EFFEN Marks His Victory Against Cancer With New Release Signed On Pure Trance

The industry veteran shares his struggle with cancer (Credit: Courtesy of EFFEN)

There are countless songs from local producers out there that speak from the heart. But in the case of scene stalwart, EFFEN, you can truly hear him fighting for his life on his latest offering to the world.

I received an email from EFFEN recently that led me to his harrowing ordeal regarding his gruelling battle against cancer. Diagnosed in January 2021, the veteran DJ wrestled with the woes of treatment, recovery and relapses all while expecting the birth of his child. You can read through the excruciating agony he suffered, documented extensively on his Instagram page for all to see. It’s a story of despair and courage, but it does end on a high note.

EFFEN has been a respected contributor to the scene since 2004 (Credit: Courtesy of EFFEN)

The established producer and selector optimistically revealed that he is now cancer-free, and to mark the victory while being an inspiration for others, EFFEN decided to dive back into the studio where he recorded “Dear God” in three days. And on the fourth day, the anthemic track was immediately signed to Pure Trance headed by trance legend, Solarstone, who’s supported EFFEN in his career through the years.

“Dear God” is appropriately triumphant in its design. It’s delicate yet engineered for enormous dance arenas – already tested out by Solarstone all around the world – launching with a gradual build-up that makes its payoff much more magnificent. Think heavenly sweeping chords, beats built with grandeur, and vocal samples that question destiny and purpose in life, all culminating in a sentimental big-room hook that speaks a universal language of hope.

It's a jubilant comeback that sees EFFEN in peak production form. No stranger to success beyond our shores, EFFEN’s releases have been featured on A State Of Trance (he was the first Singaporean to be featured on Armin van Buuren’s signature show), and they’ve received support from the likes of Sean Tyas, Simon Patterson and MaRLo. Bursting into the local scene in 2004, EFFEN’s also been a resident at institutions like Ministry Of Sound, Zirca and Avalon.

Congratulations EFFEN. Keep up the fight.