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Binary Finary
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Binary Finary are a British trance act, originally comprising Matt Laws, Ricky Grant and Stuart Matheson.[2] They are best known for the dance hit single "1998", especially for the Paul van Dyk and Gouryella remixes, which charted in many countries.[3] The song was remixed numerous times under the title of the year the remix was produced ("1999" and "2000" etc.), many of which were popular.[3] In the UK, "1998" reached a peak position of No. 24[4] on the UK Singles Chart whereas "1999" reached No. 11.[4][5]
Key Information
On 1 May 2006, they released a collection of 16 tracks written over their eight-year sabbatical under the general title, The Lost Tracks.[6] This album is available only for download. Binary Finary are also featured in a Shiny Toy Guns song, "When Did This Storm Begin?".
On New Year's Eve 2009, Binary Finary launched 'Binary Finary LIVE' which featured both original and remixed tracks. The launch venue was Sensation at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.[7] In 2009 Australian DJ Sasha Vatoff joined the group to tour as DJ and co-produce on new material.[8] In 2018 Binary Finary released a 20th anniversary "modern update" of "1998", including remixes by Mark Sixma and Dosem.[9]
In December 2024 it was announced on Facebook that Sasha Vatoff has left the group to pursue a solo career.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- 2006 – The Lost Tracks
Singles
[edit]- 1997 – "1998" / "Zapya"
- 1998 – "1998" - UK No. 24[5]
- 1998 – "Anthemic 1&2"
- 1999 – "1999" - UK No. 11[5]
- 2000 – "2000" - UK No. 84[5]
- 2001 – "Niterider" - UK No. 80[5]
- 2005 – "Difference" (with Jose Amnesia pres. Cloudbreak)
- 2011 – "Isle of Lies" (with Daniel Wanrooy)
- 2011 – "Replode" (with Matthew Nagle)
- 2011 – "Freedom Seekers" (with Trent McDermott)
- 2011 – "Carbon Fibre" (with Rodrigo Deem)
- 2012 – "Smoking Gun" (with Genix)
- 2012 – "High Stress" (with Pulse & Sphere)
- 2012 – "Subliminal Delusions" (with Solange)
- 2012 – "Flight of Life"
- 2013 – "The Annex"
- 2013 – "Deception"
- 2013 – "Mainframe" (with Kris Maydak)
- 2013 – "Waiting for the Sun" (with Lele Troniq feat. Christina Novelli)
- 2013 – "Escherian" (with Alan Crown)
- 2013 – "Folded & Molded" (with Vegas Baby!)
- 2013 – "Tornado" (with Alpha Duo)
- 2014 – "Dark Side" (vs. Iversoon & Alex Daf)
- 2014 – "Symphony of Mystery" (feat. Chris Arnott)
- 2014 – "Psychosis" (with Dreamy)
- 2014 – "Forever Neon"
- 2014 – "DeLorean" (with Mino Safy)
- 2014 – "Trancelation" (with Frank Duffel)
- 2015 – "Annihilation" (with Alpha Duo)
- 2015 – "Rise" (with Harmonic Rush)
- 2015 – "Now Is the Time" (with KINETICA)
- 2015 – "One & Only" (vs. Allen & Envy feat. Radmila)
- 2015 – "Apollo Rising" (with Nicholson)
- 2015 – "Don't Hurt" (with Dreamy feat. Natalie Gioia)
- 2016 – "Believe in Everything" (with Talla 2XLC feat. Sylvia Tosun)
- 2016 – "The Vortex"
- 2016 – "We Are in Control"
- 2018 – "1998" (re-issue)
- 2019 – "In Our Blood" (with KINETICA feat. Audrey Gallagher)[10]
- 2019 – "Syntax"[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Binary Finary Official Facebook page". Facebook.com. Archived from the original on 22 November 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2019.[better source needed]
- ^ Binary Finary discography at Discogs [better source needed]
- ^ a b Colin Larkin, ed. (2000). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 44/5. ISBN 0-7535-0427-8.
- ^ a b Roberts, David (20 May 2005). Guinness Book of British Hit Singles and Albums (18th ed.). Guinness World Records Limited. p. 63. ISBN 1-904994-00-8.
- ^ a b c d e "BINARY FINARY songs and albums - full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "Binary Finary Recordings". binaryfinaryrecordings.com. Archived from the original on 21 May 2007. Retrieved 25 February 2008.
