Full name: Paul Mark Oakenfold
Date of birth: August 30, 1963
Place of birth: Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
Occupation: DJ, music producer, remixer, composer
Genres: trance, progressive house, electronic
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Paul Oakenfold was born in the Greenwich district of London. As a child, he was passionate about soul and disco, drawing inspiration from artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. From a young age, Paul showed an interest in making his own music, learning keyboards and vinyl turntables, and experimenting with DJing at school parties.
After finishing school, he worked in a recording studio and tried to break into the music industry. A turning point came with his trip to Ibiza in 1987, where Paul first discovered the Balearic Beat — a mix of house, disco, and ethnic rhythms. This experience laid the foundation for his signature style, blending club energy with trance melodicism.
First Steps and Breakthrough
Upon returning to London, Paul and his friend Trevor Fung began promoting Balearic house in the UK, becoming residents of the legendary club Heaven. By the late 1980s, he had gained recognition performing at iconic raves and producing early British house acts.
One of his early successes was participating in the duo Electra and the project Perfecto Allstarz, where Paul began combining dance electronics with pop sensibilities.
Collaborations with Artists
In the 1990s, Paul achieved global acclaim as a remixer, working with top artists such as U2 ("Beautiful Day", "Even Better Than the Real Thing"), Madonna ("What It Feels Like for a Girl"), Massive Attack, New Order, The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Moby, and Michael Jackson. His remixes featured a powerful progressive sound that helped pop and rock tracks dominate dance floors.
Perfecto Records and Brand Development
In 1989, Oakenfold founded Perfecto Records, which became one of the world’s leading electronic music labels. The sublabel Perfecto Fluoro focused on trance and psychedelic sounds. Artists such as BT, Paul Webster, Timo Maas, and Tilt released music through Perfecto. Later, Oakenfold launched Planet Perfecto, merging dance hits with progressive trance elements.
Peak Fame in the 1990s
In 1994, Paul released the legendary compilation "The Goa Mix" on BBC Radio 1 — one of the most influential trance mixes ever made. The project earned him the BBC Silver Award. In 1998, his iconic album-compilation "Tranceport" followed, cementing his status as a pioneer of progressive trance.
Oakenfold became the first DJ to perform in stadiums. His shows were renowned for their scale and visual design, merging music, lighting, and visual effects.
Soundtracks, Film, and Television
Paul has worked extensively with Hollywood and TV. His credits include:
- "The Matrix Reloaded"
- "Swordfish"
- "Die Another Day" — a remix of the James Bond theme
- "Miami Vice"
- "The Bourne Identity" — original score contributions
He has also composed music for video games, including Electronic Arts and Grand Theft Auto, and for major brand campaigns.
Studio Albums
- "Bunkka" (2002) — commercially successful with hits "Starry Eyed Surprise", "Southern Sun" (feat. Carla Werner), and "Ready Steady Go".
- "A Lively Mind" (2006) — featured "Faster Kill Pussycat" with Brittany Murphy, a global hit.
- "Trance Mission" (2014) — reimagined trance classics with orchestral arrangements.
- "Shine On" (2022) — a fresh release blending modern sound with Oakenfold’s classic style.
Awards and Recognition
- Three-time DJ Mag Top 100 DJs #1 (1998, 1999, 2000).
- Grammy nominee for Best Electronic Album.
- Winner of MTV Europe Music Awards and World Music Awards.
- Appointed Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2010 for contributions to British music and culture.
Interesting Facts
- Paul was the first DJ to perform in Antarctica, setting a world record.
- In 2002, he performed at the Salt Lake City Olympic Opening Ceremony.
- He toured with Madonna and U2.
- His Perfecto Vegas show in Las Vegas was the city’s first full DJ residency.
- He actively mentors young artists via Beatport and music education platforms.
Current Work
Today, Paul Oakenfold continues to tour globally, performing at major festivals and developing new projects under his Perfecto Records label. He champions crossover collaborations between electronic music, pop, and cinema, and often performs with symphony orchestras, reimagining electronic music in a new format.
Legacy
Paul Oakenfold stands as one of the most influential figures in electronic music history. His name is synonymous with quality, innovation, and evolution. He played a key role in shaping trance and progressive house, defined the sound of the 1990s, and inspired generations of producers worldwide. Today, he is celebrated not just as a pioneer, but as a living legend of global club culture.
