In Conversation With MC B From N-Trance

N-Trance had a series of Top Ten hits in the mid-nineties, the biggest being Set You Free. The Act was one of the biggest dance groups of the era that brought dance music from clubs into the charts.

Can you tell us about the biggest disco event that N Trance is appearing at this month?

The night will be a big celebration of dance music from the nineties, with acts from that period performing in a big arena-style show. As well as N-Trance appearing, there will be The Vengaboys, Basshunter, Eiffel 65, 2Unlimited, Alice DJ, Haddaway, and many others with a lot of special effects such as confetti, lasers, and fireworks, and of course, a big party with all the fans. The songs from that period have stayed with me and the fans too, so it will be a night of nostalgia and good fun.

N-Trance had their biggest hit with Only Love can Set You Free; is there a story behind the song?

The track was written on the back of a good night out. The song is about romance and how the feeling of being totally in love can set you free. The song took N-Trance from their roots in Oldham to right around the world. The track has stood the test of time and is still a huge hit on the radio and in clubs, too. People tend to forget, though, that N-Trance had other massive tracks that were more successful in other countries than here in Britain.

Did the Bee Gees ever give N Trance any feedback on the cover of Stayin’ Alive?

Kevin (O'Toole), who was the main instigator of the song, met the Bee Gees, and they were very impressed with how N-Trance had given their song an update; our version became a Number One hit in Australia and made the Top 3 in most countries in Europe.

Do you think that dance music is as relevant today as it was back in the nineties?

I do; music of all types is more accessible today than it was thirty years ago due to streaming and social media. The music in general might not be as meaningful to people as it was. I remember earnestly listening to the Top 40 on a Sunday evening; for me, it was an event, whereas youngsters today generally are not interested as much. A lot of this seems to be due to them having shorter attention spans than we had when we were that age.

What is the main difference for you between performing in 2023 and 1993?

Back in the day, things were not as polished when performing live as they are now. The other big difference was that the audiences were totally engaged—there were no smart phones back in 1993; we got the fans attention without any distraction. That is the one thing that has changed, and not for the better. I urge people who come to any live event to live in the moment, appreciate it, immerse themselves, and do not be distracted. Make the effort by keeping your mobile in your pocket.

Leeds had a big dance music culture back in the day. Did you ever visit any of the dance clubs?

Those nights are now legendary. Back to Basics was a fantastic night thirty years later, and they are still putting on events, which to me says something about the power of dance music. As a group, we know from experience that the audiences get louder the further north we go.