Above & Beyond is a British trance and progressive house music trio consisting of Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamäki. Formed in 2000, the group has become one of the most influential acts in electronic dance music, known for their emotive and melodic approach to trance, as well as their ability to connect deeply with audiences worldwide.
Early Years & Formation
Jono Grant and Paavo Siljamäki met while studying at the University of Westminster in London and initially formed Anjunabeats, a label dedicated to releasing their own music. In 2000, they teamed up with Tony McGuinness, a marketing director at Warner Music, who had experience in rock bands. The trio\’s first remix, a rework of Chakra’s “Home”, gained attention and marked the beginning of Above & Beyond.
Rise to Fame
Their breakthrough came in 2001 when their remix of Madonna’s “What It Feels Like for a Girl” was officially released and received global recognition. Around the same time, their record label Anjunabeats was gaining traction, eventually becoming a leading label in trance and progressive music.
In 2004, Above & Beyond released their first single, “No One on Earth”, which became a fan favorite and was voted Tune of the Year on Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance radio show.
Albums & Milestones
Above & Beyond have released several critically acclaimed studio albums:
- Tri-State (2006) – Their debut album featuring hits like “Air for Life” and “Alone Tonight”.
- Group Therapy (2011) – One of their most iconic albums, featuring the anthemic “Sun & Moon”, “Thing Called Love”, and “You Got to Go”. This album marked a turning point, shifting towards a more vocal-driven sound.
- We Are All We Need (2015) – Featuring “Sticky Fingers”, “Blue Sky Action”, and the title track, this album showcased their ability to blend emotional depth with euphoric melodies.
- Common Ground (2018) – Reached #3 on the Billboard 200 chart, with tracks like “Northern Soul” and “My Own Hymn”.
- Flow State (2019) – A meditative ambient album that focuses on relaxation and mindfulness.
Anjunabeats & Anjunadeep
Apart from their own music, Above & Beyond have cultivated an empire with their labels Anjunabeats (for trance & progressive) and Anjunadeep (for deeper, melodic house). These labels have launched the careers of artists like Andrew Bayer, Ilan Bluestone, Jason Ross, and Seven Lions.
Group Therapy & Live Performances
The trio is renowned for their Group Therapy concept, which started as an album and evolved into their signature radio show, Above & Beyond Group Therapy (ABGT), which reaches millions of listeners globally. Their ABGT milestone shows, such as ABGT050 at Alexandra Palace, ABGT100 at Madison Square Garden, and ABGT250 at The Gorge Amphitheatre, are some of the most legendary live events in trance music.
Above & Beyond’s performances are celebrated for their emotional intensity, featuring live acoustic sets and unforgettable moments where fans hold up signs with song lyrics. Their Acoustic Live Tours have taken their music into iconic venues like Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, and The Hollywood Bowl, proving their ability to transcend the electronic genre.
Legacy & Influence
With multiple Beatport #1 hits, Grammy nominations, and a devoted fanbase, Above & Beyond have cemented their status as one of the most respected acts in trance and progressive music. Their ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with uplifting melodies has made their music a staple at festivals such as Tomorrowland, EDC, and Ultra Music Festival.
Even after two decades, Above & Beyond continue to inspire with their music, bringing fans together through their message of love, unity, and connection.