As one of the world’s most recognized DJs, Paul van Dyk started performing at underground venues in Berlin in the 90s and essentially invented trance music. He then went on to win a Grammy and the number one spot on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ List twice.
At a performance in The Netherlands last year, van Dyk fell through a gap in the stage and suffered severe spinal and brain injuries, putting him out of commission for months before he returned with a renewed enthusiasm for his trade. We caught up with PvD before his first post-recovery China tour to learn more about his chart-topping new album, fame in DJing and the euphoric appeal of trance music.
Music video for 'Touched By Heaven'
Tell us a bit about your upcoming album, From Then On. How does it connect to your time recovering from your injury after A State of Trance festival last year?
This is the most personal album I have made so far in my career. All these songs are close to my heart and were made in the months following the accident. There was a time when I wasn’t sure if I’d walk again, let alone make music, so the joy I experienced in the sessions while making these tracks was like none other.
There was no A&R manager pushing certain songs or a particular direction for this album; instead it’s a collection of songs that are extremely meaningful to me. I hope my fans enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.
"I think fans will always be attracted to the uplifting, inclusive nature of trance shows."
Why do you think trance music and its soaring, uplifting elements has caused so many people to become lifelong fans of the genre?
Well, to me trance music is one of purest and most euphoric types of music. I’ve always made high tempo, melodic electronic music throughout my career. From Then On is certainly much more of a true trance record than a lot of the pop/EDM music you hear these days. I think fans of trance will always be attracted to the primal energy of the music and uplifting, inclusive nature of trance shows generally.
How does the new album’s sci-fi and futuristic elements connect to its themes? Will it have any connection to the visuals of your shows in China?
A lot of the visuals – in terms of the music videos and artwork – are very futuristic and revolve around the theme of finding your utopia. The album is very interconnected with my new live show, AEON by Paul van Dyk. You’ll have to check out the show to see how it all works together! Basically, it is about learning how to let go in order to find happiness.
What do you think about the divide between EDM shows at major festivals versus more underground electronic music?
Well I think it’s more than just an underground/mainstream divide. When I first started my career, electronic music was always part of the underground. Today, what is considered ‘electronic dance music’ is essentially pop music that borrows elements of electronic music, and is very mainstream.
I think the line between electronic and pop music has been blurred, and so has the line between underground and mainstream. There are varying degrees to whether music is electronic or pop, mainstream or underground – it’s not as black and white as it once was.
What has been the biggest change in the way you view music and your career since you’ve returned to touring after recovering from your injury?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is not to take anything for granted. Everything in life is fragile and can be taken away at any moment, so you must learn to appreciate what you have and value it for what it is.
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for music, but I think the months spent recovering really taught me the immense power of music, that even in a times of despair, music can be incredibly healing, whether it’s producing in the studio, dancing at a show or just listening on your headphones. Music has the power to take you away and free your mind from stress or anxiety.
Music video for 'I am Alive,' in which QR codes feature prominently in the storyline
Though some see 'For An Angel' as your most popular track of all time, is there a different track that’s one of your personal favorites? Why is it meaningful to you?
‘I am Alive’ one of the first singles I released from my new album, is a very meaningful song to me. This was one of the first songs I produced after the accident and so it will always be a very special track for me. After weeks of laying in a hospital bed, I was itching to get back to the studio and begin writing songs again.
When I finally did, this track came about so organically, it just felt natural. Plus, in the wake of such strange times politically, I felt it was important to really emphasize the point that we are indeed all stronger when we are together and united, as opposed to polarized and bitter.
You’ve spoken in the past about how EDM can be a tool that unites people of different political and national backgrounds through their love of dancing and music. How do you think this has increased in importance in the past few years and in the current political climate?
I think music is as important as ever in today’s political climate. When you’re on the dance floor, you’re not concerned with the political opinions of the person next to you - you’re both there just enjoying the moment and connecting with one another. I think dance music more than any other music genre has the ability to connect people of all politics, religions, cultures and stripes together on the dance floor for a mutual love of the music.
Looking back on your career, how does it feel to be seen as one of the first DJs to find international stardom? How do you think the role of fame in DJing, and DJs as famous musicians, has changed since you were starting out?
I am very humbled, because when I first started there were literally a couple hundred people in all of Berlin who appreciated this music! I never expected to play outside of Germany, let alone around the world. This was such a niche genre when I first started my career; I don’t think anyone would have expected to grow into such a massive commercialized industry that it is today.
While I’m grateful for the success I’ve had, I think I’d still be making music and DJing even if electronic music never took off like it has. I do this for the love of the music rather than the fame that comes along with it.
Hong Kong: Nov 10, 10pm, HKD405-4,469. Zentral Club, see event listing here and here.
Beijing: Nov 12, 10pm, RMB180-200. Element Club, see event listing.
Shanghai: Nov 17, 10pm, RMB180-250 including a drink. Linx, see event listing.
(China Tour by Xin Wang Group)
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