Real Name: Steve Topsfield
Stage Name: Ultrablue
Origin: United States
Genres: Vocal Trance, Uplifting Trance, Progressive Trance, Melodic Trance
Years Active: 2010s–present
Roles: Producer, Composer, Songwriter, Remixer
Labels: Black Hole Recordings, Amsterdam Trance Records, Abora Recordings, AVA Recordings, Trance All-Stars Records, and various international trance labels
Associated Acts: Tiff Lacey, Ariette Florence, Derek Aether, Cathy Burton, Mhammed El Alami, Costa, and numerous vocalists and producers from the international trance scene.
Introduction
Ultrablue is the trance music project of American producer, composer, and songwriter Steve Topsfield. The project has become widely recognized for its emotionally rich vocal trance productions, blending uplifting melodies, cinematic atmospheres, and sophisticated songwriting with polished modern production.
Unlike many trance producers who focus primarily on club-oriented instrumentals, Ultrablue places strong emphasis on songwriting and vocal performance, creating productions that balance dancefloor energy with emotional storytelling. Through releases on respected labels including Black Hole Recordings, Amsterdam Trance Records, Abora Recordings, AVA Recordings, and Trance All-Stars Records, Ultrablue has established itself as one of the notable names in contemporary vocal trance.
His productions have received support from leading trance DJs including Armin van Buuren, Aly & Fila, Solarstone, Paul van Dyk, Markus Schulz, Ferry Corsten, and numerous artists specializing in uplifting and vocal trance.
Early Career
Steve Topsfield launched the Ultrablue project with the goal of creating emotionally driven trance music centered around memorable songwriting and expressive vocals.
His early productions demonstrated:
- Emotional melodies.
- Cinematic arrangements.
- Rich harmonic progression.
- Atmospheric production.
- Professional songwriting.
These qualities quickly distinguished Ultrablue within the vocal trance community.
Rise Within the Vocal Trance Scene
As the Ultrablue catalog expanded, the project became known for collaborations with respected trance vocalists and producers.
Its productions became recognized for:
- Emotional musical storytelling.
- Elegant vocal arrangements.
- Powerful melodic development.
- Cinematic breakdowns.
- High production quality.
These characteristics established Ultrablue as a respected name within modern vocal trance.
Musical Style
Vocal Trance
Vocal trance forms the core of Ultrablue\’s musical identity.
The project’s productions commonly feature:
- Emotional vocal performances.
- Inspirational lyrics.
- Memorable vocal hooks.
- Atmospheric breakdowns.
- Euphoric melodic climaxes.
These elements define the Ultrablue sound.
Uplifting Trance
Many productions incorporate uplifting trance through:
- Soaring lead melodies.
- Driving basslines.
- Emotional chord progressions.
- Powerful melodic climaxes.
This uplifting energy remains central throughout the catalog.
Progressive Trance
Ultrablue frequently incorporates progressive trance influences through:
- Smooth musical evolution.
- Layered atmospheres.
- Deep harmonic development.
- Cinematic sound design.
These elements add sophistication to the productions.
Melodic Trance
Melody is fundamental to every Ultrablue release.
His melodic style emphasizes:
- Rich synthesizer arrangements.
- Warm harmonic movement.
- Emotional expression.
- Beautiful musical progression.
This melodic focus distinguishes Ultrablue’s work.
Songwriting
One of Ultrablue’s defining characteristics is its emphasis on songwriting.
Common lyrical themes include:
- Hope.
- Love.
- Personal transformation.
- Inner strength.
- Healing.
- Dreams.
- Human connection.
- New beginnings.
These themes complement the emotional nature of trance music.
Production Style
Ultrablue’s productions are admired for:
- Cinematic orchestration.
- Professional vocal production.
- Rich harmonic layering.
- Emotional arrangements.
- Modern sound design.
Each release combines technical excellence with musical emotion.
Notable Tracks and Releases
“Fire In My Heart” (with Tiff Lacey & Derek Aether)
One of Ultrablue’s most recognized collaborations, featuring Tiff Lacey’s expressive vocals and Derek Aether’s uplifting production, resulting in a powerful vocal trance anthem.
“Mystified” (with Ariette Florence & Derek Aether)
A melodic vocal trance production built around emotional songwriting and cinematic arrangements.
“Home” (featuring Cathy Burton)
A vocal trance release highlighting Ultrablue’s sophisticated songwriting alongside Cathy Burton\’s celebrated vocal performance.
“Open Road”
A melodic trance production combining uplifting harmonies with atmospheric progression.
“Stars”
An emotional vocal trance composition featuring warm melodies and inspirational lyrics.
“Broken Hearts”
A vocal collaboration emphasizing cinematic production and heartfelt lyrical themes.
“A Better Way”
A melodic trance release centered around hope, optimism, and uplifting musical expression.
“After The Storm”
An emotionally driven vocal trance production showcasing Ultrablue’s signature blend of songwriting and melodic craftsmanship.
Collaborations
Ultrablue has collaborated with numerous respected artists within the trance community.
Notable collaborators include:
- Tiff Lacey
- Ariette Florence
- Cathy Burton
- Derek Aether
- Mhammed El Alami
- Costa
These collaborations have become an important part of the project\’s identity.
Signature Sound
Ultrablue’s productions are distinguished by:
- Emotional songwriting.
- Beautiful vocal arrangements.
- Euphoric melodies.
- Cinematic atmospheres.
- Warm synthesizer textures.
- Layered harmonies.
- Inspirational lyrics.
- Polished production quality.
These qualities define the project\’s musical identity.
Contribution to Trance Music
Ultrablue has contributed to contemporary trance by:
- Advancing vocal trance songwriting.
- Promoting emotional musical storytelling.
- Collaborating with leading trance vocalists.
- Producing melodic uplifting trance.
- Maintaining exceptionally high production standards.
The project continues to demonstrate how strong songwriting can enhance the emotional impact of trance music.
Legacy
Ultrablue has established itself as one of the respected names in contemporary vocal trance through emotionally engaging songwriting, refined melodic production, and memorable collaborations with some of the genre\’s finest vocalists. Releases such as “Fire In My Heart,” “Mystified,” “Home,” “Open Road,” “Stars,” “Broken Hearts,” “A Better Way,” and “After The Storm” showcase the project\’s commitment to combining uplifting trance with meaningful lyrical expression.
Through releases on Black Hole Recordings, Amsterdam Trance Records, Abora Recordings, AVA Recordings, and Trance All-Stars Records, Ultrablue continues to enrich the vocal trance genre. Steve Topsfield\’s dedication to melody, emotion, and songwriting has earned Ultrablue a respected place among the leading vocal trance projects of the modern era.