Paul van Dyk 'For An Angel' | The Making Of A Trance Classic

[@DJMag]

What tracks would you like to see next? 👇

[@mannymore_music]

"Strobe" by Deadmau5 or "Pjanoo" by Eric Prydz could be dope.

[@angelvillacaqui95AQP]

Steve Angello vs. Matisse & Sadko - SLVR

[@Sneaky_arrogant_selfish_DJs]

Google News DJs Paul van Dyk Hardcore Techno dj

[@kiper_in_trance]

Atb- Ecstasy

[@christophermcevoy7571]

Tiesto - urban train

[@christophermcevoy7571]

My son played for an angel on his piano. I sent a video of it to Paul via social media and he sent my son a lovely email and shared the video on all of his socials. What a guy. What a tune. What a DJ. Absolute legend.

[@irufushi5998]

Touch of class from a true dance music icon.

[@chejoseofficialTV]

Paul is a total legend!

[@MrDeeyal]

@@christophermcevoy7571 that is awesome!

[@vjl8263]

So, Show us that video please...

[@cmstandingmusic3002]

When music was good

[@easternflow1078]

I am a truck driver and this trance anthem is in my head every night. For an Angel, Saltwater, Sansa, Long way home, concrete angel…. No words… masterpiece of electronic music

[@DJMag]

Glad you enjoyed it! Check out our episode on 'Saltwater' too.

[@DBecks09]

Yes yes yes

[@Techjunkiero]

Saltwater of Chicane is one of my all time favs. Same as Xpander by Sasha. The peak of trance music.

[@MrDeeyal]

The 90's was magical for Trance

[@kenmastersmaster]

Long way home ATb?

[@RenatA2006]

For An Angel is the anthem of trance music 🎶

[@DJMag]

100%

[@Positive_Tea]

It one of the songs from the era that bring back swells of emotion and memories. Sometimes I can't even listen it's so emotional. For and Angel, Til I Come, Madagascar, Greece 2000, and It's a Fine Day, Nuero by Xcabs, Cafe Del Mar. These tunes are more than music.

[@RockstahRolln]

Absolutely is!! Every time I listen to it come on anywhere my eyes well up with tears! What a track!! I saw Paul, DJ live in the US several times, he is truly incredible!

[@mrBSho]

For An Angel is one of the foundational anthems!! I think others like Greece 2000’s Three Drives On A Vinyl and a few others are each pillars as well ;)

[@TimMer1981]

@@mrBSho Don't forget Chicane's "Saltwater" and Chakra's "Love Shines Through".

[@TranceHistorian]

"in the early 90s the music we wanted didin't really exist, so we had to make it" - what an amazing statement!! 😭😭😭

[@katycanino1566]

I know, it really resounded in my head, and I said, "You go boy!"

[@TheOrphicCreative]

That totally sums up the mood of the era for sure

[@alexpeartree2019]

How every groundbreaker thinks.

[@leob4403]

​@@alexpeartree2019definitely not the way Taylor swift would think

[@alexpeartree2019]

@@leob4403 maybe so, but she'd just shake it off.

[@Goat.Herder]

1998/99/2000 was peak Trance era. It was a marvelous time to be listening to this unique sound.

[@EdgyNumber1]

The 90's.... Happier times. Thanks for the memories Paul!

[@AlmarMusicOfficial]

I heard "For an Angel" for the first time in 1998/1999 on the radio when I was only 14 years old and I remember I was so impressed that I began to dream about producing this kind of music and melodies. I didn't have a computer at the time, only the radio and casette recorder. Ten years later in 2009 I had my first record/remix on vinyl on Paul's label, I couldn't believe it myself and after that other tracks of mine played by him on the radio. It all started with this track and I've always wanted to thank Paul for igniting my passion with his music.

[@midnight8990]

Your remix of Elfsong - Seldarine is amazing 🔥

[@katycanino1566]

Congratulations! What a feat. Dreams do come true.

[@AlmarMusicOfficial]

@@midnight8990 Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.

