Leave it up to techno listeners to name themselves after obscure mathematical concepts. System F is a kind of calculus that grabbed the attention of Ferry Corsten, one of the most intriguing trance music artists of the '90s. He decided to name himself after the concept, one of multiple names he worked under.

Corsten was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in 1973. He was entranced by electronic music from a very young age, recording his own songs when he was just 16 (it wouldn't be until more than a decade later, at 27, that he became a professional musician). He washed cars and sold mixtapes to friends to raise enough money for his first keyboard. By the early '90s, he was heavily involved in the club scenes, often practicing his skills as a DJ. Taking on the name Moonman, he scored a charting hit single called "Don't Be Afraid." But he was still not sure the life of a professional musician was one for him. He was studying to become an electrical engineer, learning the technical training that probably gave him the inspiration to call himself "System F."

Collboarting with his friend Robert Smit, Corsten developed to hit singles--"Out of the Blue" and "Cry," both of which ranked within the Top 20 on the U.K. charts. He continued to develop a reputation as one of Europe's top dance artists, releasing hit after hot hit in clubs. He worked with Albion on "Air," remixed Art of Trance's "Madacasgar" and Gouryella's "Walhalla." These songs helped cement his reputation for creating amazing beats, while the live shows he presided over were techno experiences no dancer could forget.

In 2006, he released an album under his own name titled L.E.F. (standing for "Loud, Electronic, Ferocious"). It proved to be a hit, scoring six singles. In 2008, he released Twice in a Blue Moon.