Extended Interview: 20 Years of Anjunabeats as told by Above & Beyond

The history of Anjunabeats as told by Above & Beyond.
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Live dates: aboveandbeyond.nu/tour
Recorded in London at the end of 2020 to mark 20 Years of Anjunabeats, this is an extended conversation between Jono, Tony and Paavo of Above & Beyond about the history of the band, their labels Anjunabeats & Anjunadeep, and of the Anjunafamily.
Filmed and edited by Myles Desenberg
Additional editing by Andrew Bonwick
Listen to our 20 Years of Anjunabeats Group Therapy 400 set, featuring many artists and tracks discussed in this interview: • Above & Beyond: Group ...
Listen to 20 Years of Anjunabeats: The Deep Mixes:
• 20 Years of Anjunabeat...
Listen to the 20 Years of Anjunabeats compilation series:
• 20 Years Of Anjunabeats
Live dates: aboveandbeyond.nu/tour
Website: aboveandbeyond.nu
Facebook: / aboveandbeyond
Twitter: / aboveandbeyond
Instagram: / aboveandbeyond
#Interview #AboveandBeyond #Anjunabeats

[@aboveandbeyond]

Hope you found this enlightening!

[@Keijzor]

You guys are seriously legends. I'm so grateful to be able to experience y'alls shows live during the time period that y'all are active.

[@cf5571]

I have always wanted to experience one of your shows live. Hopefully someday 🙏 (I am a new struggling amputee at the moment)

[@amstergal]

Hi! 19 minutes in and loving the discussion and seeing you guys chatting together. I know you hear it constantly but I love your music so much. It always touches my heart with your unique Above & Beyond sublime, ethereal, at times, always sheer beauty that reaches us and touches our emotions. I saw you at Echostage, Wash., DC and had tickets to see A&B Acoustical Kennedy Center, DC but the show was cancelled (2020) we all know too well why. LIVE at Porchester Hall is one of my all time favorites and it never fails to bring me to tears. Thank you for creating this video and releasing it now! Love you! ❤️

[@MrBoop4345]

@@cf5571 I've been to see them a dozen times and I'll tell you that what they said is true. It's a melting pot of diversity that all gets along. My wife and I have met people from all over the world at their shows. I've never seen a fight or people mean to each other. I'm a military combat vet that suffers from PTSD. I was scared of having a breakdown in the large crowds. I have felt the complete opposite. There is nothing but love and acceptance. So I urge you to give it a try. I don't think you will be disappointed. 🙌

[@deecortez520]

I feel like a stalker because I already knew most of this. 😂 Tony’s video clips were amazing! I love you guys for life! 😘♥️

[@AshwinAnandani]

"I think we put out high quality, emotional, melodic dance music" - YES. YOU DO. And it's the most therapeutic thing in the world for some of us

[@daft009]

I remember in 2004 Paavo and Jono came to Sydney for the volume 2 launch party. They tied their own Anjunabeats banner to the DJ booth and had some drinks with all of us before their set and shot some pool too. How their lives have changed. :)

[@claudioalbuquerque6654]

As a fan of Anjunabeats, this is the best gift you could give us as a part of the "20 Years" celebrations!

[@claudioalbuquerque6654]

Btw I'm always thrilled when I hear you talking about the NYE gig in Rio, such an amazing time you had in my country!

[@mrmecus4395]

Yessss!!I know

[@nicholaswarden362]

Yes! This!

[@nikooos]

Paavo´s end, from 1:14:00, needs to be reproduced all over the world on the schools! Amazing finale!

[@sandrakelly8898]

I was a massive A&B fan before and hearing your journey makes me smile, a lot. I’m now proud that my daughter works and plays for you guys at Anjunabeats and she couldn’t have more humble, authentic mentors to follow. I may be getting older but trance is in my heart and you guys keep it there 😊.

