In Search Of Sunrise 21 mixed by Markus Schulz

One of the most beloved mix-compilation series in dance music history enters a bold new chapter. In Search Of Sunrise returns this summer for its 21st edition—and for the first time, Markus Schulz takes the helm alone, steering the series into a new sonic frontier.

After two iconic eras shaped by Tiësto and Richard Durand, and following his own six co-curated editions, Markus Schulz now assumes full creative control of the legendary series. ISOS 21 is not just a continuation—it’s a reinvention.

A Trilogy of Emotion

For over two decades, In Search of Sunrise has been more than a series; it’s been a sanctuary for sonic wanderers, a space where emotion, beauty, and transcendence meet under one sky. Now, as the next chapter begins, Markus Schulz steps fully into the role of creative guide, evolving the series into something not just reflective, but visionary.

“The world has changed. So has the music. But the need to escape, to dream, and to feel—that remains,” Markus says. “And that’s what this next era of In Search of Sunrise is about: building a bridge from nostalgia into a future worth believing in.”

For the first time, In Search of Sunrise will roll out as three separate drops across the season, allowing each disc to breathe, resonate, and connect in its own time.

First up is “The Awakening”, arriving August 6, which draws from organic textures, deep progressive rhythms, melodic techno, ambient atmospheres, and emotionally rich, pensive tones. It’s the soundtrack to your late-night reflections and early morning revelations.
That will be followed by the emotionally euphoric mix “The Nirvana” on August 27th, and finally, “The Nocturnal Voyage”, a late-night techno-leaning finale, on September 17th. The full vinyl and CD experience will also be available on that day for collectors and deep listeners alike.

The journey begins August 6th with The Awakening, featuring music from London Grammar, Sasha, Deep Dish, Paul Oakenfold & Hernan Cattaneo, Korolova, Cosmic Gate, Estiva, PROFF, Jerome Isma-Ae, and two exclusives from Markus Schulz under his Dakota alias.

“The Awakening is about widening the lens; welcoming in legendary artists who somehow had never graced the series before: London Grammar, Sasha, Hernan Cattaneo, Deep Dish. And at the same time, it’s about planting seeds. I want someone five years from now to say, ‘I first discovered them on ISOS 21.’ That’s how you carry a legacy into the future.”  And the best way to do that is to reflect on authentic emotional resonance; something that touches the soul but doesn’t overexplain itself.

It’s about giving space for new stories to unfold. Whether you’ve been with the series since the beginning, or this is your first time hearing its name, In Search of Sunrise isn’t just about where you’ve been. It’s about where you’re going next.”

A Legacy Reimagined

To understand the significance of In Search Of Sunrise 21, one must look back to where it all began.

Launched in 1999, In Search Of Sunrise was conceived by Tiësto, who defined its early identity with lush, cinematic trance sets that embodied escapism and euphoria. His editions, especially the now-legendary ISOS 3 (Panama), set a gold standard in melodic storytelling.

Following Tiësto’s departure after ISOS 7, Richard Durand took the reins, guiding the series through the 2010s with his energetic vision, often inviting guest DJs to co-mix. And starting with ISOS 13, Markus Schulz joined the journey, co-curating a six-edition arc that blended his dark, progressive sensibilities with the ISOS spirit of sunrise dreaming.

Now, with ISOS 21, Markus steps into full authorship—ushering in what he calls “a bridge from nostalgia into a future worth believing in.”

The Future Starts Now

For over two decades, In Search Of Sunrise has been more than just a compilation. It’s a journey, a philosophy, a reflection of our deepest musical yearnings.

And as the world continues to change, ISOS evolves with it, without ever losing sight of its core: the need to feel, to dream, and to escape.

“In Search Of Sunrise 21 mixed by Markus Schulz” is out till September 17th, 2025!
 
Get your copy here: https://isos.lnk.to/isos21campaign

Tracklist “In Search Of Sunrise 21”: