Oliver Smith

Biography

Oliver Smith is a London-based DJ and producer renowned for his pioneering work in progressive trance and progressive house. He emerged as a significant figure in the electronic music scene in the early 2000s, notably as the first artist signed to the influential Anjunabeats label. Smith's early career was marked by his partnership in the acclaimed duo Smith & Pledger, which helped cement his reputation for melodic, emotive trance productions[2][6].

Over the past two decades, Smith has released more than 50 records and remixes, with standout solo tracks such as "Lovingly," "Warehouse," and "Be Alone" becoming staples in trance sets worldwide[1][3]. His music is regularly supported by top-tier DJs including Above & Beyond, Armin van Buuren, Paul Van Dyk, and Eric Prydz[1][2]. Smith's style is characterized by lush melodies, driving rhythms, and a polished, uplifting sound that has resonated with audiences at major festivals like Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, and Creamfields, as well as iconic venues such as Ministry of Sound and Wembley Arena[1][2].

Smith's legacy is closely tied to Anjunabeats, where he remains the only producer besides label founders Above & Beyond to appear on all 16 volumes of their flagship compilation series[1][5]. His influence extends beyond his own productions, as he has helped shape the sound of modern trance and progressive house through his remixes, collaborations, and mentorship within the Anjuna community.

Fun Facts

• Oliver Smith is the only artist besides Above & Beyond to appear on every Anjunabeats Volume compilation[1][5].
• He mixed the 'Anjunabeats Worldwide 08' compilation, which included ten of his own tracks and reached #1 on iTunes dance charts in multiple countries[1].
• Smith has performed at legendary venues such as Ministry of Sound, Hollywood Palladium, and Wembley Arena[1][2].
• He was described by Armin van Buuren as 'an excellent DJ' and by Mixmag as 'the best thing to happen in trance'[1][2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Above & Beyond - Label founders and key inspirations; Smith was the first artist signed to their Anjunabeats label and has worked closely with them throughout his career. (Anjunabeats Volume compilations, remixes) [2000s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Mark Pledger - Co-member of Smith & Pledger, a highly acclaimed trance production duo. (Smith & Pledger releases, Anjunabeats tracks) [2003–late 2000s]
• Above & Beyond - Frequent collaboration through remixes and label projects. (Remixes, Anjunabeats compilations) [2000s–present]
• Jaytech - Remix work and shared label releases. (Remixes, Anjunabeats releases) [2010s]
• Maor Levi - Remix work and label collaborations. (Remixes, Anjunabeats releases) [2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Sunny Lax - Inspired by Smith's melodic trance style and label presence. (Anjunabeats releases) [2010s–present]
• Genix - Adopted elements of Smith's progressive trance sound. (Anjunabeats releases) [2010s–present]
• ilan Bluestone - Cited Smith as an influence in interviews and adopted similar melodic techniques. (Anjunabeats releases) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Breathe
2. Legacy (ABGT629) - Mixed (Group Therapy 629 (DJ Mix))
3. Breathe (ASOT 1217) (ASOT 1217 - A State of Trance Episode 1217 [Including Mix 2 - In The Club (A State of Trance 2025])
4. Don't Let It End - Darren Porter Remix
5. Breathe (ABGT620) - Mixed (Group Therapy 620 (DJ Mix))
6. Redline (ABGT628) - Mixed (Group Therapy 628 (DJ Mix))
7. Wash Away (Push The Button) [ABGT628] - Mixed (Group Therapy 628 (DJ Mix))
8. Legacy (ABGT630) - Mixed (Group Therapy 630 (DJ Mix))
9. It Is What It Is (ABGT632) - Mixed (Group Therapy 632 (DJ Mix))
10. Breathe (Record Of The Week) [ABGT618] - Mixed (Group Therapy 618 (DJ Mix))

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #trance