- ^ "Trance Classics feat. Binary Finary and Mike Push". Resident Advisor. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ Nguyen, Lisa-sun (5 June 2017). "Featured Interview - Binary Finary". EDM Identity. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ Gilmore, Grant (21 December 2018). "Binary Finary Release "1998" 20th Anniversary Remixes". EDM Identity. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "In Our Blood feat. Audrey Gallagher (Extended Mix)". Beatport Top Tracker. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- ^ "Syntax (Extended Mix)". Beatport Top Tracker. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
External links
[edit]- Binary Finary discography at Discogs
- Binary Finary at AllMusic
- Binary Finary on SoundCloud
Binary Finary
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation
Binary Finary was formed in the summer of 1997 when Matt Laws and Stuart Matheson met in a music shop in southern England.[1] Matheson, a student seeking equipment to purchase with his student loan, encountered Laws, who was working behind the counter, leading to an immediate collaboration on music production. Shortly thereafter, Ricky Grant joined as the third original member, completing the initial lineup.[7] The trio established their studio in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, where they focused on creating trance music, drawing from the burgeoning electronic scene of the late 1990s. In their early days, they produced several unreleased demos using computer-based workstations, experimenting with sounds and rhythms that would define their style.[8] The decision to officially form as Binary Finary stemmed from their technical inspirations; the name combined "binary," referencing the binary arithmetic central to their digital audio production, with "finary" as a playful variation.[9] This marked the beginning of their project, which soon transitioned toward their breakthrough single "1998".[2]Rise to fame
Binary Finary, formed in 1997 by producers Matt Laws and Stuart Matheson in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, achieved their breakthrough with the release of their debut single "1998" in 1998. Issued on the independent label Aquarius Records as a double A-side with "Zapya," the track featured a distinctive, uplifting synth riff that quickly captured attention within the emerging trance scene.[10][2] The single's profile soared through a series of high-profile remixes, including versions by Paul van Dyk, Gouryella, and Kay Cee, which amplified its euphoric energy and propelled it to trance anthem status. These reworkings, particularly van Dyk's extended mix and Gouryella's 1999 variant, were played extensively in clubs and on radio, broadening its appeal across Europe.[11] In 1998, following licensing to the major label imprint Positiva Records (an EMI dance subsidiary), "1998" was re-issued and entered the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 24 and spending 11 weeks in the Top 100. A further re-release in 1999, retitled "1999" to capitalize on millennial hype and featuring additional remixes, climbed higher to No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. This commercial success marked Binary Finary's entry into mainstream dance music, supported by initial live DJ sets at UK clubs and events where they showcased the track's infectious riff.[3][12] During this period, Binary Finary released other early singles that reinforced their trance sound, including "Anthemic 1&2" in 1998, a melodic exploration of progressive elements, and the "1998 / About Time" EP, which paired their breakout hit with the atmospheric "About Time." These releases, also on Aquarius before wider distribution via Positiva, helped solidify their reputation for crafting emotive, riff-driven instrumentals.[13][14]Hiatus and reunion
Following the early successes of "1998" and "1999", original member Ricky Grant departed Binary Finary, reducing the group to the core duo of Matt Laws and Stuart Matheson.[2] The duo temporarily split around 2000 due to personal problems, during which the members pursued individual projects, though sporadic outputs emerged, including the single "Niterider" in 2001 on Five AM Recordings[15] and "Difference", a collaboration with Jose Amnesia presenting Cloudbreak, in 2005 on Enhanced Progressive.[16] They reformed in 2004, motivated by the enduring popularity of "1998" and "1999". In 2006, Binary Finary released the compilation-style album The Lost Tracks as an independent effort, compiling 16 previously unreleased tracks from the hiatus era.[17][9] This project addressed internal challenges by refocusing on collaborative production, signaling a partial revival of their trance output.[9]Recent activities