[@AlmarMusicOfficial]

@@katycanino1566 Indeed, sometimes it just happens 🙂

[@electrospriggan]

"The music we wanted to hear did not really exist, we have to make it" ABSOLUTELY LEGEND

[@hoodbyair223]

legend but imagine u doing it in 90's and u can come with whatever and u can be important in space

[@byza101]

What an era … For an Angel, Greece 2000, Energy 52, Saltwater, As the Rush Comes. We were so privileged. I’ve seen Paul in Sydney, London, Berlin, Ibiza, New York. Very nice man ti meet, absolute top dj. This track will still be being played in clubs 100 years from now.

[@DJMag]

An amazing few years for dance music!

[@martinvk-77]

A true classic trance song. They don't make them like this anymore.

[@theriddick2735]

They always used to want to make something different to what came before, now they all want to copy each other.

[@djianh]

That show when it poured in Central Park, June 2004. So glad PVD still remembers it. Truly epic night.

[@DJMag]

Looked so special !

[@bananaempijama]

This takes me waaaaay back. Paul did so many hits that i love (this, another way, tell me why, nothing but you). One of the best in my book.

[@PaulCarsonProducer]

What a legendary track this was, still sounds super fresh to this day.

[@DreamyDawnMusic]

He seems so humble and kind! One of the legends in the trance scene for sure!

[@theriddick2735]

One of the few remaining. BT, Matt Darey, Armin, Tiesto, Ferry, etc don't do (proper) trance music anymore.

[@Nodadj]

The father of Trance has spoken..AMEN!

[@Positive_Tea]

This song changed my life forever lol

[@MuratSever]

Me too

[@Pottwerke]

Just get a girlfriend an d a job...

[@SuperSaiyaGinge]

I like how the soul of the track is based on seeing a sunset by the ocean for the first time. Something very pure indeed that I can appreciate.

[@jvaddison]

He seems like a proper down to earth man. Respect.

[@dirkw.8982]

I played with Paul many times in Munich, KW. Nice guy, a legend. Greetings from the former DJ Housepunk.

[@briankidd7206]

Met him twice at concerts in Ireland maybe 9 or 10 years ago. I jumped the stage after his concerts and he told the security to back off. Had a bit of a chat and took some pictures with him. Absolutely down to earth. Been a fan since 1997 and I'll never not be a fan.

[@MarinosPl]

Paul, if you are reading this, you are such a lovely and humble guy! It's an honour for me to have you as an idol 20+ years ago. As for "For an Angel" its just a masterpiece. Really missing that sound of trance back then.

[@HALFSTEP]

When I listen to this again, I still remember the emotion of the first time I heard it! It will be a masterpiece forever💗

[@danielem.6320]

One of the most significant artists in the '90s trance music scene, with "For an Angel," one of the most beautiful tracks ever created. Thank you for making me dream and for inspiring my desire to travel. You are a great DJ and producer, and you have all my admiration.

[@B1ggz13]

Such a humble dude and such a massive tune which means so much to so many

[@piotrpazera5150]

I was about 14 y.o. when I first heard "For an angel". i still remember how I felt listening to it back then... It was, and still is, absolutely special piece of music! It evokes something deeper from within our souls!

[@gergopalyov3367]

What a nice person! Very kind! Separeted Germany childhood! Not fancy life style! One kid of family! And step by step love of music going thought his life! And steel human whith smile but he is a legend ! Respect!

[@digsmann]

PVD .. you are legend and big thanks that you continue to stick with making music old style

[@djmark143]

An absolute legend. This for me is one of the defining tunes of the 90s trance scene. I was a teenager in that era and I am so happy I was able to grow up in this era.

[@fanstastic83]

One of the best dance songs ever released ❤

[@dirtyhabitz2888]

I was at Peach at Camden in the late 90’s when I first heard this track. The whole place erupted, everyone had their hands in the air having the time of their lives. That memory still sends shivers down my spine and every time I hear For an Angel it takes me right back to that incredible time ❤

[@elliotcastroooo]

Surely one of the best dance tracks and definitely one of the best trance tunes ever.

[@myproducerjourney]

This is the first trance track I heard, age of 14, which inspired my interest in djing, music production, the amazing club memories and feeling trance music invoked and still invokes. Thank you Paul.