[@JohnnyFPriv]

May I ask who your daughter is? Congratulations by the way!! :)

[@ashredding_]

We need more of these videos! Not only from A&B but the Anjuna roster in general. Appreciate that these guys pre covid were/are always super busy and now with things freeing up a bit slowly getting back to it, but i'd love some more insight into these guys and how they go about what they do. I find it so interesting. It sounds daft to say I feel like I know these 3 (I really don't) but the music and connection they bring is so unique, that its through the music you feel their passion, spirit and emotion, its brilliant how it just works. Tony's deep sets have been a revelation for me over the last 18 months and have helped in so many ways and this is where i've connected to him, the music and the community more than I ever have. You guys are a testament to this genre of music and I will be forever grateful for the memories and moments created and shared. Dont ever stop guys! If I could like this video more than once, I would. Big love 🙏🤍🖤

[@outerphase]

Yeah would be great to hear more stories from others on the label

[@amstergal]

Aww, love your comment, it's bringing me to tears. ❤️

[@lukesmith-royal6880]

Yessss this!

[@mmimimmimi]

1000% I share this similar sentiment

[@loveconqueror]

They did interviews like this at the Anjuna Weekender at the Gorge. James Grant and Jody Wisternoff

[@okbasic353]

The positive impact they make on this world is above and beyond measure.

[@mlw2001]

I don’t even know where to start except by saying that I had goose bumps and teary eyes throughout the entire video, which culminated in me jumping off the couch and dancing at the very end! Having been to so many of their smaller shows in Miami back in the mid 2000’s, including at tiny venues and a nearly empty show at Amnesia Miami, and progressing to traveling to see them at a packed Amnesia Ibiza, to being lucky enough to go to ABGT100 at MSG and ABGT250 at the gorgeous Gorge, and Common Ground tours in Brooklyn, Minnesota, Miami. And all their MMW shows and most recently their magical Oasis show in MIA! I fell in love with Tri-State and Oceanlab at their initial release and they became soundtracks to my life and on my playlist repeat to this day! Not to mention being an avid listener of TATW and then ABGT from day one! I know this is the case with so many Anjunafamily members… that A&B have played a significant role in shaping not only our musical tastes, our friendships (so many!) but our emotions and lives along the way! It all comes from the integrity, love and authenticity they bring to the decks! I’ll end by saying I can’t imagine my life without A&B and Anjuna! Thank you from the depths of my heart! 🙏🏼❤️💞💃🏼😎🎵

[@TXM]

The summing up by Paavo at the end of the video was very moving! We need more things to bring us togther than split us apart. Keep doing what you are doing guys!

[@spencerbrownofficial]

Awesome video!! Learned so much! Sending love ❤

[@irufushi5998]

I absolutely loved this. These guys have been a massive part of my life. Thank you A&B .

[@dicekolev5360]

Oh my lawd, "Surrender"!! I got shivers when he even mentioned it :') I miss pre-2009 trance emotional touches in the genre.

[@Dwafiz]

Wonderful insights! Tony's description of his experience at the Gorge, ABGT250, was really special. Being there myself, I remember having that same moment of epiphany, seeing him and Jono and Paavo and Zoe out among the crowd, I became acutely aware of how real and united we all are.

[@delevans7334]

To this day, the track "Home" off of Tri-State is still my favourite A&B. You guys really opened my eyes to a whole crescendo of different music and your acoustic sets cover me in goosebumps whenever I listen or watch you perform on stage!

[@neilbarnesphotographer]

Agree with "Home' - absolute class

[@diagonals792]

Absolutely agree. I had a coming of age feeling when I first heard Good For Me. My world and perspective changed forever

[@BenCBristol]

Tri State as a whole was superb. My CD still gets played regulalry.

[@cvlo3848]

Couldn't agree more. The Club Mix of Home is my favourite A&B track also, such a special track. Too many amazing tracks in their 20 years. Even way back to 2001 the A&B remix of What It Feels Like for a Girl by Madonna still sounds first class to this day. Thanks A&B for so many amazing productions.

[@ShiteLines]

Yep I totally agree with this. I love my trance but that song was one one of the first tracks on a one of my first trance sets I done on an online radio station when I really got into DJing. I always listen back to that set and never ever get bored with it.

