Above and Beyond

Above and Beyond Biography

Above and Beyond, the legendary British trance trio consisting of Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamäki, revolutionized electronic dance music with their euphoric anthems and uplifting vocal trance sound that defined the genre's golden era. Renowned for timeless hits like Sun & Moon, Thing Called Love, and We're All We Need, they founded the iconic Anjunabeats label which became trance music's most influential imprint, while their emotional live performances and Group Therapy Radio show built a devoted global Anjunafamily spanning festivals like Ultra, Creamfields, and their own legendary ABGT shows.

Childhood

Jono Grant and Tony McGuinness both hail from various parts of England while Paavo Siljamäki grew up in Finland before relocating to London, each discovering electronic music during the 1990s rave explosion through family record collections and early club experiences. Coming from middle-class backgrounds without formal musical dynasties, they independently fell in love with trance through pirate radio and early internet music forums during their teenage years, laying individual foundations that would converge when they met at university to form electronic music's most enduring creative partnership.

Education

Jono Grant and Paavo Siljamäki met while studying at the University of Westminster in London, where their shared passion for electronic music led to immediate collaboration rather than traditional academic focus. Tony McGuinness brought guitar experience from rock bandband days before pivoting to electronic production, while all three members remained largely self-taught in studio techniques through late-night experimentation with early software like Cubase. This university meeting proved more valuable than any formal music training, launching Anjunabeats label during their studies.

Career

Formed in 2000 after remixing Chakra's Home which became trance's defining vocal anthem, Above and Beyond exploded through Madonna's What It Feels Like For A Girl remix and early Anjunabeats releases like Volume One. Albums Tri-State, Group Therapy, and We Are All We Need delivered era-defining hits while OceanLab project showcased Justine Suissa's vocals on Satellite and Miracle, alongside OceanLab adventures. Their ABGT (Above & Beyond Group Therapy) events evolved into sold-out stadium spectacles worldwide, complemented by Anjunadeep's deep house evolution and relentless global touring through 2026.

Family Life

Each member maintains private family lives supporting their intense touring schedules, with Jono Grant married to fellow artist Justine Suissa of OceanLab fame while raising children together, creating musical family synergy across Above and Beyond and OceanLab projects. Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamäki also balance fatherhood with career demands, occasionally bringing family on tour while shielding personal relationships from public scrutiny. This domestic stability provides emotional foundation beneath their jet-setting trance missionary work.

Achievements

Above and Beyond peaked at 4th on DJ Mag Top 100 DJs during 2008-2009 while selling out Madison Square Garden as first British DJs, alongside multiple BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix awards and Anjunabeats growing into trance's premier label with hundreds of releases. Their acoustic albums and live orchestral performances redefined EDM presentation standards, while Sun & Moon earned gold certifications across Europe and Group Therapy Radio attracted millions weekly. Pioneering trance's evolution into melodic house through Anjunadeep, they remain genre's most influential creative force after 25 years.

Controversies

The trio maintained remarkably clean records throughout trance's hedonistic peak years, sidestepping substance scandals and ghostproducing accusations that plagued peers through transparent production processes and genuine artist development. Occasional fan debates arose over Anjunabeats sound evolution from pure trance toward melodic house, but these stylistic expansions drew broader audiences rather than alienating core fans. Their family-first touring approach and label artist support contrasted sharply with EDM's darker exploitation stories.

Above and Beyond Summary

From Westminster university collaboration to trance music's undisputed godfathers, Above and Beyond built an unparalleled legacy through euphoric anthems, Anjunabeats empire, and unbreakable Anjunafamily bond spanning 25 years. As 2026 showcases continued ABGT spectaculars and genre evolution through Anjunadeep, Jono, Tony, and Paavo remain electronic music's most inspirational force, proving genuine artistry and community triumph over fleeting trends.