Paragliders: The Pioneers of UK Progressive House
Paragliders are a British electronic music production duo who helped define the progressive house sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Hailing from the UK, the pair achieved international club success and chart recognition with their melodic, driving productions and memorable vocal collaborations.
Early career
The duo, consisting of producers Andy Perring and Paul Morris, formed in the mid-1990s amidst the fertile UK house scene. Their early work quickly caught the attention of influential labels, leading to their first releases on the respected Hooj Choons imprint around 1996, where they honed their signature blend of emotive melodies and robust rhythms.
Breakthrough
Paragliders' major breakthrough arrived in 1999 with the release of their single "Paraglide" on Hooj Choons. The track became an instant anthem in clubs across Europe and beyond, propelling the duo into the spotlight. Its success was solidified by strong chart performances in the UK club charts and led to increased demand for their remix and production work.
Key tracks
Paraglide — This 1999 single is their definitive track, a progressive house masterpiece known for its soaring synth lines and driving energy that dominated dancefloors.
Leprechauns & Unicorns — A later release that showcased their evolving, more tech-influenced sound while maintaining their melodic core, earning support from top-tier DJs.
Feel It — Featuring the vocals of Zoe Johnston, this track highlighted their skill in pairing uplifting, vocal-led songwriting with powerful, club-ready production.
Happiness — This song demonstrated their ability to craft radio-friendly house music with a sunny, accessible vibe without sacrificing their production integrity.
Following their initial success, Paragliders continued to release music on major dance labels like Lost Language and Alternative Route throughout the 2000s. They became highly sought-after remixers, putting their stamp on tracks for a wide range of artists and further cementing their reputation within the global house and trance communities. Their consistent output includes several well-received artist albums and compilations that collected their seminal works.
Fans of Paragliders' melodic and energetic progressive house should also explore the work of similar UK-based artists. Hybrid shares a cinematic approach to breakbeat-laden progressive house. Way Out West parallels their fusion of emotive vocals with intricate electronic production. Bedrock operates in the same sphere of deep, driving progressive house and trance. Sasha frequently championed their sound, reflecting a shared vision for epic, journey-like dance music.
The music of Paragliders maintains a steady presence on radio stations dedicated to classic dance anthems and electronic music. Their tracks are regularly featured in the playlists of specialist electronic music shows, progressive house radio streams, and stations focusing on the legacy of 90s and 2000s club culture.
Listeners can discover the iconic sound of Paragliders by tuning into the progressive house and classic dance stations featured right here on onairium.com. Their defining tracks and club anthems are regularly in rotation, offering a direct portal to the peak of the UK progressive house movement.