[@Pookie._.bear._.1]

Thanks, guys. Your music saved my life 14 years ago and still to this day it stays true. The music has definitely changed, but I still look back 10 to 14 years ago and certain tracks bring up so many great memories but yet still alter how I look at life currently. I realize all good things must come to an end at some point, can you talk about when a possibility of retirement of A&B might come into play? If it’s just a we will play it by ear kind of thing, then I can understand that. Thanks again for all the memories

[@HybridViZ]

Bruh we love this music, and we love you!

[@anaguevara1900]

Lonely Girl absolutely opened my mind to the possibility that I indeed had depression. The rest of the tracks have helped me run and cope with mental illness .... absolutely spiritual iconic music .... LIFE CHANGING. Thank you above and beyond.

[@Purfikt82]

Very honest of you to open up here and talk about important health issues we all think we battle alone by ourselves. This is what A & B bring out of people. ❤

[@anaguevara1900]

@@Purfikt82 🩷🩷

[@GeorgeMcCauley]

This was a great watch. Great to get a detailed insight into A&B’s career to date. Hope we get more of these interview videos!

[@TimLavelle]

Great idea! I really enjoyed the short interview w Tony and Paavo after the recent Cercle set, and this is even better! It's really interesting to hear your guy's perspectives and get a feel for how things are going behind the curtain. Feels like we've been given backstage access!! Thank you for sharing!

[@PeterKontor]

Above and Beyond was the reason that pushed me over to start making music. I was privileged to be able to open for them few times, ability to meet the trio and the team was a thrill. Amazing people with huge harts and pure souls. ❤️ thank you A&B

[@MikeJackson690]

Utterly fascinating stuff. Love the university origins, label origins, how the three met. All very inspiring. Between the lines there was so much hard and smart work going. Respect. Great to finally hear why the BPM dropped. Thought so 😉 Still would love it if you rolled back time next year and dropped a new 138bpm A&B track. Or Tranquility Base. Go on, for us old gits...

[@Sp3ratus]

This is just fantastic. I love that you, as a trio, mostly let the music do the talking for you, but I'm always fascinated by the interviews you give, because of the insights and thoughts you give to the subject matters you talk about.

[@chiel7348]

For anyone interested in more interviews of anjuna artists, the "Back to back" podcast hosted by Willy Joy has a couple of ~90min episodes with Eli & Fur, Spencer Brown, Jono, I_0, among others

[@realitygypsy]

Cheers bud

[@DIEGOGARCIA-hp9vt]

What a perfect & beautiful combination of Professionalism, Love for Music and Friendship. Thank you for all your music and passion. Still hoping to watch you guys performing live, someday, somewhere ...

[@tdg176]

I am nearly in my fourtees and I have never been to one of your concerts/gigs even thought I have been listening to your music since you started. I have so many good fond memories of ventures or just general growing up listening to above and beyond. Started listening to A&B/anjunabeats/anjunadeep when I first moved back from spain to uk and I had no job I was single and now I am married for 10 years and 2 beautifull kids and running my own business and I am still heavely enjoying your music. Hopefully one day I will be able to find the time to go to one of the gigs but I really Feel very lucky to be able to listen to your music. I am also a headphone enthusiast and this is how I have mainly listened to A&B. This video of your history brought tears to my eye. Haven't cried in over 20 years. Really touching and interesting watching this. Love you guys ♥🎶♥

[@mass-1128]

I was 13 at the time when I discovered you guys with "Good For Me" & "Can't Sleep" in 2006 and I will forever be grateful for that moment. Thanks for sharing this wonderful interview and much love ❤

[@paulblake9047]

Loved loved loved this though, bizarrely, I’m an emotional wreck at the end. I’ve been a fan since stumbling across the weekly TATW podcasts pre episode 100 and finally I got the chance to see A&B live for ABGT 200 at the Ziggo Dome. Clearly so much (and this will sound lame but I don’t know how else to say it) love in the Anjuna family. This comes through in the joy of those lucky enough to attend an event, the excitement in the DJ booth, Tony’s emotional response to the Gorge and Paavo’s sincere words concluding the video - oh, and music that tears at the heart strings while lifting you up and up at the same time. Long may you continue to bring joy.

