First State was originally a trance duo of Ralph Barendse (aka Ralphie B) and Sander van der Waal (aka Sander Van Dien), but Ralph Barendse left the project in May 2009. First State was a solo project until the end of 2011 when South African born producer Shane Halcon joined the project. In the end of 2012 Shane Halcon left the project. Now First State is a solo project by Sander van Dien.

First State has released numerous singles, remixes and albums and compilations, most of which gained recognition within the world wide dance scene.