Paul Oakenfold

When it comes to a career the magnitude of Paul Oakenfold’s it’s hard to encompass one of the true legends of electronic music into just words. For over 3 decades he has elevated and shaped an entire genre and remains one of the leading forces in the global music scene today. From the DJ booth of the world’s hottest dance floors to the studio producing groundbreaking records or pioneering soundtracks for Hollywood blockbuster movies, Paul Oakenfold’s diversity as an artist and performer have earned him accolades from critics and fans the world over. Gathering 3 Grammy Nominations along the way – this journey has been epic to say the least.

In 1984 Paul spent several months living in New York City – working in A&R for the famed Champion Records – where he signed DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, as well as Salt-n-Pepa. He also became promoter and British agent for the Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C. In 1987, Paul discovered the White Isle of Ibiza and the Balearic sound that filled the Ibiza air at clubs such as Amnesia. Inspired, he took the music and experiences back to the UK and became its ambassador – starting an underground scene in London, which soon spread virally across the entire country and beyond. Paul returned to Ibiza again and again – often holding residencies at the Island’s two main clubbing institutions Amnesia and Pacha. Around the same time Ministry Of Sound in London opened its doors for the first time with Paul Oakenfold as their resident. However it was his famed residency at UK super-club Cream in Liverpool during the late ’90s that brought Paul global respect as a true master of his art. This residency was celebrated through the Grammy nominated 2004 compilation “Creamfields” (Paul went on to receive a second Grammy nomination in 2007 with his artist album, “A Lively Mind” and then again in 2009 for his production work with Madonna).

Paul Oakenfold’s stature as a DJ and entertainer has taken him beyond the normal club and festival circuit, playing landmark gigs that have changed the face of electronic music. Highlights include four worldwide tours warming up for Madonna and two for U2 (with both artists insisting on a DJ set from Paul instead of a support band); performing on the Great Wall of China and two sold out dates playing to 30,000 people at the Hollywood Bowl in California. In 2011 Paul took a thousand people and a huge sound system down to the southernmost tip of South America – on the Tiera Del Fuego peninsular to DJ all night under the stars at his Party at The End of The World – the southernmost party ever held.

Founded in 1988, Paul Oakenfold’s groundbreaking Perfecto label played an integral role in the birth of melodic trance and progressive house, with Paul at the helm producing massive international hits such as “Not Over Yet”, “Ready Steady Go”, “Bullet In The Gun” and “Southern Sun”.  With countless high profile releases and remixes to its name, Perfecto and Perfecto Fluoro are still at the forefront of the scene today – releasing forward thinking electronic music for discerning listeners and fans worldwide. With over half a million sales one of Perfecto’s most notable releases was the recent double album “Perfecto Las Vegas” which held the #1 spot on the US iTunes dance chart for ten weeks. This release solidified Paul’s stronghold as an International DJ power – as it achieved “highest selling DJ compilation ever released in US history”.

Paul has produced pop sensations U2, Madonna and The Happy Mondays as well as three acclaimed artist albums of his own. He has collaborated with Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, One Republic, The Wanted and many more… Paul has also been responsible for creating breathtaking film scores and cues for a long list of Hollywood blockbusters – including The Bourne Identity, Matrix Reloaded, Shrek 2, Swordfish and Collateral. His weekly residency at legendary Las Vegas club Rain at Palms Casino Resort, which ran weekly for three years, gave birth to a scene which many now credit as being at the epicenter of recent US dance explosion.

Whether you are listening online, CD, watching a commercial or movie, in a club, at a festival, tuned into the radio, playing a videogame or listening to BA long haul in-flight entertainment; Paul’s omnimedia presence is everywhere. Paul Oakenfold is the original pioneer of DJ culture and one of its most recognizable icons.