Paul Oakenfold, a name synonymous with electronic dance music, has been a trailblazer in the world of DJing and music production. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential figures in the industry, his story is one of passion, innovation, and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries.
Born on August 30, 1963, in Greenhithe, Kent, Oakenfold's journey into music began in the late 1970s. As a teenager, he was inspired by the sounds of soul and disco, which he played at small clubs in London. His career took a significant turn in the early 1980s when he moved to New York City, immersing himself in the burgeoning hip-hop scene and even sneaking into iconic clubs like Studio 54.
Returning to the UK, Oakenfold worked as an A&R man for Champion Records, signing acts like DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and Salt-N-Pepa. However, it was his trip to Ibiza in 1987 that truly changed the game. Experiencing the island's unique Balearic sound, he brought the vibe back to London, helping to pioneer the acid house movement.
The 1990s were a defining decade for Oakenfold. He founded Perfecto Records in 1991, a label that became a cornerstone of the trance and electronic music scene. His residency at the legendary Cream nightclub in Liverpool further cemented his reputation as a world-class DJ.
Oakenfold's groundbreaking remixes for artists like U2 ("Even Better Than The Real Thing"), Madonna ("Frozen"), and Massive Attack ("Unfinished Sympathy") showcased his ability to transform tracks into dancefloor anthems. His 1994 BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, known as the Goa Mix, is still regarded as one of the most influential DJ sets of all time.
Throughout his career, Oakenfold has collaborated with a plethora of artists and producers. Notable collaborations include:
U2: Remixing tracks like "Beautiful Day" and "Even Better Than The Real Thing".
Madonna: Working on remixes for "Frozen" and "Sorry".
Carl Cox: Teaming up for the techno single "Concentrate" as part of Perfecto's 30th anniversary celebrations.
Some of his most iconic tracks and remixes include:
"Southern Sun" – A trance anthem featuring Carla Werner's haunting vocals.
"Starry Eyed Surprise" – A collaboration with Crazy Town's Shifty Shellshock.
"Ready Steady Go" – Featured in films like Collateral and The Bourne Identity.
"Not Over Yet" – A Perfecto classic that remains a festival favorite.
"Unfinished Sympathy" (Massive Attack Remix) – A transformative take on a trip-hop masterpiece.
Today, Paul Oakenfold continues to sell out venues worldwide, from Ibiza to Las Vegas. His influence extends beyond music, with ventures into film scoring (Swordfish, The Matrix Reloaded) and even performing at unique locations like Stonehenge and Mount Everest's base camp.
Celebrating over three decades in the industry, Oakenfold remains a pioneer, constantly evolving and inspiring new generations of DJs and producers. His legacy is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together.
Paul Oakenfold will perform at Arena Torquay on 20th June, buy your tickets NOW to avoid disappointment.