Above & Beyond: The Pioneers of Progressive Trance

Above & Beyond is an English electronic music group formed in London, known for their influential role in the trance and progressive house genres. The trio has achieved global recognition through their acclaimed albums, iconic live shows, and their foundational record label, Anjunabeats.

Early career

Above & Beyond was formed in the year 2000 by Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamäki. The group quickly established itself by writing and producing tracks for other artists, including the hit "Home" for British trance act Chicane, which charted in the UK Top 20 in 2001.

Breakthrough

The group's own artistic breakthrough came with the 2004 release of their debut artist album, Tri-State, on their own Anjunabeats imprint. This album, featuring the singles "Air For Life" and "Alone Tonight," defined their melodic, vocal-driven sound and solidified their status as leaders in the progressive trance movement.

Key tracks

Sun & Moon - This 2011 single from the album Group Therapy became an anthem, known for its emotional vocals from Richard Bedford and its central role in their live sets.

We're All We Need - The title track from their 2015 album featuring Zoë Johnston, showcasing the group's evolution toward a more nuanced, song-oriented style within electronic music.

Thing Called Love - A landmark 2010 track that perfectly encapsulates the uplifting, melancholic, and deeply human songwriting that defines the Above & Beyond sound.

Northern Soul - Featuring the vocals of Richard Bedford, this track from We Are All We Need became a fan favorite for its poignant lyrics and soaring melody.

Blue Sky Action - A collaboration with Alex Vargas, this energetic single highlighted the group's ability to craft powerful, radio-friendly dance music without sacrificing emotional depth.

Beyond their studio work, Above & Beyond revolutionized the live electronic experience with their "Group Therapy" radio show and accompanying large-scale events. Their acoustic tours, yielding albums like Acoustic and Acoustic II, demonstrated the timeless quality of their compositions, performed with full orchestral arrangements.

Artists exploring similar melodic and emotive territories within electronic music include Armin van Buuren, who also hosts a major trance radio show and leads the genre. Gareth Emery shares a focus on melodic progression and anthem creation. The songcraft of Andrew Bayer, a frequent collaborator on the Anjunabeats label, aligns closely with their production style. Finally, Seven Lions blends trance melodies with modern bass music in a way that appeals to a similar audience.

The music of Above & Beyond continues to be featured across a wide spectrum of electronic music programming, from dedicated trance and progressive house channels to broader dance music stations.