In “Stranger,” the lead single from his forthcoming sophomore album Multiverse, Australian trance veteran Jaytech isn’t looking to do anything particularly groundbreaking. The vocals, from Dirty Vegas’ Steve Smith, are mature and restrained — an appropriate accompaniment to this elegant melodic trance/dreamy progressive effort. Soothing and unhurried, “Stranger” flows serenely through its seven-odd minutes. It won’t jump out at first listen but will probably linger in your subconscious until you find yourself singing “In love with a stranger” to yourself in an elevator somewhere with no idea how those words arrived in your brain.
“Stranger,” out now on Anjunabeats, has already received from Armin and Above & Beyond. Multiverse hits stores on August 13th.
As a follow-up to “These Are The Days,” Connecticut-born Nate Rathbun, aka Audien, is set to release his latest effort called “Eventide.” While Above & Beyond has supported Audien’s previous releases on their Trance Around The World radio show, “Eventide” marks the 20-year-old’s first release on Anjunabeats. The track features uplifting piano leads coupled with a melodic synth progression that allows it to straddle the line between trance and big room. “Eventide” won’t be released until August 2nd alongside another Audien original production called “Unity,” but check out the preview above in the meantime.
Even though the DJ Mag Top 100 is essentially a popularity contest, we think everyone who loves dance music should vote. It’s a great way to support your favorite DJs and engage in some spirited debate with fellow dance fans. As an extension of our Where My Head’s At series, our editors will share their five favorite CDJ technicians, and tell you what makes them so great.
Finland-born Lenno has been relentless in terms off putting forth remixes that showcase his true ability to gracefully transform a track into something of his own. After releasing his remixes to “The Night Out” and “Eyes Wide Open,” Lenno’s progressive talent was rightfully recognized; this time around he has boldly remixed another huge track, Above and Beyond’s “On My Way To Heaven.” Lenno does wonders to the track by gracing it with punchy progressive chords and a lighter feel. The best part? He’s only 17. Look out for this young prodigy and if you haven’t already, be sure to check out his previous remixes as well.
DJ Mag‘s Top 100 ranking has been the most reputable and trusted ranking system for DJs – but what does that mean? Year after year, dance music fans are asked to support their favorite DJs and producers with a vote on DJ Mag‘s poll, which makes the Top 100 a popularity contest rather than an accurate ranking. As the scene has boomed, fans have caught on and have been particularly critical about what the famed list ultimately represents. Arguments have been made on all facets, especially the debate of producers and DJs being ranked under the same terms. DA editors return to the roundtable to break down the heated subjects of DJ Mag‘s Top 100 in the midst of the 2012 voting.
The Cream brand has come a long way from the original club nights at Liverpool’s Nation. Today, Cream is synonymous with electronic excellence, its reputation built on a commitment to booking the biggest dance acts of the day. The Creamfields UK festival is overflowing with superstar DJs, and so are the Thursday night Cream parties at Amnesia in Ibiza. To celebrate the 2012 season on the White Isle, Cream has released a 2-CD compilation, mixed by Dancing Astronaut favorites Above & Beyond.
The mammoth North American Group Therapy tour has come to an end. To commemorate its success, Above & Beyond has released “Small Moments Like These,” a new, free instrumental track which you can download here. “Small Moments Like These” is pure Above & Beyond, a delightfully introspective number carried by thoughtful piano chords that swell gradually before breaking into gentle arpeggios. In other words, it’s yet another reminder of the trio’s classical musicianship.
We could easily imagine A&B using the track as an intro for upcoming shows, or perhaps a forthcoming album, because it’s full of the same ethereal dreaminess that defined “Tokyo,” which opened Anjunabeats Vol. 9. They might, on the other hand, use it to replace the “On A Good Day” a capella with which they’ve been closing Group Therapy shows. Click past the break to hear both tracks. (more…)
With a stunning three night run at Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium, Above & Beyond demonstrated that, in the right hands, dance music can become more than just entertainment. Paavo, Jono, and Tony have escalated the craft of producing and DJing into something that can only be described as performance art of the highest pedigree.
We were there for the first two nights of Group Therapy LA, and we’ve assembled a pretty exhaustive catalog of the songs we heard. A quick glance through our track list, however, reaffirms our belief than an Above & Beyond gig is something more than a selection of tracks played in a particular order. The Group Therapy experience defies rational explanation. It’s magical.
The relationship between Tony, Paavo, Jono, and their fans is already the stuff of legend — they’ve brought audience members on stage to drop their biggest song, helped a young man propose to his partner during Creamfields, and become the #1 trending topic on Twitter for both their Trance Around the World 350 and 400 radio broadcasts.
Only two days remain until Above & Beyond and Insomniac Events transform the Shrine into an Anjunabeats trance temple. Now, the world’s greatest trance trio taking is taking things one step further by offering you the chance to appear in an episode of A&B TV.
Above & Beyond would like you to submit a video of you and your friends preparing for, driving to, and dancing your shoes off at their upcoming Group Therapy LA gigs (you can include afterparty footage, too). The video should be 90 seconds or less. For full submission instructions, click here.
One of Miami Music Week’s biggest parties this year took place before Ultra even opened its gates. Above & Beyond brought Group Therapy to Miami as hosted by Ultra Live at the legendary Bayfront Park Amphitheatre. Fans from all over the world joined Above & Beyond along with Arty, Mat Zo, Andrew Bayer, and Boom Jinx for a trance fix that is comparable to the A State Of Trance movement. The after movie dramatically portrays the memorable night lead by the all-star cast of Anjunabeats artists. Missed Group Therapy in Miami? You’re not out of luck – Above & Beyond is bringing the party across North America once again for part two.
