03/05/2026
DJ Far-Side (South Africa)
Real Name: Jacques Meiring
Based In: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Genres: Psytrance (Psy-tech, Progressive Psytrance Full-on Daytime/Nighttime and Forest), Techno (Melodic, Progressive, Peak time and Hard Techno), Trance (Uplifting, Vocal, Melodic, Big room, Tech and Hard Trance)
Affiliations: Techno Invasion, Jigsaw Productions, Ubuntu Gatherings, Psyliminal, Dwnsmpl Records
Biography
Jacques Meiring, performing under the alias Far-Side, is a South African DJ, producer, and event promoter who is known for his high-octane sets as well as his multi-genre versatility, Far-Side has cultivated a reputation as a purist who prioritizes the spiritual and communal aspects of the dancefloor experience.
Musical Origins & Evolution
Far-Side’s journey into electronic music began in the early 1990s, where he developed a foundational passion for Psychedelic Trance, Techno and Trance. While his early influences were rooted in the driving rhythms of the 90s rave era, his sound has since evolved to focus primarily on Psytrance, Techno and Trance. He is celebrated for sets that are not merely collections of tracks but cohesive "journeys" designed to elevate the crowd's collective consciousness.
Philosophy & Style
His artistic ethos is deeply grounded in the P.L.U.R. (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) mantra. Far-Side views DJing as a selfless act, focusing entirely on the dancers and the "purity of freedom" experienced at the peak of a festival set. His performance style differs from the mainstream by often incorporating darker, more industrial Techno textures alongside uplifting Trance melodies, creating a dynamic tension that keeps dancefloors engaged.
Industry Roles & Media
Beyond the decks, Jacques Meiring is a multifaceted industry professional:
Radio & Broadcasting: He has produced and hosted several prominent genre-specific radio shows, including I.D.M on Stomparama FM, well as slots on D.T.N.R Radio and Fractured Reality on FM STOMP whilst holding multiple resident slots on local and international shows.
Current Status
As of 2026, Far-Side remains highly active in the South African festival and event circuit. He continues to perform at club nights and outdoor festivals, often featured on lineups alongside other heritage acts who defined the Gauteng trance scene.
Activity 2024 to 2026
- Transient Sensations 1,2,3,4,5
- Fractured Reality
- ReEntarnce Halloween Ball at The Warehouse
- Rave Against Cancer
- Techno Invasion 3
- ReEntrance Rewind
- Ravers and Lasers 3.0
- Techno Invasion 4
- Who's your Daddy
- Ubuntu Galaxy - Encounters
- Rhythem Rebelliion - Jingle Jam
- Tranceformed
- Celestial Dungeon
- Symbiosis
- Astral Trip
- Astral Ttrip 2.0
- Steve Hill S.A Tour Johannesburg
- Astral Trip 3.0
- Techno Invasion 7
- Rave Daz vs Techno Invasion
- Psyliminal 2
- H.U.S.H Sognage Take Over
