSANE to witness! I’m writing this as its own seperate paragraph because I knew that these right here were the big shows growing up in terms of trance. So to be able to be here and say a track of mine was on there this year is just insanely bonkers and I know 13-year old me is still not over it. Thank you Hausman for all the support on that track, really means a lot!
What else happened this year…?
I joined Bluesky in January, which has been a fun platform to join. Huge thanks to those who follow me whether from the beginning or currently! I also got my first solo mixtape out known as the Shapeshifter Chronicle Volume One on my birthday, that was neat (though I’ll admit, next time I do another one of these I’m recording with Audacity and not Traktor’s built in mix recorder). And, of course, I started this website and I’m sure you all know how that’s going LOL. Still, thanks everyone for the support on all of these!
We’ve also had some fun events on Discord as well, ranging from just hanging out to even some game nights. We had a huge turnout on Mario Day when we did Super Mario 64 Co-Op Deluxe, as well as when we did one to celebrate the release of “Spectre” over on Radium’s Discord (thanks Radium for trusting us with this even with how chaotic we got.. you’re real ones for that LOL). Thanks to everyone who joined for these fun times, we need to get around to doing these more often!
Okay, so now a bit of a personal corner.
This year was a little bit rough on me because I’ve been going through a lot IRL,, plus the stress of way too many things I’m not gonna mention because it’s obvious what I’m getting at if you’ve been reading the news. I think we’ve all been going through it this year. However, I found a lot of things that have made me happy when I’m not busy working on random projects (though let’s be honest I do enjoy the heck out of making these projects, and I have a few exciting ones in the works, but I’ll spill that later down the road)….
I’ve started messing with Linux on my end. Some of you already know that I’ve built this website from the ground up on Xubuntu, but now I’m proudly back on the laptop that the whole Grownden project started on (an old HP Notebook from 2016…. remember that year?) and it’s running Kubuntu, which I honestly prefer over Xubuntu. What a rabbit hole this has been and thank GOODNESS I decided to hop on it alongside my brother. It’s just been thrilling to mess with open source software and revive old computers for the thrill of it. Plus it’s become my daily driver for non music production needs. I use it a lot for emails, web browsing, social media management, and… other fun shenanigans.
Now if only I knew how to use the terminal….
I’ve also been playing games a bit more this year. Of course I’m playing games on Linux, but I’ve been also trying out games on my phone and a few retro consoles. Though legally we should not call the Xbox 360 or Wii U or even 2DS retro consoles. That’s making me look old as it is, and I was born right before the mid 2000s. Sorry, someone has to say it.
I think if anyone needs game recommendations from me this year, I need to shoutout Peglin, Kero Kero Cowboy (which I eventually need to get the full game of once that’s out on Steam… maybe it’s already out on Itch.Io? I have no idea), Portal (which I just got working on Linux finally though I’m stuck on a level), and Buster Jam (can’t wait for this one to come out, go play it if you haven’t). Though I will say, something is telling me Midnight Club LA needs to be mentioned. It’s not talked about enough by the Xbox community, what a classic. Maybe next time instead of GTA can we just get a Midnight Club remaster or something?
Also, installing Linux on old computers have ignited a CD interest from me and my brother. That’s right, we’ve been buying old CDs from Goodwill and our library’s bookstore to make our own local audio collection, as well as digging through our own personal collections. It’s been a thrilling experience to discover new music that I’m surprised isn’t talked about a lot. It delivers more unique music discovery than Spotify does and I encourage everyone reading to just… walk into their secondhand stores, buy something and just vibe.
Nobody asked for this but albums from these discoveries I recommend…. “Big Generator” by Yes, really amazing prog band from the 80s, “Out of Time” by REM, an emotional rock album front to back, “Start The Party! Volume One”, really good 90s house compilation that shows how much this EDM scene’s evolved, “Don’t Kill the Magic” by MAGIC!, just a fun time all around, “From Under the Cork Tree” by Fall Out Boy, see previous comment, “Battle of Los Angeles” by Rage Against the Machine & “Big Willie Style” by Will Smith, if you like banging rap, “So” by Peter Gabriel, what a vibe that is, “Silent Witness” by Skywalk, amazing jazz album, “Electronic-Universe Part 1” by SOFTWARE, really good ambient album, and “Sorry for Party Rocking” by LMFAO, just a reminder of the golden era of music (the 2010s).