[@EndorphinDolphin333]

These 3 gentleman are some of the most beautiful people on the planet. Their music as well as everyone on the labels has changed my life forever. I am eternally grateful 💜 My dream is to see you live someday. Peace and love my friends

[@nuperspektive]

Excellent guys. Been a fan since vol 1. Your albums and anjunabeats/anjunadeep mixes were the soundtrack to some of my best memories of my life. For that I'll be forever grateful.

[@mariabegum5289]

This video, the insight into the journey Above and Beyond/Anjunabeats/ Anjunadeep have been through to get to now just makes me love you guys even more. Anjuna❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@SavedByGrace_CitizenEmperor]

I'm only at the beginning of this interview, but I'm already loving it! 😎❤️️ Usually, I'll be honest here, I'm not too much into the artists behind the music. I rarely watch interviews. To me, interviews are often boring, same questions, just a sales show. It's not about interesting facts, just the creators making a big story out of a normal release. And honestly: Just because you are a great musician, doesn't mean you are good at or interested in answering pointless questions. That's why I ❤️️ this 20 Years of Anjunabeats interview so much! It's about Above & Beyond in its entirety. It's about their history, the beginnings, the logo, the founding of the label, the first releases, how these guys met etc. Usually nobody really cares about these things or they are talked about 1 minute and the 90 % are about "what are you doing at the moment, what is your new release, when is the album coming, how are you handling the corona situation" stuff like that. This is a 70 minute interview. It's about A&B. They have time. They can talk about what they really want to talk about. They can look back and think about events that have absolutely nothing to do with selling more records. It's just about loooking back at good times in life, wondering how some random meeting led to the foundation of a record label, first releases and remixes and in the end a more than 20 years lasting career. That's the reason why I like and should watch more documentaries (not necessarily biopics since those are entertaining movies but they mix realiy with fiction) about musicians, athletes, famous actors, painters etc. Because we get a deep insight into the entire story of a person rather than just a sales show for a certain release or the new album.

[@jcgp85]

The first time I heard A&B was when they where doing their OceanLab project, and till this day I think that is a pure masterpiece

[@juliusvonhertzen3740]

Wow, the last words by Paavo gave me crazy goosebumps!! Go Paavo, Go Finland and Go Above & Beyond!!! You guys rock!

[@stephoct8]

🥹 You guys are amazing. Hearing about your journey was such a treat. I hope you can feel the tremendous amount of joy you bring us all. You fill us with an insurmountable amount of happiness and joy with your music and I wish you all nothing but the best of experiences in your lives.

[@universoulcoaching6]

Thank you SO much for this incredible interview. I learned so much about you all and the group/label that I had never known, really highlights all of your musical genius even beyond what I already knew. This made me emotional going down memory lane and remembering how your music/shows/energy were my therapeutic lifelines in my darkest days...but also my happiest.

[@tasknaydn9963]

I am crying,😪 Really I love you

[@DJFTLM]

I've always looked up to you guys as gods from the (TRANCE DAYS). SUPER COOL to just see how a down to earth group of guys who through their love of music have been able to keep our ears and hearts going for so many years. Thank you for this.

[@KerryNeeds]

Absolutely loved this discussion between these three beautiful humans! 🥰 What a fantastic 20 years, the thing that stands out to me is how truly free they are as artists. They are not afraid to go against the grain and follow their creative instincts, and I love them for that! Congratulations Jono, Paavo & Tony - here’s to the next 20 years! 🥂✨

[@marvinn7596]

20 years of great tracks, Thanks to you 3!!!

[@dj-amd]

Music is emotion! You have changed the world for better! Thanks for everything !

[@njoincom]

Thank you so much for this to see what Anjuna is bringing us .... learn to love....learn to Respect with People from over the World. For me, you must became a Price of Peace Nobel .... People from all over the World come to have a great Time, come to feel as a Family with People they Black, White, Indian, Italian, German. All are welcome 😍🙏🤗 I am a Guy 54 years old from Hamburg, Germany and i can see/hear your Journey from the begin .... sorry my English is not the Best....Guys, i am so proud to be a Member of the Anjunafamily ♥️ and Guest of so many Group Therapys !! Please don't Stop .... to find a Zoe, Justine, Richard and so many more of Singers, writers, DJ's around the World 🙏 Best wishes from Matthew

[@Bsimracingnews]

I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed this interview. How inspiring.

