A&B Rises to New Heights

In a time where music acts as an emotional remedy, one formation presents more of a healing sound, proving that Ultra doesn’t appeal solely to the ragers and aggressors. Above & Beyond, who’s coming up quick on year 10 together, produces a genre known to most as Uplifting Trance, accompanied by smooth, settling vocal collaborations. Bringing a more spiritual vibe to the scene, Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siliamaki deliver an enticing perspective to the electronic sound system. If you close your eyes while listening to the mellow symphony of A&B, you can try to picture yourself in a dream sequence far, far away from reality – which for many fans is the reason behind the rhyme for tuning in. 

They are admired and recognized by standout DJs including Paul van Dyk, Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, Eric Prydz and Pete Tong, among others. Another feather in their cap was received when Madonna chose the trio’s version of hit single “What It Feels Like For a Girl” to accompany her music video instead of the album track. Unlike many other DJs, the A&B show is referred to as an experience, not a typical set. They’ve utilized progression by creating offshoot label Anjunadeep to expand into their House influence, which ended up earning A&B Best Record Label at DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards 2008. Expansion is just part of the project for A&B, who stayed loyal to their motivation for making music from the get-go. “Above & Beyond has always just been about quality, uplifting dance music and this compilation illustrates the kind of stuff you'll hear in the early part of one of our longer sets,” Jono Grant said of the Anjunadeep label.

Their laid-back and relaxing approach can be heard on their complimentary iTunes podcast on the weekly A&B radio show entitled “Trance Around the World.” In an effort to keep fans of A&B and other music lovers in the loop, the team utilizes everything from podcasts, to Facebook to Twitter; tools that were merely embryos a decade ago – when A&B first started climbing the charts of the UK club music scene.

Whether you’re practicing yoga or swaying in the wind, add some A&B to your playlist for some feel-good mood music.

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