Real Name: David Ciekanski
Stage Name: Matt Fax
Origin: France
Genres: Progressive Trance, Melodic Trance, Vocal Trance, Uplifting Trance
Years Active: 2012–present
Roles: DJ, Producer, Composer, Remixer, Label Owner
Labels: Colorize, Enhanced Progressive, Armada Music, Anjunabeats, Statement!, Chromattic, and various international trance labels
Associated Acts: PRAANA, Dezza, Tim van Werd, Estiva, Fehrplay, Richard Bedford, and numerous artists from the progressive trance scene
Introduction
Matt Fax is the stage name of French producer, DJ, and composer David Ciekanski, one of the most accomplished artists in contemporary progressive trance. Renowned for his cinematic sound design, emotional melodies, and exceptionally polished productions, he has become a leading figure in the modern melodic trance movement.
Emerging at a remarkably young age, Matt Fax quickly gained recognition for producing sophisticated progressive trance that combines deep atmospheres with uplifting melodic expression. His music is celebrated for its technical precision, rich harmonic development, and seamless blend of emotional storytelling with dancefloor energy.
Through releases on respected labels including Colorize, Enhanced Progressive, Armada Music, and Anjunabeats, Matt Fax has established himself as one of the defining producers of his generation.
His productions have received support from Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Solarstone, Markus Schulz, Andrew Bayer, Ferry Corsten, Cosmic Gate, and many other leading trance artists.
Early Career
David Ciekanski began producing electronic music as a teenager, displaying an exceptional understanding of melody, harmony, and sound design.
His earliest productions featured:
- Emotional melodies.
- Cinematic atmospheres.
- Progressive arrangements.
- Layered synthesizer textures.
- Outstanding production quality.
These qualities quickly attracted attention from established labels and international DJs.
Rise to International Recognition
Matt Fax’s rapid rise within the trance community was driven by a succession of highly acclaimed releases that showcased maturity well beyond his years.
His productions became known for:
- Sophisticated musical structure.
- Emotional storytelling.
- Modern production techniques.
- Deep melodic progression.
- Consistent artistic quality.
His reputation soon expanded from emerging talent to one of the genre\’s leading producers.
Chromattic
Matt Fax founded Chromattic, a label dedicated to melodic and progressive trance.
The label focuses on music emphasizing:
- Progressive trance.
- Melodic trance.
- Emotional musical journeys.
- Innovative sound design.
Chromattic has become an outlet for both his own productions and emerging melodic trance artists.
Musical Style
Progressive Trance
Progressive trance forms the foundation of Matt Fax\’s musical identity.
His productions typically feature:
- Long evolving arrangements.
- Deep rolling basslines.
- Cinematic atmospheres.
- Emotional melodic progression.
- Smooth structural development.
Every track unfolds naturally, rewarding careful listening while maintaining dancefloor appeal.
Melodic Trance
Melody remains the defining characteristic of Matt Fax\’s productions.
His melodic style includes:
- Warm lead synthesizers.
- Rich harmonic movement.
- Emotional chord progressions.
- Atmospheric textures.
- Euphoric climaxes.
These qualities create the project\’s instantly recognizable emotional character.
Vocal Trance
Matt Fax has collaborated with several respected vocalists within the trance community.
His vocal productions often feature:
- Expressive vocal performances.
- Atmospheric arrangements.
- Emotional lyrical themes.
- Elegant melodic progression.
- Cinematic breakdowns.
These collaborations broaden the emotional depth of his catalog.
Uplifting Trance
Many of his productions naturally transition into uplifting trance through:
- Inspiring melodies.
- Bright synthesizer leads.
- Powerful harmonic builds.
- Emotional climaxes.
This balance between progressive depth and uplifting energy defines much of his work.
Production Style
Matt Fax’s productions are admired for:
- Cinematic sound design.
- Layered synthesizer textures.
- Emotional storytelling.
- Exceptional mixing and mastering.
- Modern production precision.
His technical consistency has become one of the defining features of his music.
Notable Tracks and Releases
“Light On”
One of Matt Fax\’s signature productions, admired for its emotional atmosphere, cinematic arrangement, and uplifting melodic progression.
“Collide”
A progressive trance anthem combining powerful melodies with deep atmospheric textures.
“To The Ground”
A vocal trance production showcasing expressive songwriting and polished production.
“Abenaki”
A melodic instrumental featuring evolving harmonies and immersive sound design.
“Set Your Sails”
A progressive trance release balancing emotional depth with refined rhythmic energy.
“Thirds”
A cinematic production celebrated for its elegant progression and rich melodic layers.
“Careless”
A vocal trance composition featuring emotional melodies and sophisticated production.
“Bloom”
A progressive melodic masterpiece highlighting Matt Fax\’s gift for musical storytelling.
Remix Work
Matt Fax has remixed numerous artists within the trance community.
His remixes are recognized for:
- Progressive reinterpretation.
- Enhanced melodic development.
- Atmospheric arrangements.
- Exceptional production quality.
- Respect for the original composition.
His remix catalog reflects the same precision and emotional depth found in his original work.
Signature Sound
Matt Fax’s productions are distinguished by:
- Cinematic atmospheres.
- Progressive storytelling.
- Emotional melodies.
- Deep rolling basslines.
- Warm synthesizer textures.
- Layered sound design.
- Uplifting melodic climaxes.
- Immaculate production quality.
These elements define his unique artistic identity.
Influence on Trance Music
Matt Fax has become one of the leading producers shaping modern progressive trance.
His contributions include:
- Advancing melodic progressive trance.
- Raising production standards within the genre.
- Supporting emerging artists through Chromattic.
- Inspiring a new generation of melodic producers.
- Expanding the emotional and cinematic possibilities of contemporary trance.
His work continues to influence producers seeking a balance between technical excellence and emotional expression.
Legacy
Matt Fax has established himself as one of the defining artists of modern progressive trance through a catalog distinguished by cinematic soundscapes, emotional melodies, and world-class production. Releases such as “Light On,” “Collide,” “To The Ground,” “Abenaki,” “Set Your Sails,” “Thirds,” “Careless,” and “Bloom” demonstrate his remarkable ability to craft immersive musical journeys that resonate on both the dancefloor and in dedicated listening environments.
As the founder of Chromattic and a leading contributor to labels such as Colorize, Enhanced Progressive, Armada Music, and Anjunabeats, Matt Fax continues to shape the future of progressive trance while remaining true to the genre\’s core values of melody, atmosphere, and emotional storytelling. His influence ensures his place among the most respected producers of the contemporary trance era.