In 2009, Australian DJ Sasha Vatoff joined Binary Finary as a live performer and co-producer, transforming the act into a trio for stage appearances and expanding their touring capabilities.[9] This addition facilitated the launch of the "Binary Finary LIVE" project later that year, which debuted at the Sensation "Ocean of White" event on New Year's Eve 2009 at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, featuring original tracks alongside remixed material performed in a live format.[8] The project emphasized high-energy sets blending classic and new compositions, marking a resurgence in their performance schedule. Following the debut, core member Stuart Matheson relocated to Sydney, Australia, which served as a base for intensified global touring while Matt Laws remained in Ireland.[18] This shift enabled frequent appearances at international festivals, including Dreamstate SoCal in 2016 and Dreamstate San Francisco in 2017, where Matheson and Vatoff performed together.[9] The Sydney base also supported ongoing development of live productions, contributing to a more dynamic presence in the trance scene across Australia and beyond. In 2018, Binary Finary marked the 20th anniversary of their seminal track "1998" with a re-issue that included a modern update alongside remixes by Mark Sixma and Dosem, released via Armada Music and available in vinyl and digital formats.[19] This release revitalized the track's relevance in contemporary trance sets. Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, the group maintained a steady output of singles and collaborations, such as "Freedom Seekers" with vocalist Trent McDermott in 2011 on Insight Recordings, which featured uplifting trance elements and remixes including one by Arctic Moon.[20] The trio continued releasing material into the 2020s, focusing on trance anthems that bridged their classic sound with modern production. Notable examples include remixes and originals like the 2020 rework of Transa's "Supernova," but their activity culminated in the 2024 single "Invada" on HTE Recordings, an extended mix showcasing driving rhythms and atmospheric builds.[21] In December 2024, Sasha Vatoff departed the group to pursue a solo career, reverting Binary Finary to the duo of Matt Laws and Stuart Matheson.[8] Despite the change, the act has continued touring, with performances at events like Rong Open Air Festival Malta in 2025 and Unified events in Dublin and Birmingham in October 2025. In 2025, they also provided updates on the release of Timeless Vol. 4 for regions including Australia/New Zealand and the USA.[22][23]Members
Original members
Binary Finary was founded in 1997 in Portsmouth, England, by the trio of Matt Laws, Stuart Matheson, and Ricky Grant, who collectively shaped the group's early trance output in local studios.[7][8] The founding members worked closely to pioneer Binary Finary's trance style, emphasizing euphoric builds, pulsating basslines, and soaring synth leads in modest Portsmouth setups, which culminated in the global success of "1998".[7] Grant remained involved through the early 2000s before departing, leading to the act's evolution into a duo.[24]Current and former members
Following the original trio's formation, Binary Finary underwent significant lineup changes beginning in the early 2000s, when Ricky Grant departed the group, reducing it to the core duo of Matt Laws and Stuart Matheson.[8] This shift allowed the duo to focus more intensively on studio production for subsequent releases.[9] In 2009, Australian DJ Sasha Vatoff joined Binary Finary primarily to handle live DJing and performances, bolstering the group's stage presence during tours and events.[8] Vatoff's contributions extended to co-production on new material, enabling the duo to maintain their studio output while expanding live capabilities.[25] Vatoff remained with the group for over 15 years but announced his departure in December 2024 to pursue a solo career.[8] As of 2025, Binary Finary operates as a duo comprising Matt Laws (based in Ireland) and Stuart Matheson (based in Sydney, Australia), continuing to manage both recent productions and select live appearances without a dedicated DJ.[1][26][27]Musical style
Genre and influences
Binary Finary is primarily classified as a trance music act, with their work falling within the uplifting and progressive trance subgenres, characterized by melodic builds, driving basslines, and emotive atmospheres.[28] Their breakthrough track "1998," featuring its iconic riff, exemplifies these elements and stands as a hallmark of uplifting trance's euphoric style.[29] The duo's influences stem from the early UK electronic music scene of the late 1980s and mid-1990s, including artists such as Orbital, Eat Static, and The Orb, as well as the Platipus Records label, alongside the foundational rave culture that propelled trance into mainstream popularity through high-energy club environments and repetitive, hypnotic rhythms.[9][30][31] This era's blend of techno and house laid the groundwork for Binary Finary's sound, evident in collaborations such as the 2003 split vinyl release with German trance act Ayla, which paired their respective hits "Ayla" and "1998" to highlight shared melodic trance aesthetics.[32] The duo's name originates from binary arithmetic—the use of 0s and 1s in music production workstations and hardware—symbolizing the digital and electronic motifs that underpin their compositions.[9] Over their career, Binary Finary's style has evolved from strict adherence to pure trance structures toward broader experimentation across genres, incorporating ambient elements in later releases like the 2006 compilation The Lost Tracks, which emphasizes atmospheric soundscapes alongside classic trance energy.[9][33]Production techniques
