Anjunabeats

Anjunabeats is a British record label founded in 2000 by Jonathan “Jono” Grant and Paavo Siljamäki of the trance group Above & Beyond. That same year, Tony McGuinness joined the duo, solidifying the trio that would define the label’s early direction. The label's name is derived from Anjuna Beach in Goa, India, a place long associated with the trance music scene.

Initially, Anjunabeats focused exclusively on trance music. Its first release was a 12″ record titled Volume One, produced under the alias Anjunabeats. In the early stages, Grant and Siljamäki used other aliases like Free State and Dirt Devils to explore different facets of trance. The addition of McGuinness came after the trio collaborated on a remix of Chakra’s “Home,” which led to the formal creation of Above & Beyond.

As the label evolved, it began to expand its musical scope. In 2005, Anjunabeats launched a sub-label called Anjunadeep to accommodate sounds that didn’t quite fit within the main label’s trance-centric identity. This allowed the exploration of deep house, progressive house, and other related genres while maintaining the distinct character of the Anjunabeats brand. By 2011, the main label itself had begun to include trance-influenced house and progressive music in its catalog.

Beyond releasing music, Anjunabeats has engaged in initiatives aimed at discovering and nurturing new talent. In 2017, the label partnered with Beatport to host the “Beats In School” production competition. From among twenty finalists, Canadian producer Joel Freck was selected as the winner and received a one-year mentorship from artists on the label in addition to other rewards.

In 2018, the label launched a 24/7 radio stream on YouTube, providing listeners with uninterrupted access to its catalogue. The stream features a continuous mix of trance, progressive, and deep house tracks, reflecting the label’s diverse output over the years.

Anjunabeats has signed a wide range of artists who have each contributed to its dynamic sound. While the founding members remain central, acts like Mat Zo, Andrew Bayer, Jason Ross, Ilan Bluestone, Super8 & Tab, Audien, and Sunny Lax have become significant figures within the label’s roster. Their contributions have helped define and expand the label's musical identity over time.

The label is also known for its compilation series, especially the Anjunabeats Volume releases. Typically mixed by Above & Beyond or other core artists, these compilations offer a curated journey through the label’s evolving sound. Starting with a focus on pure trance, later volumes incorporated a wider palette of progressive and deep styles, showcasing the label’s growth and versatility.

Anjunabeats has received industry recognition through multiple nominations at the International Dance Music Awards for Best Global Dance Record Label. Though it hasn’t secured a win in that category, the repeated nominations reflect its standing within the global dance music community. Additionally, artists affiliated with the label, including Mat Zo and Above & Beyond, have received Grammy nominations for their work.

Since its founding, Anjunabeats has grown from a niche trance imprint into a globally respected label that spans various electronic music genres. The creation of Anjunadeep enabled broader exploration, while projects like the YouTube stream and producer competitions helped engage fans and support new talent. The label’s compilation series continues to highlight its musical journey, offering snapshots of its development year by year.

Operating from its headquarters in London, Anjunabeats remains a key player in the electronic music world. With a roster of established and emerging talent, and a continued commitment to emotionally resonant, melodic music, the label has built a legacy rooted in quality and innovation. From its beginnings inspired by Goa’s beaches to its global presence today, Anjunabeats continues to shape and reflect the evolution of dance music.