We had the chance to adress some questions to German Legend Paul van Dyk about his amazing new album “From Then On” and a little bit more! Enjoy reading!
TranceAttack: We are all excited about the new album and wondering ourselves how much of your shorter history was inspiring you for this album. The title “From Then On” may suggest some involvement of what you‘ve experienced. What is the story behind the album and its title?
Paul van Dyk: That’s correct, yes. From Then On is a reference to an intensely difficult period in my life in early 2016 following a horrific accident. For several weeks after the accident, I was resigned to a hospital bed, unsure if I’d ever walk again, let alone be making music. Although I was happy to be alive, I was initially upset by my misfortune and felt a sense of frustration and anger. But I soon began to realize that not only was I alive, I was surrounded by loved ones who would be with me every step of the way. I realized that mental clarity can be just as important as physical well-being. With the support of my friends and family, I was able to make it through the terrible ordeal with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for life in general. From Then On is essentially my state of mind since having this realization and spiritual awakening.
TranceAttack: Your latest single “I’m Am Alive” is the fourth single from the album but also the first track you’ve produced following your accident in the spring of last year. What came first: this strong statement-like title, or the track itself?
Paul van Dyk: It was as one, really. “I Am Alive” is a reference to the accident & the time spent recovering. All of the tracks’ names on the album are designed to reflect resiliency and re-birth. I want the “From Then On” to inspire and motivate whoever listens to it.
TranceAttack: What can the listener expect from the album? Is it some kind of concept album or more of a showcase?
Paul van Dyk: I just wanted to return to making truly uplifting, melodic trance music that could totally absorb the listener and make them feel empowered and invincible. I was less concerned with making tracks specifically for vocalists. Although that can sometimes be a great way to make your songs more hummable and memorable, it’s also sometimes away to purely get your record on the radio so it can appeal to a larger commercial audience. With this album, I instead wanted to make pure trance music that would delight some of my most old school fans.
TranceAttack: You‘ve described your new album “as a turning point in your life… an album born from a shift in perspective”. Can you explain that shift?
Paul van Dyk: Yes well all of the tracks’ names are interconnected and referencing a journey of such that the album takes you on. The track names are essentially signposts or chapters along the journey. I wanted listeners to feel as though the music was actually taking them somewhere, having an out-of-body experience and the track titles play into this idea.
TranceAttack: With AEON by Paul van Dyk’ you debuted a brand new live concept in September in New York. Can you tell us something about it?
Paul van Dyk: Sure. AEON by Paul van Dyk is a new live show that I’ve been working on specifically for this album. I wanted to make the audience feel as though they were being transported to a utopian, futuristic universe – free from stress of everyday life. This is similar to how I felt when I made my recovery from the accident and I realized, “If I can make it through this, I can make it through anything.
TranceAttack: What are your favorite artists at the moment? Whom should we keep an eye on?
Paul van Dyk: It’s actually a lot of the same guys I collaborated with. Producers like Leroy Moreno, James Cottle and Pierre Pienaar. Guys like that.
TranceAttack: From where do you receive your musical inspirations?
Paul van Dyk: My inspiration always comes from the fans. They are the ones that keep my passions and motivations running at the levels they do is.
TranceAttack: Thank you for the interview and all the best for the future!
Find all details for Paul van Dyk – From Then On here:
Talking about “From Then On” with… Paul van Dyk
