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Binary Finary
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

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Studio albums

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  • 2006 – The Lost Tracks

Singles

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  • 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

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from Grokipedia
Binary Finary is a British trance act originally comprising Matt Laws, Ricky Grant, and Stuart Matheson, formed in 1997 in Portsmouth after Laws and Matheson met in a South England music shop. They rose to prominence with their debut single "1998", an uplifting trance anthem featuring a distinctive riff that became a genre classic, peaking at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart in 1998 and spending 11 weeks in the Top 100. The track's 1999 remix release, titled "1999", further boosted their success, reaching number 11 on the UK chart and marking one of the earliest trance tracks to achieve mainstream commercial breakthrough in the UK. Following their initial hits, Binary Finary released follow-up singles like "2000" (peaking at number 84 in 2000) and "Niterider" (number 80 in 2001), both charting modestly on the UK Singles Chart. The duo temporarily split in 2000 but reformed in 2004, leading to their sole studio album, The Lost Tracks, in 2006, which compiled previously unreleased material and remixes. Their work, including remixes of "1998" by artists such as Ferry Corsten and Tiësto, has influenced the uplifting trance subgenre, with the original track often cited as a pivotal moment in electronic dance music's evolution toward broader chart accessibility. In subsequent years, Binary Finary maintained activity through live performances and new releases, incorporating additional collaborators like Sasha Vatoff for stage shows until his departure in late 2024. Relocating elements of their operation to , , the core duo—Laws based in Ireland and Matheson in —continued producing , with recent singles such as "Invada" (2024) and remixes of "1998" demonstrating their enduring presence in the electronic scene. Over their career spanning more than two decades, Binary Finary has amassed over 47 releases and performed at major events, solidifying their legacy as trance pioneers.

History

Formation

Binary Finary was formed in the summer of 1997 when Matt Laws and Stuart Matheson met in a music shop in southern England. 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. The trio established their studio in , , , where they focused on creating , 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. The decision to officially form as Binary Finary stemmed from their technical inspirations; the name combined "binary," referencing the binary arithmetic central to their production, with "finary" as a playful variation. This marked the beginning of their project, which soon transitioned toward their breakthrough single "1998".

Rise to fame

Binary Finary, formed in 1997 by producers Matt Laws and Stuart Matheson in , , , 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 scene. The single's profile soared through a series of high-profile remixes, including versions by , 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. In 1998, following licensing to the major label imprint Positiva Records (an 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 , supported by initial live DJ sets at UK clubs and events where they showcased the track's infectious riff. During this period, Binary Finary released other early singles that reinforced their 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.

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. 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 and "Difference", a collaboration with Jose Amnesia presenting Cloudbreak, in 2005 on Enhanced Progressive. 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. This project addressed internal challenges by refocusing on collaborative production, signaling a partial revival of their trance output.

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. This addition facilitated the launch of the "Binary Finary LIVE" project later that year, which debuted at the Sensation "Ocean of White" event on 2009 at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, featuring original tracks alongside remixed material performed in a live format. 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 , , which served as a base for intensified global touring while Matt Laws remained in Ireland. This shift enabled frequent appearances at international festivals, including Dreamstate SoCal in 2016 and Dreamstate in 2017, where Matheson and Vatoff performed together. The base also supported ongoing development of live productions, contributing to a more dynamic presence in the trance scene across 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 and available in vinyl and digital formats. This release revitalized the track's relevance in contemporary sets. Throughout the and into the , 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 elements and remixes including one by Arctic Moon. The trio continued releasing material into the , 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. 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. Despite the change, the act has continued touring, with performances at events like Rong Open Air Festival in 2025 and Unified events in and Birmingham in October 2025. In 2025, they also provided updates on the release of Timeless Vol. 4 for regions including / and the .

Members

Original members

Binary Finary was founded in 1997 in , , by the trio of Matt Laws, Stuart Matheson, and Ricky Grant, who collectively shaped the group's early trance output in local studios. The founding members worked closely to pioneer Binary Finary's trance style, emphasizing euphoric builds, pulsating basslines, and soaring synth leads in modest setups, which culminated in the global success of "1998". Grant remained involved through the early 2000s before departing, leading to the act's evolution into a duo.