[@tonywalter2539]

Will always be the BEST trance tune .... ever ... and nice to have been to the original Gatecrasher a few times myself ❤

[@michaela3274]

I was 17 in 1994 and and got my drivers license the year after. I bought a single CD with For An Angle and copied tit to a cassette I could listen to in the car. Now 30 years on I can only say: Paul, you made a timeless classic! 👏

[@Gazz85]

In 2006 on my US trip, I was walking through Central Park by myself with my shopping bags… and then I heard ‘For an Angel’ in the distance. I stayed for the rest of the set! So random and so fun.

[@HolgiHSK]

For an angel is the ultimate trance anthem, I alwas get goose bumps since the Love Parade if I her this song. It's amazing.....

[@Gjallarhorn84]

I was only 14 in 1998 when the German music channel Viva (rip) aired the stunning music video of this timeless masterpiece, let me tell you something; I was already a diehard Metalhead, PVD completely extended my music taste by introducing me to Trance music and I was impressed to discover that not only he is the founder, but there was not much artists doing this music in the scene back then, fast forward today, he is still the only pioneer who remained faithful to his roots, also, the dreamy music video made For An Angel a very unique classic: PVD just chilling at the beach , kids playing in front of him, and the constant presence of natural landscapes you can almost smell the freshness of the forests and the beach from the TV, I'm 40 today but the teenager in me is absolutely immortal thanks to this classic tune and other masterpieces that make me feel extremely nostalgic about the sweet 90s, what an era... Thank you PVD for literally raising a whole generation of dreamers. We love you

[@FAT8893]

Still a great tune today in 2024. It never gets old.

[@cesarvieyra2254]

Well, there is nothing left to do but thank you P.V.D. for having given us one of the most beautiful and timeless trance tracks in electronic music. I was fortunate enough to hear it for the first time back in 1998, and to this day I never tire of listening to it. Simply thank you P.V.D., the master of trance.

[@lisafarringtonco]

Still gives me goosebumps, want to conquer health issues so I can see PVD play it live again!

[@eugens519]

That was one of the first songs I’ve got on my computer back in 99 and it still hits so many years after. Definitive ❤

[@wadataa1]

One of the only dudes to remix his own remixes back in the day, ❤ pvd, there has only been and will only be one PVD and only one PVD touch on a genre! PROPER LEGEND!!

[@reezevlog]

Danke Paul.. u made me got into Trance music in my early days of DJing in 97/98.. i was still in the learning process n still in search of my ‘identity’..and Trance music was the genre i used to learn how to mix due to the structures of Trance tracks (intro,fill,chorus,breaks etc).. and by using that i just explored every music genres every since….🫶🏻🙏🏻

[@MaxiZamac]

One of the best tracks ever made.

[@chinmoykalita5959]

There are a very few songs in this universe you can never get bored of listening to. "For an Angel" is one of them. Thank you very much for giving us such an Awesome track 😊

[@DJMag]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Mani_Matter]

A masterpiece

[@monologemitidioten8052]

In my opinion, PVD is the greatest of all time. Even though I’m not typically into trance, I’ve loved this track for years! To me, it’s one of the best ever, right alongside Robert M’s Children. Plus, PVD is an incredibly genuine and likable person. I’m so happy he recovered from that terrible accident. Keep going, Paul!

[@TheDayBeforeWednesday]

Such a great producer. I grew up with him in my cd player and cassettes. I remember the late 99, early 00 when i used to listen to Ministry of Sound on Radio 21 at midnight in Romania and record songs on my radio cassette player. What great times. All the best to you legend and thanks DjMag for this.

[@ankurjohriddsmd]

Tracks like this leave lasting memories… I grew up listening to Trance in my teen years. This tracks still kicks strong in 2024.

[@swswgg9911]

I was just a kid when I first heard this song, probably in 98 or 99. My uncle had taken me to a kiosk in Santa Monica that sold bootleg mixtapes and CDs, and For An Angel was the final track on the CD he bought me. I fell so deeply in love with trance music, which only flourished for a brief moment in time. And I love that kids now are resurrecting so many of the classic tracks - they've stood the test of time!

[@JeffCappelletti]

Alot of times Paul will play the piano riff on one of his m.i.d.i. controllers live. Paul uses Ableton live when he performs. The great thing is Paul can play keyboard riffs and lines live if he wants to. For An Angel was a healing song when my wife passed due to cancer.

