Two Decades of Sonic Mastery: For nearly two decades, Above & Beyond has been more than a musical act; they are the architects of euphoria, sculptors of emotion, and purveyors of the uplifting sounds of trance that resonate across the globe. In 2018, the trio, comprising Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamäki, finds itself at a crossroads of extraordinary achievements, transcending the confines of electronic dance music.
The 'Common Ground' Breakthrough: The year unfolded with the unveiling of their sixth studio album, 'Common Ground,' a testament to their musical prowess. The album, released on their independent imprint, Anjunabeats, ascended to an impressive No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200. This achievement not only showcased the trio's enduring success but also demonstrated the thriving independence of Anjunabeats in an industry dominated by mainstream labels.
North American Odyssey and Anjunadeep's Inaugural Festival: As part of the 'Common Ground' tour, Above & Beyond is currently weaving its sonic tapestry across North America, captivating audiences with transcendent live performances. Concurrently, Anjunadeep, the sister label of Anjunabeats, is set to host its maiden festival in London this August, expanding the imprint's influence in the electronic music landscape.
Docufilm Debut: 'Above & Beyond Acoustic – Giving Up The Day Job': Adding a cinematic layer to their multifaceted year, Above & Beyond unveiled their concert documentary, 'Above & Beyond Acoustic – Giving Up The Day Job.' The film serves as a chronicle of the trio's 11-city live acoustic tour in 2016, offering fans an intimate glimpse into their creative process and the emotional resonance of their acoustic performances.
Top 10 Moments that Defined Above & Beyond:
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Bryan Cranston Pushing The Button At EDC:
- Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston joined Above & Beyond onstage at Electronic Daisy Carnival (EDC) 2015, delivering a memorable rendition of "Say my name!" before dropping the Breaking Bad-inspired track, 'Walter White.'
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'Acoustic' Journey with Zoë Johnston and Justine Suissa:
- Above & Beyond embarked on an 'Acoustic' journey, translating their iconic tracks into two albums and a world tour featuring live band performances with Zoë Johnston and Justine Suissa.
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Performing for One Million People at Barra Beach, Rio De Janeiro:
- New Year's Eve 2007 witnessed Above & Beyond captivating a million-strong crowd at Barra Beach, Rio De Janeiro, transforming the shoreline into the world's largest dancefloor.
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Release of 'Sun & Moon':
- 'Sun & Moon' emerged as a defining work, propelling Above & Beyond from a cult club act to international festival headliners and etching its indelible chorus into the hearts of trance enthusiasts.
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Hosting Their Own Two-Day Festival at The Gorge Amphitheatre:
- Celebrating the 250th Group Therapy Radio episode, Above & Beyond hosted a two-day festival at The Gorge Amphitheatre, captivating 25,000 fans and unveiling their album, 'Common Ground.'
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'Little Something' at Wembley:
- In a tribute to Jono's sister, Charlotte, Above & Beyond organized a charitable event at Wembley Arena, raising over $250,000. The star of the night was undoubtedly Holly, Charlotte’s nine-year-old daughter, pushing the button during 'Sun & Moon.'
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Trance Around The World Becomes Group Therapy Radio in Bangalore:
- In Bangalore, against the backdrop of Jayamahal Palace Hotel, Above & Beyond transformed 'Trance Around The World' into 'Group Therapy Radio' on November 12, 2012.
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Remixing Madonna:
- Above & Beyond remixed Madonna's 'What It Feels Like For A Girl,' marking their first global club hit. Madonna loved the remix so much that she decided to use it for the single's official music video.
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The First British DJs to Sell Out Madison Square Garden:
- Above & Beyond achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first British DJs to sell out New York's Madison Square Garden, a moment of Beatlemania-esque fervor.
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Playing Backwards at Ultra Fest Miami:
- Confronted with technical challenges and a tropical rainsquall at Ultra Fest Miami, Above & Beyond finished their set with their backs to the audience, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their craft.
Beyond 2018: Above & Beyond's journey continues, leaving an indelible imprint on the annals of trance music. As they navigate the sonic landscape, their legacy unfolds, resonating with fans around the world and ensuring that the uplifting sounds of trance endure for years to come. Their narrative is one of unwavering dedication, boundless creativity, and an unspoken understanding with their audience—a testament to the timeless power of music.