Current and former members

Following the original trio's formation, Binary Finary underwent significant lineup changes beginning in the early , when Ricky Grant departed the group, reducing it to the core duo of Matt Laws and Stuart Matheson. This shift allowed to focus more intensively on studio production for subsequent releases. 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. Vatoff's contributions extended to co-production on new material, enabling to maintain their studio output while expanding live capabilities. Vatoff remained with the group for over 15 years but announced his departure in December 2024 to pursue a solo career. As of 2025, Binary Finary operates as a duo comprising Matt Laws (based in Ireland) and Stuart Matheson (based in , ), continuing to manage both recent productions and select live appearances without a dedicated DJ.

Musical style

Genre and influences

Binary Finary is primarily classified as a act, with their work falling within the uplifting and progressive trance subgenres, characterized by melodic builds, driving basslines, and emotive atmospheres. Their breakthrough track "1998," featuring its iconic , exemplifies these elements and stands as a hallmark of uplifting trance's euphoric style. The duo's influences stem from the early UK electronic music scene of the late 1980s and mid-1990s, including artists such as Orbital, , and , as well as the Platipus Records label, alongside the foundational culture that propelled into mainstream popularity through high-energy club environments and repetitive, hypnotic rhythms. This era's blend of and 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 aesthetics. 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. 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.

Production techniques

Binary Finary's production techniques were initially grounded in hardware-centric workflows, incorporating 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. This approach allowed for precise layering of elements, emphasizing riff-based melodies crafted through synthesizers, as prominently featured in their seminal track "," 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 for an extended remix of "" that amplified its driving energy and layered textures for longer sets. Following a period of reduced activity, Binary Finary transitioned to digital production tools during their hiatus, enabling experimentation with ambient-leaning and more expansive compositions compiled on the 2006 album The Lost Tracks. 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.

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 in 2009. The album compiles 16 previously unreleased tracks recorded between and 2006, spanning the period of the duo's extended hiatus following their early chart success with singles like "" and "1999". This collection functions as a , capturing material developed during a creative lull, and showcases the producers' evolution in electronic music production outside the pressures of commercial releases. The album's themes revolve around introspective and experimental soundscapes, drawing from the duo's roots in while incorporating ambient and influences to create extended, atmospheric journeys. 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.TitleDuration
1 (Original Mix)6:24
2From Beyond (Original Mix)8:18
3Remedy (Original Mix)6:44
4Dirty Little Tart (Original Mix)7:18
5High Coup (Original Mix)6:38
6Merglich (Original Mix)9:28
7Syncity (Original Mix)7:42
8Freshwater (Binary Finary and Jose Amnesia Mix)7:01
9Freshwater (Jose Amnesia Remix)8:50
10 (Binarys Finality Mix)9:32
11Chicken Dipper (Original Mix)8:19
12Preformation (T Minus 1) (Original Mix)8:31
13The Acid One (Original Mix)9:12
14Twenty Four (Original Mix)12:26
15Decoder (Original Mix)10:26
16Secrets (Original Mix)5:13
Reception among fans highlighted the album's role in preserving the duo's classic sound, with its raw, unpolished tracks evoking nostalgia for early eras, though it saw limited mainstream promotion and commercial distribution. Available initially in digital and limited CD formats, The Lost Tracks earned a 4.1/5 average rating from 31 user reviews on , praised for its authentic representation of Binary Finary's creative process during their sabbatical.

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 sound. Their early singles established their reputation in the late 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:
YearTitleLabelNotable Details
19971998 / ZapyaAquarius RecordsDouble A-side debut single; instrumental trance tracks.
19981998Aquarius Records / PositivaRe-release of breakthrough hit; featured remixes by Paul van Dyk and Matt Darey; UK chart peak at No. 24.
1998Anthemic 1&2Aquarius RecordsEP with two uplifting trance tracks.
19991999Positiva RecordsFollow-up to "1998"; included remixes by Gouryella and Kay Cee; UK chart peak at No. 11.
20002000Orbit RecordsMillennium-themed single; remixes by DJ JamX & De Leon (as DuMonde).
2001NiteriderFive AMHigh-energy trance track with club-focused mixes.
2005Difference (as Cloudbreak with Jose Amnesia)Enhanced ProgressiveProgressive trance collaboration; featured vocal elements.
2011Freedom Seekers (with Trent McDermott)Insight RecordingsUplifting collaboration emphasizing melodic builds.
2012Smoking Gun (with Genix)Digital Society RecordingsProgressive trance single with intricate production layers.
2013The AnnexFuture Focus RecordingsSolo EP-style release with atmospheric trance elements.
2014Dark Side (vs. Iversoon & Alex Daf)Mondo RecordsVersus collaboration blending hard and progressive trance.
2015Time WarpRise RecordingsHigh-tempo track evoking classic trance nostalgia.
2015Persistence Is FertileSelf-releasedExperimental EP reflecting on genre persistence.
2016The VortexRise RecordingsDriving trance single with euphoric breakdowns.
20231998 (Victor Ruiz Remix)Armada MusicRemix of signature hit "1998".
20241998 (Anfisa Letyago Remix)Armada MusicRemix of signature hit "1998".
2024InvadaHTE RecordingsRecent hard trance return; includes S.H.O.K.K. remix.
These singles often integrated into their studio albums, such as tracks from the early hits appearing on compilations like Lightbringer. Additional collaborations and EPs, including "Carbon Fibre" with Rodrigo Deem (2011, Dangerbox Recordings) and "Waiting For The Sun" with Lele Troniq featuring Christina Novelli (2013, Digital Society Recordings), further expanded their catalog in the .

