An emotional expedition toward tomorrow, unfolding in three chapters across the summer of 2025. It’s not just a compilation. It’s a reimagination. 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. 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.” – Markus Schulz
For the first time ever, 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.
“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. Because 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.” – Markus Schulz
That will be followed by the emotionally euphoric mix “The Nirvana” on August 27, and finally, “The Nocturnal Voyage”, a late-night techno-leaning finale, on September 17. The full vinyl and CD experience will also be available on that day for collectors and deep listeners alike.
The journey begins August 6 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.
You can pre-order/bookmark In Search Of Sunrise 21 – The Awakening here.