Binary Finary's production techniques were initially grounded in hardware-centric workflows, incorporating MIDI sequencing and DAT recording to capture their electronic soundscapes, a nod to the binary arithmetic processes embedded in early digital workstations that influenced their moniker.[9] This approach allowed for precise layering of elements, emphasizing riff-based melodies crafted through synthesizers, as prominently featured in their seminal track "1998," where intricate arpeggios drive the composition's emotional core. The duo frequently collaborated with prominent remixers to adapt their originals for club environments, notably enlisting Paul van Dyk for an extended remix of "1998" that amplified its driving energy and layered textures for longer sets.[34] Following a period of reduced activity, Binary Finary transitioned to digital production tools during their hiatus, enabling experimentation with ambient-leaning sound design and more expansive compositions compiled on the 2006 album The Lost Tracks.[9] Their singles, including "1999" and "2000," highlight a deliberate focus on trance's structural hallmarks—gradual build-ups to heighten tension followed by euphoric breakdowns for release—drawing from the genre's foundational emphasis on emotional narrative through dynamic progression.[31]Discography
Studio albums
Binary Finary released their only studio album, The Lost Tracks, on May 1, 2006, through their self-titled imprint, with a later digital reissue licensed to Armada Music in 2009.[17] The album compiles 16 previously unreleased tracks recorded between 1998 and 2006, spanning the period of the duo's extended hiatus following their early chart success with singles like "1998" and "1999".[17] This collection functions as a retrospective, capturing material developed during a creative lull, and showcases the producers' evolution in electronic music production outside the pressures of commercial releases.[35] The album's themes revolve around introspective and experimental soundscapes, drawing from the duo's roots in uplifting trance while incorporating ambient and techno influences to create extended, atmospheric journeys.[17] Tracks often feature layered synths, driving basslines, and evolving builds typical of late-1990s trance, but with a looser, more personal structure reflecting unreleased origins. Notable examples include the pulsating "Chacmool" (6:24), the expansive "Merglich" (9:28), and a reimagined "1998 (Binarys Finality Mix)" (9:32), which revisits their signature hit in a deeper, more mature form. The full tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chacmool (Original Mix) | 6:24 |
| 2 | From Beyond (Original Mix) | 8:18 |
| 3 | Remedy (Original Mix) | 6:44 |
| 4 | Dirty Little Tart (Original Mix) | 7:18 |
| 5 | High Coup (Original Mix) | 6:38 |
| 6 | Merglich (Original Mix) | 9:28 |
| 7 | Syncity (Original Mix) | 7:42 |
| 8 | Freshwater (Binary Finary and Jose Amnesia Mix) | 7:01 |
| 9 | Freshwater (Jose Amnesia Remix) | 8:50 |
| 10 | 1998 (Binarys Finality Mix) | 9:32 |
| 11 | Chicken Dipper (Original Mix) | 8:19 |
| 12 | Preformation (T Minus 1) (Original Mix) | 8:31 |
| 13 | The Acid One (Original Mix) | 9:12 |
| 14 | Twenty Four (Original Mix) | 12:26 |
| 15 | Decoder (Original Mix) | 10:26 |
| 16 | Secrets (Original Mix) | 5:13 |
Singles
Binary Finary's output has predominantly consisted of singles and EPs, with over 20 releases spanning their career, often featuring collaborations and multiple remix versions that highlighted their evolving trance sound. Their early singles established their reputation in the late 1990s electronic scene, while later works incorporated progressive and uplifting elements through partnerships with other artists. Notable versions frequently included remixes by prominent producers, enhancing club and chart play. Key releases include:| Year | Title | Label | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1998 / Zapya | Aquarius Records | Double A-side debut single; instrumental trance tracks. |
| 1998 | 1998 | Aquarius Records / Positiva | Re-release of breakthrough hit; featured remixes by Paul van Dyk and Matt Darey; UK chart peak at No. 24. |
| 1998 | Anthemic 1&2 | Aquarius Records | EP with two uplifting trance tracks. |
| 1999 | 1999 | Positiva Records | Follow-up to "1998"; included remixes by Gouryella and Kay Cee; UK chart peak at No. 11. |
| 2000 | 2000 | Orbit Records | Millennium-themed single; remixes by DJ JamX & De Leon (as DuMonde). |
| 2001 | Niterider | Five AM | High-energy trance track with club-focused mixes. |
| 2005 | Difference (as Cloudbreak with Jose Amnesia) | Enhanced Progressive | Progressive trance collaboration; featured vocal elements. |
| 2011 | Freedom Seekers (with Trent McDermott) | Insight Recordings | Uplifting collaboration emphasizing melodic builds. |
| 2012 | Smoking Gun (with Genix) | Digital Society Recordings | Progressive trance single with intricate production layers. |
| 2013 | The Annex | Future Focus Recordings | Solo EP-style release with atmospheric trance elements. |
| 2014 | Dark Side (vs. Iversoon & Alex Daf) | Mondo Records | Versus collaboration blending hard and progressive trance. |
| 2015 | Time Warp | Rise Recordings | High-tempo track evoking classic trance nostalgia. |
| 2015 | Persistence Is Fertile | Self-released | Experimental EP reflecting on genre persistence. |
| 2016 | The Vortex | Rise Recordings | Driving trance single with euphoric breakdowns. |
| 2023 | 1998 (Victor Ruiz Remix) | Armada Music | Remix of signature hit "1998". |
| 2024 | 1998 (Anfisa Letyago Remix) | Armada Music | Remix of signature hit "1998". |
| 2024 | Invada | HTE Recordings | Recent hard trance return; includes S.H.O.K.K. remix. |