[@5thStreet2009]

I'm from Sheffield and I used to listen to Hallem FC radio in Yorkshire England and every weekends they would play live DJs playing from GATECRASHER (SHEFFIELD) and every single weekend they would play FOR AN ANGEL among all the other 90s and early 2000 trance anthems .. I loved it so much I would record it onto caset tape through the radio and then listen to it every night till the next weekend and then record it all again and repeat.. Gatecrasher burned down a year or two before I turned 16 and never got to go 😢 I had every CD before Spotify came into my life. RIP GATECRASHER

[@Jaxxamillion-]

I saw so many of his gatecrasher 6hr sets - those were the glory days of trance. He must have played every remix of For An Angel across those sets

[@mrBSho]

Oh yes, the glory of going to the record store (for me, Virgin Megastore in LA), and seeing the new “import” Gatecrasher compilations with the lion logo! Magic🔥

[@dubster8086]

Oh man, I’m getting emotional just thinking about those nights, just so so special. It will always be with you

[@katycanino1566]

I like it even more now after he mentioned what his inspiration was for making the song. Also, major kudos to him for mentioning the Depeche Mode/Enjoy the Silence analogy. I loved it.

[@fantasyEXX]

What I would do to go relive the 90s and 00s. That era of music was the best for dance music. People don't realize how influential Los Angeles is to dance music. Hearing For An Angel Live by PVD was one of the highlights of my early adulthood. Thank you DJ Mag for making this happen

[@esaedvik]

One of my first loves. Still gives me chills.

[@ManvasPachenko]

It was the tune that got me into trance music. Its still brilliant today as it was back then. PVD is for, the best trance music producer ever. I was fortunate to meet him through a mutual friend in the late 90s at Gatecrasher in the UK

[@technation9]

Arguably the greatest trance tune ever made, thank you Paul 🙌

[@tatsga]

This must the biggest trance song to influence my music taste towards EDM music at late 90s when I was like 10 years old. I must have played this thousands of times because back then your winamp playlist wasn't infinite like streaming services are today!

[@HenningUhle]

Of course, we all know "For an Angel". But I came across Paul van Dyk with "The Green Valley EP". I'm in tears everytime I listen to "My World". What an absolute beauty this thing is! When I started to make electronic music, we had an Amiga Computer, a Roland Sound Module and a cheap Yamaha keyboard. Of course, the music that we wanted to hear didn't exist either, so we had to make it. But we had no luck, nobody wanted to listen to our music. But I experienced the same emotions like Paul van Dyk with some hook in your mind that's driving you crazy. This will always connect you to your music. During the Pandemic, I came back to making music. And the feeling is the same like in 1992 when an innocent 19 year old dude started to make music with another innocent guy from just around the corner.

[@BilboHaggins]

Check out his track forbidden fruit. It will leave you feeling the same way

[@davidaylett3266]

One of My Top 5 forever no lying because since 1994 i've been listening to your music and i have your 2009 with others but still i pull up your remixes from the 90s that are better than the originals ❤

[@Javi-nl5hw]

An essential trance piece for all times! Beautiful!

[@oddpodd701]

PVD is a Legend. I listen to Vonyc daily. It lifts my soul

[@дорХан-я3ю]

Paul van Dyke, thank you for all the songs that you have made and are doing now, I bow low to you.

[@KeithRickards]

One of my all time favorite tracks. Rush of emotion. Pure joy

[@BLLEman]

Absolutely wonderful nostalgic tune. So many memories of this great trance classic.

[@itsthespiceoflife]

I love your music so much PVD. You have gotten me through the good times, hard times and everything inbetween! Your beautiful music has changed the world and you've paved the way for those that came after! Thank you for everything. Love you! ❤❤❤❤

[@AL_EVOz]

One of my fav trance classic since High School. The first time i heard this it was magical.

[@theduke998]

One of the most perfect songs....EVER ❤

[@CAMFZEUS]

Saw him live in Italy and a few places. One of the best on the planet. We love you now and forever!!!

[@davebowman1982]

Trance isn't my music but I appreciate a classic when I hear it. This is legit and supercedes Trance as an overall electronic music anthem. I also appreciate the history. Respect 🙏🏻

[@davidayres7973]

This is an iconic track of the trance wave in the mid/late 90s. I'll never get bored of hearing it, or the remixes

[@marcelpetrus5754]

True trance classic.Shout out to Paul.