We’ve also been checking out albums from Bandcamp and other digital downloads as well. A few recommendations are “Eternal Heartbreak” by Seth Nova, “SUPERWAVE” by POPCULTR, “Perfect World” by ax14, “Chuck Person’s Eccojams Vol 1” and “Floral Shoppe” by Macintosh Plus. Yes, we love vaporwave. Turn these up and enjoy them.
Um… I think that might be it?
Obviously this year isn’t over. I’ve still got a few tricks up my sleeve for this last month.
You probably already know on December 14, I’m doing not only a solo set but a B2B with the one and only Seren Santiago for the Aphelion 300 Virtual Festival. But did you also know I have at least two more releases? That’s right. One of them is a track I’ve been dropping in my sets as of late and the other is….. well, do I dare spoil that now….. Ehhhh it’s more fun to let you guys wait I think, but I promise it’ll be worth it.
Speaking of Aphelion also, next year, I’ll also be returning to the radio field with a new mixshow as part of the Aphelion Family Residency as well called Utopia Sessions. It’s going to be a monthly mixtape of Trance, EDM and beyond with modern tracks, classics, and maybe a few unexpected twists as well. I’m looking forward to that, and I hope you are as well! The Aphelion Family Residency begins January 4 and also features my friends Seren, Tohrchu and Michael Wojick, so mark your calendars!
It’s probably too early to make these but heck it, I’m gonna spoil some resolutions.
First off, I want to get more Color Trance music done obviously. I’ve not got too many tracks done yet so the first part of the year may be slow in releases, but there’s a lot of exciting projects in the works so I hope you’ll look forward to them!
Secondly, I want to get better at DJ’ing and maybe do more mixes. Can’t confirm it but maybe Shapeshifter Chronicle Volume Two eventually? Would anyone even care for that? I promise audio’s gonna be a LOT better this time.
Third, I’m thinking about moving to open source software for graphics and what not. Canva is cool but I need more creativity without needing to shell out for Pro. I’m gonna use GIMP, Inkscape and Krita, but let me know if there’s any other stuff I should check out too, I need all the help I can get. I’ll still use Canva for collaborative designs obviously but… that’s it.
Fourth, as much as I hate social media with how generic and obnoxious it gets, is it about time I should make more content? I pretty much have a video editor now on my Linux computer. I could probably make some promotional content. Or memes. Promotional memes?
Fifth, I want to release on more experimental labels. Or at least some more that want to give Color Trance a chance. Or any that still care about Trance in the first place. Get in touch with me if you own one so I can add you to my label spreadsheet. Or don’t. I’m not your manager.
Six, I want to make Utopia Sessions the best possible radioshow for unique music. I look forward to doing some crate digging for it soon!
Seven, LEARNING THE LINUX TERMINAL SO I CAN GAIN ULTIMATE POWER OVER- ehhhhh I mean so I can know how to use Linux properly? Hahahahaha…
Eight, I’m thinking I might work on my link portal and retire my Linktree. I like the idea of having a more personalized links page rather than whatever a corporation wants it to look like. That might be cool!
Nine, I want to write more blog posts. I made this part of the site and it’s basically got nothing. I don’t know what to write about yet but I want to fill it. Suggestions welcome I guess.
Finally, just having a good year overall.
I want to thank a few people before I end this blog post. Might have some repeats but I’m thanking people for different reasons. If I miss anyone, I’m sorry, but I’m thankful for you anyways. You know who you are.
First off, thank you to my collaborators Intrust, Tohrchu, Rukku Takahashi, Sybranax and Michael Wojick. For collaborating with me and making some really awesome tracks, some of which took a long time to finish. It’s been an honor and a thrill.
Thank you to my family for putting up with not only my wacky obsession with music but also just putting up with me in general. You’re the best.