[@markusschulzbro]

Thank you for all good memories! 👏🙏

[@Andyb2379]

You guys were born to do this. Incredible journey to complete success. Well done guys, long may you to continue to bring us the tunes.

[@teemuhokkanen]

This interview was life-changing! Following now from Finland!

[@Jim-Jam]

This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing, love to hear the stories

[@adambyrne965]

This was a wonderful insight into your world and the journey you have been on for the last 20 years. Thank you to everyone at Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep for what you have built. \o/

[@corypage]

LOVE our AnjunaFamily!

[@cjtathome]

Great Summary Paavo ❤️ I knew what you all brought to the party musically but it’s nice to see how your outlooks and personalities shaped the group and the label. I love how you guys are open to transforming yourselves and to go in different directions when your inspired by new musicians. Keep doing your thing

[@maksimonefivenine4857]

Who remember Above&Beyond tv? 😍 I wish this come back but i do understand that is not easy to do anything like this in this hard for all of us time. Above & Beyond 🙌

[@stephendonovan6773]

I would love to see that Ibiza video 😍

[@crism8763]

That Paavo quote at the end was very powerful, thank you guys 💙

[@OHKNEECHAN]

I love yall. Literally Anjuna is 96% of my daily listening. We dont know eachother but you all definitely feel like family!

[@NocturnalSessionsDJ]

Tri-State was the Light in the darkness. This album made me acknowledge your precious talent guys from the start. From every aspect this album was just magical. And all your works. But this one specially with the Trance, Ambient, Electronic and a bit Progressive, was like an ambrosia feeding to my ears and my soul. Thank you for existing in this world and giving us such amazing feelings with your works! So proud and blessed to have met you here in Greece 2 times back in the time. God bless you all Gentlemen.

[@allnyter]

Excellent! It's nice to see the three of you sit down and chat and you can see why your group works so well now and for the last few decades. Would love to see more!

[@samratpaul7897]

It was good to know you guys more. Incredible journey. Group Therapy is what has been revolutionary and I completely acknowledge. Love from India. We hope to see you sometime soon live in India.

[@btgbill1]

I love these guys business model, true inspirations all of them

[@dustink6459]

awesome watch! Thanks guys!

[@dhantypotter]

This is the interview that we're needed. Thank you for finally sharing the journey with us 🥲 Hope this video interview will continue with other Anjuna artists. Anjuna family forever!! ❤❤❤

[@unrealed2211]

I love these interviews

[@Purfikt82]

57:15 A & B brings that energy with their music it's what binds the therapy session together ❤

[@gaelgarcia6082]

Dude I literally lived and understood all what they were saying in terms of all the changes that happened at the time

[@MahikaPavithran]

This was the best 1 hour and 15 minutes of my whole life

[@AnjunaTreasure]

“Let’s be grateful for our differences and let’s build on common ground… because as people we share so much more than what divides us.”

[@universoulcoaching6]

If only A&B were the leaders of the free world....we'd have a lot more love and unity then!

[@kristianTV1974]

Thanks A&B - its been fun for the last 20 years, here's to many more.

[@Evan-pk1lw]

I can't wait for The Gorge in 2022!!!

[@Purfikt82]

Im at the beginning of this video. I'm really excited to sit down and listen 🎶 Im wanting to seek inspiration in making tranquil beautiful music 🎶

[@mahsanrizvi]

I have been there with you guys from the start. I remember the TATW001 and i'm so happy it has evolved into what it is today.

[@michaelfasosin905]

Oh I want to add that your private gig to 200 fans at Jesus beach Ibiza in 2010 that I was lucky to get an invite to is still the best gig I’ve ever been to. Great gig and made friends for life there too.

[@djdanashwell]

Really interesting, thanks so much for this. Would love an in-depth exploration of Anjunadeep and it's artist roster, it is so powerful, would love to have more insight.

[@Euphorica]

Thank you.

[@SantaStinky]

You are all we need. 👏🎉👍

[@EmrysCorbin]

I absolutely love this. Thanks so much for doing this guys. (also I love that there is a segment on GT250, as that was my first concert; can't wait for weekender #2.)