[@hans-cristianlindh-rengifo6453]

Together with enjoy the silence probably the best songs ever. ❤️

[@SatyenDulabh]

Thank you Paul Van Dyk, you legend. One of my all time favorite tracks. Love the background to the track, definitely inspiring.

[@DJMag]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Greg073]

I first heard this when I saw Paul live in Berlin at Love Parade and have loved it ever since. The memories of that day and how much fun I had live on forever in my head.

[@mdb3040]

Well jealous

[@gocebocevski]

What a amazing story 💛💛💛 the angel is still fresh after 30 years🎹💯

[@garyk86]

The greatest dance tune ever ❤️

[@cuppapablo]

Still gives me chills to this day

[@LovecraftComedy]

One of my best friends took his own life last year and we played the Escape Mix of 'FOA' on repeat as people were arriving at the crematorium. We also had Gareth Emery 'Missing You' during the ceremony. RIP Steve x

[@gesso9635]

I was 1 year old at the time but i miss those years so much, i listen so much music from 90's and early 00's and i feel that im the only one from my generation that still loves this

[@MarkRidesCoasters]

For An Angel was one of the first songs that truly caught me by surprise when I was a kid. I played it over and over and over. It's one of those tracks that made me want to make my own music someday and Paul has played two of MY songs in his radio show, which is such a surreal idea.

[@raphaelraftz]

Com certeza um clássico de toda vida. No meu TOP 3 há pelo menos 25 anos!

[@Roinaeh]

Song is a banger. Loved it back then, love it still today. Thank to PVD and his creativity.

[@rwlodarczyk]

An amazing track back in ‘98 and still holds that magic all these years later! ❤❤❤ One of my all time favorites!

[@romandavid10]

Shortly before smartphones, PVD arrived one night in a small Mayan-speaking village that borders a Mérida city in Yucatan, and played for 3 hours... three of the best hours I've ever had in my life... the happiest moments in a sublime musical aura... who would have thought that this cabrón would play in a Mexican town as if he were playing in NY or at some festival of international attraction!!!! PVD is a legend.

[@TomeRodrigo]

One of my favourite songs ever. Always been.

[@Jack_talbot]

Saw him in Ibiza about 10 years ago at amnesia. One of the true legends of trance. Love you PVD ❤

[@djdylanforbes]

For An Angel is the epitome of trance music. It got me into trance and changed my life forever. #itwillalwaysbewithyou

[@DJMag]

Amazing!

[@khurramkhalifa1454]

Same here I still have it on 12"

[@Spenceyboi89]

The track that brought me to dance music and kept me here 🙏

[@davey3765]

I remember listening to Paul in the late 90's and that was the most awesome music back then. I was in my late teens.

[@hugoalves1823]

"For an angel" is a inspirational masterpiece thankyou Paul!

[@alexk230978]

Love this track but the mash up with ‘nothing but you’ is my favourite, reawakened my love for this sound… thank you PVD ❤

[@lamberchelo]

I was with Paul in Sheffield when this first got into the Top 40 in 1998 which back then was a rate for a trance tune. His label at the time Deviant were very happy. Good times.

[@gobtv9459]

We had a great time making the video in Cancun. A lot of laughter ... off camera. Shame Paul only remembers the butterfly house ... the sticky stuff was sugar water. A lot of work went into making the video. The kids playing football are ace. Sadly, when I went back to the spot with the beach shack a few years later, there was a hotel there. Locations were Xpuha and Xcaret mainly.

[@DJMag]

Great job!

[@gobtv9459]

@@DJMag Thanks. It's a great track. Paul was very pleasant and easy to work with. And some 25 years later, we're both still working ... which is something.

[@Taffam]

I found this song at Uni in '98 and I cannot describe how this made me feel, even now so many years later it makes me feel a certain kind of way, it's simply incredible.

[@BenGray87]

Goose bumps every time ❤

[@DJMag]

A special song!

[@deebzeal8204]

This song is such a classic! I still listen to it today 😁

[@jeremyjohnson7676]

So great to see you doing well Paul, after that terrible accident. Much love!! ❤