Thank you Seren Santiago for trusting me to do my first ever radioshow guestmix on Aphelion Radio as well as letting me come back later on and also inviting me for various Aphelion opportunities.
Thank you Noveci, Hausman, and HXBass for letting me spin some tracks on guestmixes for your radioshows. It’s been an honor to be able to throw some Color Trance onto your show, even if it was just 30 minutes or an hour.
Thank you Michael, Seren, Tohrchu, Syb, Rukku, & SumaQosh (and anyone else who I kept in touch with whose names I may have forgotten) for the support this year and for being good friends. Also thanks for accepting me despite how weird I am. I’m so sorry you guys have to put up with my antics LOL.
Thank you Aphelion chat for some of the best times I’ve had in a YouTube livestream chat. I can’t wait for next year.
Thank you to everyone in my Discord for being yourselves. You guys are awesome. Also shoutout Bluesky fam. You rock.
Thank you to Hausman for letting me know about your label last year and releasing some of my tracks on ClubHaus as well as playing “Chrono Break” on ABGT and ASOT ADE. Not just that but also HOLY SHOOT your tracks this year were sick! Can’t wait for next year!
Thank you to my brother MrRussellgro for making the art for the Beyond Shapeshifter Era and also putting up with me during the stuff we did this year. I’m trying to think of a joke to put down here but in all honesty I can’t think of anything right now. Maybe next year. You’re lucky this time.
Thank you to the staff of the local library for providing a bookstore that led to some awesome music discoveries that I would’ve otherwise not made. I can’t wait to see what’s next. And yes, I listened to the Perry Como CD. It was pretty good. Still need to install Riven though… maybe I’ll do that over the rest of the month.
Thank you to whoever was working the front desk at the Goodwill in Zeeland, MI for putting up with me in the checkout lane. I was super excited about getting that MAGIC! CD (I’m a 2010s pop nerd I can’t help it) and I want to apologize for acting awkward. But the CD was awesome so thank you.
Thank you to my Sweetwater guy Chris for helping me out with many of my music equipment needs. I appreciate the help involving Traktor, but I want to apologize for never getting back to you about how Komplete Select is going so I’m gonna say it here: it’s going great. The sounds in this bundle are awesome! Especially The Gentleman. Love that piano.
Thank you to the glorious Reddit posts and various web forums that I had to look up for learning how to use Linux and also how to code HTML and CSS. What a godsend you guys are.
Finally, thank you. Yes, you. The one reading. The one listening. The one interacting with the Discord. The one reposting my content. You. You’re awesome and I appreciate everything you’ve done this year for supporting my music. Thank you so much. I love you all, seriously.
That about wraps it up for this blog post. Thanks for being part of this incredible year, I really look forward to whatever 2026 may bring! New music perhaps, maybe even more exciting opportunities? We’ll see I guess. But until then, I’m probably gonna be light on getting things out for the rest of the year and maaaaaaybe next month except for one last track and also [REDACTED].
I guess there’s not much else to say? Just be good to each other and treat each other with respect and kindness. It’s much needed after this year we’ve been through. Also make sure to take some time for yourselves. Please for the love of gosh. Treat each other humanly but self care is very important.
Maybe hang out with an internet friend group. Meet some new friends. Get off the news. Go play a game. Watch a show. Read a book. Go somewhere. Go to a theater. Go sit at a restaurant. Buy a CD. Do something to cleanse your mental state after this year, you’ve earned it. If you’ve been procrastinating and you just got reminded through some nerdy music producer’s blog, take this as an excuse.
One final thing to say also, keepin’ it short and sweet… Thank you for supporting underground artists. Your actions means the world in the creative industries whether it’s liking, reposting, or even experiencing. Please remember to support all your favorite underground/small creators in any way you can.
Thanks everyone for the support as always! I hope you look forward to the last minute things, but until then, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a happy 2026!
Much love!
Grownden
It's Spotify Wrapped day and I'm my own top artist this year for some reason. Where's my prize????
— Grownden (@grownden.bsky.social) December 3, 2025 at 8:32 PM
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