Lost Witness

Lost Witness

Lost Witness are a UK trance group active since 1998. The project centres on DJ and producer Simon Paul and producer Simon Kemper, with Paul Janes also listed as a member. Their music is identified with trance and vocal trance, with a strong emphasis on melodic vocal trance anthems.

Formation and line-up

The act forms in May 1998, initially under the name Dusk Til Dawn. It begins with Simon Paul and Simon Kemper, who meet and work together before the project develops into Lost Witness. Ed Barton joins as a third, quieter member during the early period. Tracy Carmen supplies vocals on early tracks including “Red Sun Rising” and “Did I Dream (Song to the Siren)”.

Style and background

Paul and Kemper come to the project from different musical backgrounds. Paul’s parents are strongly influenced by big band and jazz, while Kemper’s background is shaped by opera. Paul also DJs extensively, and his experience with house music feeds into the way he produces. Kemper’s approach is informed by club culture and his experience in and around London. Together, these influences shape the group’s trance sound.