[@kafetzis31]

Ever since I discovered your music I've been a dedicated fan and follower!!!I'm in my mid 50's and I grew up with soul and disco music in my early days and then shifted to electrobeats,deep house and chill out music.YOUR SUCCESS imho opinion comes from the integration and evolution of many genres and that's wonderful!!!It's great to know how it all started for you and embarked all of us on your lovely music journey together!!!Thank you for your inspiring and uplifting music!!Music should unite us all no matter where we come from and that is what you so successfully do!!God bless you all and let's keep the music journey going!!!!By the way Tony's from A&B Deep Set 16 in Santorini, Greece | 3 hour livestream DJ set @Anjunadeep was amazing, my cup of tea I'd say!!!Cheers!!! Regards and best wishes from Athens-Greece!! P.S. Would you please come and play in Athens soon!!!

[@vittya4373]

Mad respect for you! 🙏

[@user-pk6td5op8v]

Above & Beyond - it is the brain heart and soul

[@Purfikt82]

46:08 Sun in your eyes was massive when i first heard it at Dreamstate. Drip feeding my soul. Pure emotion pouring into my body.

[@Tekker1982]

My personal music heroes! I follow Anjuna from the early 2000 on and it‘s still one of the most important part of my life. Thank you so much guys and keep going on! 🖤🖤🖤

[@Jorro.]

Thank you, guys for the whole love which you spread all over the world so many years! Paavo's words at the end of the video bring the whole message and meaning of everything!

[@Annatar_Lord_of_Gifts]

Really enjoyed this!

[@in_10z]

Oh man those words Paavo said at the end...pure chills. You three continue to blow my mind even after almost 20 years!

[@robhutchins4039]

Music unites us. Legends. Thank you.

[@matthewnenninger3636]

amazing!!!!!

[@mak2866]

You guys are GREAT!! keep going......

[@davidpurple3698]

Great - thanks

[@johneccles9051]

Wow what amazing journey that everyone can relate to keep up the good work and we just love the ajuna family

[@Purfikt82]

1:06:40 You guys re-ignited my passion to live and welcome music back into my heart ❤

[@djorkidea]

Amazing memories 😍

[@Cal-Mac]

Fascinating seeing how the Anjunafamily came to be. ABGT 450 blew me away, with all those years of writing, producing and touring , I know have an small understanding of the talent and knowledge required create such an event.

[@Jason_Van_Stone]

Great stories/interview. Reminds me of myself and a couple buddies back in the late 90's/early 2000's. Grew up together with the music we loved, I got signed to a German Gabber/Hardcore label, and they toured Europe Dj'ing/producing, playing shows here in 🇺🇲

[@C-MNDZ]

Loved it !

[@mhfa5037]

This was really great! it was a bit short or felt short :D you should make more of this

[@WilliamDanielMusic]

A truly awesome interview guys. Great to get such an in-depth backstory on one of the greatest independent electronic labels of all time. Your success over the past 20 years has been very well deserved and here’s to the next 20 years. Thank you to everyone involved at Anjunabeats for being such an instrumental part of my life for so many years. All the best guys. 💫

[@yarasaoud]

BIG BIG BIG LOVE

[@ialmar2865]

Thanks guys. You do magic in everything you touch. I wish to see you soon in Europe.

[@mikesaintjulesmusic]

Love these Guys.

[@playsushi2559]

Loved watching this - I will say though, I genuinely feel that the original Trance sound and style you utilised still sound amazing to this day and is simply timeless; much like a lot of the other tracks of that era and even the late 90s before your inception. 'Satellite' for example is one of those tracks which I think will still sound amazing in 20, 30 and even 50 years time.

[@tom_conaty]

Following you guys for years, your music and the artist you brought on, still leading the way. An inspiration to music lovers, producers and djs alike. Thank you for the music

[@briannamelching5237]

This was sooo interesting and awesome to watch!! Thank you so much for putting this together!! Love A&B!!!! ❤

[@mikeahuja]

thank you

[@diegoru]

Congratulations; amazing