Steve Helstrip, professionally known as The Thrillseekers, is an English DJ and record producer born on October 21, 1973, in York, England. He has been a prominent figure in the global trance music scene since the late 1990s.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Helstrip began his musical journey while working for the computer game developer Manic Media. During this period, he produced the track “Synaesthesia” in his home studio in Chipping Norton. Released by Neo Records in 1999, the single sold over 12,000 copies initially and gained support from notable DJs, including Paul van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold. In 2000, a vocal version titled “Synaesthesia (Fly Away)” featuring Sheryl Deane was released, reaching number 28 on the UK Singles Chart and appearing in the 2001 film The 51st State.
Aliases and Collaborations
Beyond The Thrillseekers, Helstrip has produced music under various aliases:
- En-Motion: Known for tracks like “Truth” (2000) and “Getting Away With It” (2002).
- Insigma: A collaboration with Andy Perring (Pulser), yielding tracks such as “Open Our Eyes” (2000).
- Rapid Eye: Partnered with Tim Stark, producing singles like “Circa Forever” (2002).
- Hydra: Released “Affinity” (2003) and “Amber” (2016), the latter reaching number 1 on Beatport’s Trance chart.
Notable Works and Remixes
Helstrip has an extensive discography, including singles like “Dreaming of You” (2002), “The Last Time” (2008), and “Es Vedra” with Aly & Fila (2015). His remix portfolio features work for artists such as Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, and Chicane.
Albums and Recent Projects
In 2016, Helstrip released his debut album, Escape, under The Thrillseekers moniker. He followed up with Altered State in 2019, an album released under his Hydra alias, which received critical acclaim, with Mixmag rating it 9/10.
Legacy and Influence
With a career spanning over two decades, The Thrillseekers has significantly influenced the trance genre, known for his emotive melodies and high-quality productions. He continues to perform globally, captivating audiences with his distinctive sound.