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

[@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.

[@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".

[@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?

[@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

[@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 🙂

[@VictoryAviation]

@@AlmarMusicOfficialThat story is amazing! Do you still release tracks on Vandit!?

[@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.

[@Nodadj]

The father of Trance has spoken..AMEN!

[@PaulCarsonProducer]

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

[@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!

[@VictoryAviation]

He really is top class in person! What a lovely human being!!!

[@alisonarias978]

For me, the greatest time of trance

[@dirkw.8982]

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

[@Czinkóci_István]

This song is still one of my favorites from the '90s.

[@djianh]

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

[@DJMag]

Looked so special !

[@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.

[@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.

[@jvaddison]

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

[@helisoma]

Capricorn

[@jvaddison]

​@@helisoma Lol, i got divorced from a Capricorn some time ago!

[@helisoma]

@@jvaddison I'm sure peaceful times ahead 😄

[@jvaddison]

@@helisoma LOL

[@Positive_Tea]

This song changed my life forever lol

[@MuratSever]

Me too

[@Pottwerke]

Just get a girlfriend an d a job...

[@Goat.Herder]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@AngryBulldogg]

Ahhh this is the track. Ma mam died in 1999 when I was 15. I'd been into dance music for a few years and was massive into trance by this point. Ma nana moved in with us briefly to look after me as ma pops was working away. She used to hear the music I was playing with ma mates and she pulled me up on evening and asked me what it was and if I cud put some on a cassette for her so she could listen to them whenever she wanted. I asked what she wanted putting on it and she was just like, what you listen to, that one with the piano you play a lot. I told her the name of it and that was that. For an angel briefly got a 78/79 year old lady into trance haha, I'll never forget that conversation. She was only there a few months before she moved back over to Middlesbrough but I'd been to see her one Sunday a few years later and saw her hifi and it randomly popped in my head to check the tape deck. Cassette still there lol

[@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.

[@B1ggz13]

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

[@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.

[@MaxiZamac]

One of the best tracks ever made.

[@lisafarringtonco]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@kinoko510]

Have seen this magician 3x in the last 30 years, last time was @Printworks in 2022. And had a poster of Paul on my bedroom wall, and took picture with him after his show in 1997. Epic memories. For An Angel was my favourite track for many years.

[@FAT8893]

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

[@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 🙏🏻

[@digsmann]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

What a classy guy... His album Seven Ways was and always will be one of the defining pieces of the entire trance genre. It was so much ahead of its time, so elaborate and deep it's mind blowing. I remember asking my mum to buy an original MC of this album for me for my birthday so I could play it in my walkman. She thought I was crazy for wanting some weird cassette with "techno" on it and a price tag of completely ridiculous 600 CZK (CD of that album costs 150 CZK today)... but she bought it for me. I still have it to this day. I don't have a device to play it on anymore but will never part with that cassette.

[@ravecrab]

Seven Ways was his peak, in my opinion. The style he was making and playing around 1996-7 was less commercial than what he moved onto later, it had that beautiful Balearic sound to it.

[@fanstastic83]

One of the best dance songs ever released ❤

[@EdgyNumber1]

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

[@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

[@VictoryAviation]

Very well said my friend. You have a special gift with words! Funny enough, I used to be die hard into industrial and nu metal in the 90’s as well. But artists like PVD, Tiesto, Ferry Corsten, Marcus Schultz, Armin, Digweed, Junkie XL, Prodigy, The Crystal Method, The Chemical Brothers, Icey, Rick West, Evol Intent, Jackal and Hyde, Skylab 2020, Uberzone, Thomas Bangalter, Amin Tobin, Groove Armada, Johnny Vicious, Bad Boy Bill, Rennie Pilgrem, and so so many others, completely flipped my life upside down in an amazing way!!!

[@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"

[@Mani_Matter]

A masterpiece

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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! 👏

[@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 ❤

[@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

[@adamarcher1948]

I think he played the last ever DJ set there before it burned down. I’m sure it was a 6 hour May bank holiday special if memory serves. What an amazing time in life that was

[@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!

[@garyk86]

The greatest dance tune ever ❤️

[@Cactoos]

I have no idea how many times I listen this song, love you Paul and thanks for creating best trance is there

[@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.

[@BenGray87]

Goose bumps every time ❤

[@DJMag]

A special song!

[@darrenwardell3079]

One word…. Legendary😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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💗

[@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

[@ankurjohriddsmd]

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

[@gavintaylor6411]

Music that has lasted the test of time. PVD, what a musician.

[@danimation88]

Many remixes, but the ewerk remix is the definitive version of angel.

[@AL_EVOz]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Carlho80]

Never gets old puts a smile on my face everytime.

[@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.

[@oddpodd701]

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

[@jadhallab]

I watched him live many times during his “in between “ tour back in 2007-2010. He started with an intro remix for the track new york city. All those years and i still cant find that remix. PVD plz release it!! Also, vonyc sessions were the best. Interesting fact about pvd, i remixed his track once and emailed it to him like 20 years ago, he emailed me back and gave alot of comments and saw a talent in me. Thanks man, a true pure DJ.

[@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.

[@cuppapablo]

Still gives me chills to this day

[@carkeysolution6105]

For An Angel bring up good memories

[@mrrobot1382]

Vorsprung Dyk Technik still to this day is one of the best album ever made.

[@Techjunkiero]

Easily one of the best trance tracks of all time. Such a mid ‘90’s memories and I remembered saying how ahead of its time was and still. Brilliant track.

[@rwlodarczyk]

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

[@Jinx301]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on KZbin. Paul Van Dyk is a genius in trance music genre. I really admire his ability to overcome his humble origins.

[@andrefncduarte]

One of the best dj off all time 🙏🏼

[@BLLEman]

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

[@ardalanafra9928]

Timeless, period

[@DJMag]

Correct!

[@DJ1CAMFZEUS]

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

[@Jack_talbot]

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

[@Dninny1]

It will always be my favourite. Soundtrack to golden times.

[@iankirmann]

When I was listening to PVD in 99, I also had so many melodies and beats in my head, didn't have any chance to produce (finances of course). I was so happy as a child for the first Chinese synthesizer I got and playing some melodies from that time brought so many joyful memories! I got Paul here. Anyway, Paul was always a big inspiration throughout these years and "For an Angel" (personally always enjoy IN Heaven Edit and E-Werk Club Mix) was at the top, the melody and groove of it just never gets old.

[@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.

[@ryanmassey1245]

I remember when this came out when I was in college. Still gives chills for how good it is.

[@PwNtR]

Thank you Paul for that song always evokes the good time memories of my youth! Still a banger..

[@josephrubianodnb]

Legend!!!

[@cosmic4486]

I MUCH APRECIATE FORBIDDEN FRUIT! Genius Track

[@deebzeal8204]

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

[@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!

[@hugoalves1823]

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

[@OrgaNik_Music]

I liked how he said the music they wanted to hear didn't exist, so they had to make it themselves. I wish more artists did that instead of just trying to emulate already existing music.

[@MaximilianSittich]

Not only as a musician, but also as a fellow human, he is a role model. Has always been. My musical career started with his influence, 25 years ago.

[@stephendonovan6773]

Paul is such a cool guy!! Lucky to have had a quick chat with him before one of his sets in Amnesia. Happy Days!!

[@esaedvik]

One of my first loves. Still gives me chills.

[@Javi-nl5hw]

An essential trance piece for all times! Beautiful!

[@alexk230978]

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