Trance band Above & Beyond say they were always fascinated with India’s culture – Hindustan Times

Paavo Siljamki and Tony McGuinness of Above & Beyond talk about their love for all things Indian, trance music and rerecording a local version of their track.

The three-member English progressive trance group, Above & Beyond performed in Mumbai at a Holi event. Comprising Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamki, the band has been ranked in the top 100 by DJ Magazine. With songs such as No one on earth and Were all we need, the outfit has established themselves on the international music scene. Talking to HT Caf, Siljamki and McGuinness give us their take on Indian culture, food and their inspiration, among other things.

How does it feel to come back to India? What is different about performing in India?

Siljamki: Weve been fascinated by Indias culture, people, food, music and parties ever since we started our label Anjunabeats in 1999. The Indian electronic music scene, especially in the last five years, has been growing rapidly. Theres always so much enthusiasm and energy in the parties that happen in the country. We cant get enough of them.

Above & Beyond has collaborated with Bangalore-based band Lagori. (HTPhoto)

What has been your biggest inspiration when it comes to making music?

McGuinness: It can be almost anything a book that weve read, a film weve seen or something that sparks a train of thought and needs a musical or lyrical solution. And, noodling on an instrument be it a guitar or a piano or a synth is a fruitful route as well.

Do you follow Bollywood? Can your Indian fans expect collaboration with Indian artiste in the future?

McGuinness: We have collaborated with the Bangalore-based band Lagori. They have recorded the Indian versions of our songs Sun & moon and Were all we need. They rewrote the verses in both the cases but used the choruses from the English versions.

Watch the official video of Sun & moon here:

How has trance music changed over the years?

McGuinness: Trance has permeated into various genres of EDM. In 1998, you could see a gaping gap between trance, house, electro, and techno with tumbleweeds rolling through them. You cant make similar distinctions today. Arguably, what Swedish House Mafia became famous for playing is more in tune with old fashion trance music from 1998 than with house music from the same year.

Read the original:

Trance band Above & Beyond say they were always fascinated with India's culture - Hindustan Times