Cosmic Gate explain how to innovate while maintaining a signature sound [Interview]

Exron had an interview with Cosmic Gate at Miami Beach‘s Good Time Hotel to kick off Miami Music Week 2025. With a much-anticipated performance at La Otra and an exclusive boat cruise set on the horizon, the energy was buzzing.  As the icing on the cake, they released the first phase of their ‘PERSPECTIVES EP’ amidst the week’s beautiful chaos.  For these friends, business partners, and highly decorated DJ/producers, there is seemingly no end to their creativity.

Composed of Claus Terhoeven (Nic Chagall) and Stefan Bossems (Bossi), the German duo has led in the scene since their formation in 1999. Originally from Krefeld, Germany, they first gained recognition with harder-edged trance tracks like “Exploration of Space” and “Fire Wire,” which became defining anthems during trance’s golden era. Over the years, their sound has evolved subtly. A magnificent case in point is their latest single, “I’m On Fire,” which blends elements of progressive, melodic, and techno. 

Nonetheless, Bossi clarified that “these terms are [often] maybe a little misguiding. Different people have a different understanding of these terms.” Nic adds that while their sound has transformed over two decades, “there’s a certain handwriting in there. We just try to keep it fresh and bring certain elements from other genres into our music.” This adaptability and openness to new influences have allowed Cosmic Gate to maintain their relevance while staying true to what Bossi calls their “Cosmic Gate DNA.”

Their career has seen countless highlights, such as collaborations with icons like Armin van Buuren and Tiësto, and performances at festivals globally like Tomorrowland and Ultra Miami. However, their Grammy nomination for Best Remixed Recording (2019) of Gabriel & Dresden and Sub Teal’s “Only Road” is probably the most remarkable. When asked what track or remix they’re most proud of, Nic echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “it’s something [he] would never have expected.” Furthermore, Bossi pointed to “Exploration of Space,” saying that it’s “the most sense-making song… people recognize it and love it.”

As dance music pioneers for over two decades, Cosmic Gate remain committed to balancing nostalgia with innovation. Thinking about the ways they preserve remnants of earlier sounds in new productions, Bossi stated that “For us, there is no yesterday, today or tomorrow. We always try to do what we feel is cool.” He also observed how “the drums [from their very first single] sound a lot like how techno is done in certain styles nowadays.” As Bossi humbly put it, “Things go in circles—bring it together, make it feel good, and it should be alright.”  Unquestionably, for the larger music scene, it’s clear that their approach is timeless.

During the pandemic, Cosmic Gate adapted by hosting livestreams that brought uplifting performances to fans worldwide. Bossi recalled how these streams resonated with audiences, remarking that “for whatever reason, [they] worked well for us. Just the two of us, chatting and having fun.” Furthermore, Nic reflected on how this period shaped their creative process, allowing them to produce singles like “Blame” and “Nothing to Hide.” Speaking particularly about “Blame,” he explained, “[the pandemic] gave us the room to breathe and take the moment to produce something deeper.”

Their recent project, ‘PERSPECTIVES EP,’ continues their tradition of phased releases, also employed on albums like Materia and Mosaiik. This allows each track to receive focused attention and resonate deeply with listeners. Meanwhile, Bossi acknowledged ongoing challenges in club culture globally. “The real deep club culture doesn’t really exist [in Miami], but… worldwide it’s [generally] becoming more about festivals and events. Clubs are struggling, which is a shame because that’s where everything really started.”

Cosmic Gate’s extensive touring history includes countless iconic festivals and venues across the globe. To close out the interview, Cosmic Gate reflected on their memorable experiences on tour. Although they probably have enough stories to fill an autobiography, Bossi and Nic recall their most recent one. “[P]laying the mainstage at EDC Mexico, we were thinking it would be smaller than… EDC Vegas. [But] it was packed already at 4 P.M., so that was a beautiful and unexpected moment.”

Cosmic Gate’s ‘PERSPECTIVES EP 1’ is now out on all streaming platforms. To celebrate, the duo has posted their Wake Your Mind Miami set at La Otra from Miami Music Week 2025. For the full Cosmic Gate interview video, head over to Exron’s Youtube page. To follow Cosmic Gate’s tour schedule and track releases, please check out their website.

About The Author

Ginger Ale

Having grown up just an earshot from Ultra Miami’s venue Bayfront Park, it was next to impossible for me not to fall in love with electronic music. My love for music was evidently strong enough for me to write my college essay on festival culture and continue attending Ultra for 12 consecutive years (still counting). As an avid traveler, I’m definitely not afraid to hop on a plane for a music event. My current bucket list festivals right now are Tomorrowland in Belgium, Cercle Festival in France, Kappa Futur in Italy, and Sonus in Croatia. Though the list could go on forever, some of my favorite artists are Franky Wah, BICEP, Cassian, and Mochakk.

See author's posts