After 10 intense years Ernest van der Meij - the DJ’ing counterpart of the producers-duo Ernesto vs. Bastian - decided it was time for a change of course.

His fruitful collaboration with producer Edwin Koelewijs - a.k.a. Bastian - reads like a gripping page turner that is going to be closed soon with a very special farewell performance. “It was hard choice that I finally made based on my own feelings. Trance Nation at The Sand in Amsterdam on February 4, 2012, will be our final performance, but I’ll still be active as a solo-artists during the more exclusive bookings.” Ernesto & Bastian produced several dance floor anthems during their run and made a mark on dance-floors in dozens of faraway places. Pretty much every important event has welcomed this remarkable duo. It was BBC Radio 1’s trance guru Judge Jules that launched their international career after he introduced their classic ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ to an international audience which led to license deals in over 30 countries. Both Armada Music and High Contrast reached out and the critically acclaimed artist album ‘Authenticity’ materialized, as well as legendary tracks like ‘Thrill’, ‘Who’s the Starter’, ‘Stranger in Paradise’, ‘Bonanza’ en ‘Every Inch a King’ which are widely considered as the highlights from Ernesto & Bastian’s extensive discography.

Ernesto will focus his energy on his new artist management and bookings agency - Future Focus - that just had a successful launch during this year’s Amsterdam Dance Event. Future Focus represents a wide pallet of artists including Tenishia, Alex Fisher, Mark Sixma, Aerofoil, Chris Cortez, Jochem Hamerling, Binary Finary and Fabio XB and is stationed in the Dutch media capital Hilversum. This new double-role as both artist bookers and artist handler is an ideal role for this veteran. “I still love the DJ’ing and the traveling, but I want to share my Experience and knowledge with new talent.”

After memorable performances during Trance Energy, Dance Valley, Mystery Land and Pleasure Island, this collaboration between two of the most appreciated forces in trance is coming to an end. At The Sand in Amsterdam Ernesto & Bastian will go all out for one final and unforgettable trip down memory lane. On February 4, 2012, they will close down their legendary career with a three hour set in their very own area. “It’s going to be a goodbye performance with lots of laughs and a tear or two, with us playing our biggest hits and remixes as well as lesser known tracks and special edits.”