Real Name: Jussi Paasonen
Country: Finland
Genres: Progressive Trance, Deep Trance, Uplifting Trance
Years Active: 2000–present Role: Trance DJ, Producer, Live Performer
Associated Acts: Winkee (duo with Sami Törrönen), Infinity (live lineup), collaborations with Solarstone and Pure Trance artists
Early Journey into Trance
Born in 1979 in Sipoo, Finland, Jussi Paasonen developed a passion for electronic music in the late 1980s. By the mid‑1990s, he was DJing and hosting club events across Finland, immersing himself in the trance and progressive scene. In 2000, he began producing under the alias Simon Templar, while also co‑founding the trance duo Winkee in 2003 with Sami Törrönen.
Career Highlights
- Debut Productions: Early releases such as “Sine” (2007, Tranceportation) introduced his atmospheric style.
- Breakthrough Track: “Meltwater” (2013, Touchstone Recordings) became a defining release, praised for its deep progressive energy.
- Pure Trance Association: Released “Balance” (2017, Pure Trance Recordings), aligning him with Solarstone’s Pure Trance movement.
- Live Performances: Performed with Infinity, a live trance lineup active in Finnish clubs between 2000–2004.
Labels Associated
- Pure Trance Recordings
- Touchstone Recordings
- Tranceportation
- Bonzai Classics
Musical Style and Influence
Simon Templar’s productions are characterized by:
- Deep, melancholic atmospheres that blend progressive and uplifting trance.
- Layered melodies with emotional resonance.
- A commitment to the Pure Trance ethos, focusing on timeless, melodic trance rather than commercial trends.
His sound appeals to trance purists and progressive fans alike, bridging underground credibility with global recognition.
Recognition and Support
- Supported by Solarstone, who featured his tracks in Pure Trance compilations.
- Collaborations with Finnish trance acts like Winkee expanded his reach in Europe.
- His productions have appeared on Beatport charts and in sets by international DJs.
Recent Work and Presence
Simon Templar continues to release music on Pure Trance Recordings and remains active on Beatport, SoundCloud, and Mixcloud, where he shares mixes and productions. His focus remains on creating trance that is emotional, progressive, and enduring.
Legacy in Trance
As one of Finland’s respected trance producers, Simon Templar has contributed significantly to the progressive and Pure Trance movements. His dedication to atmospheric, melodic trance ensures his place in the genre’s modern history, inspiring both fans and fellow producers.