Legacy

Chart success

Binary Finary achieved their breakthrough commercial success with the single "1998," which peaked at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart in , marking their debut entry into the top 40. This track, featuring a distinctive , became the first composition to reach the UK Top 30, establishing the duo's presence in mainstream . A re-issue titled "1999" followed in 1999, climbing higher to number 11 on the same and spending nine weeks in the top 75. While Binary Finary's singles drove their chart performance, the group saw no major album entries on the . Key singles such as "" and "1999" were bolstered by high-profile remixes from artists including and Gouryella, which propelled international recognition, particularly in European club and dance charts like the German Dance Chart where the Paul van Dyk version reached number one. These remixes enhanced sales and playlisting in club environments across countries including the and , contributing to sustained popularity without mainstream pop chart dominance. Despite their chart achievements, Binary Finary received no formal music awards or certifications from bodies like the BPI or RIAA, reflecting their niche within rather than broader commercial accolades. In the 2020s, however, the duo experienced renewed commercial viability through digital streaming, with "1998" accumulating millions of plays on platforms like , where Binary Finary maintains over 450,000 monthly listeners as of 2025.

Cultural impact

Binary Finary's track "1998," released in 1997 and gaining prominence in , emerged as a defining anthem in the genre, characterized by its breakdowns and uplifting melodies that captured the essence of late-1990s . The song's enduring appeal is evident in its numerous remixes by prominent artists, including Paul van Dyk's transformative version, which amplified its club dominance, and more recent reinterpretations such as Victor Ruiz's 2023 edit for Armada Music's anniversary album and Anfisa Letyago's 2024 remix, released on the same label, which infuses raw, hypnotic elements while preserving the original's emotional core. These reworkings highlight how "1998" continues to inspire covers and adaptations across electronic subgenres, serving as a foundational piece for producers seeking to evoke 's nostalgic . The duo played a pivotal role in popularizing within the UK's late-1990s scene, where tracks like "1998" and its follow-up "1999" resonated amid the era's warehouse parties and festival circuits, contributing to trance's shift from underground to mainstream visibility. Their music, with its soaring synths and anthemic builds, aligned with the period's cultural shift toward emotionally charged experiences, influencing the sound of events like those at iconic venues and helping solidify as a staple of British culture. Binary Finary has fostered a strong through collaborative projects and sustained online engagement, exemplified by the 2022 release of Timeless Vol. 1, a limited-edition vinyl compilation of classic tracks crowdfunded via with direct input from fans to select and immortalize beloved anthems. This initiative, pressed in restricted quantities, underscores their commitment to preserving heritage alongside enthusiasts. Complementing this, the group maintains an active presence on platforms like , with over 256,000 followers as of November 2025, and , where they share updates on releases and events dating back to their breakthrough, building a global network of dedicated fans. The lasting influence of Binary Finary extends to subsequent trance artists, who have drawn from their melodic structures in remixes and original works, such as their own trance reinterpretation of and Goulding's "" in 2023, demonstrating the duo's ongoing relevance in bridging classic and contemporary sounds. Their catalog endures in classic trance playlists on streaming services like and in live sets at events such as Luminosity Beach Festival, where dedicated "classics specials" feature their tracks, ensuring their role in sustaining the genre's legacy for new generations of listeners.

References

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