Paul Oakenfold facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paul Oakenfold
Oakenfold in 2021 for his Shine On Album
Background information
Birth name	Paul Mark Oakenfold
Also known as	Bunkka Electra Elementfour Perfecto Perfecto Records Perfecto Allstarz Planet Perfecto Rise Virus Wild Colour
Born	(1963-08-30) 30 August 1963 (age 61) Mile End, London, England
Origin	Greenhithe, Kent, England
Genres	Electronic acid house trance Goa trance breakbeat big beat dance-pop
Occupation(s)	Disc jockey remixer actor record producer chef
Instruments	Synthesizer turntables
Years active	1980–present
Labels	Perfecto (UK) Maverick (US) Warner Bros. (UK and US)
Associated acts	Steve Osborne Andy Gray Rihanna Brittany Murphy Madonna Grace Mylène Farmer Movement 98 Shifty Shellshock Sophie Ellis-Bextor Cher

Paul Mark Oakenfold (born 30 August 1963) is a famous English record producer, remixer, and trance DJ. He is known for creating over 100 remixes for many popular artists. These include U2, Moby, Madonna, and Britney Spears. DJ Magazine voted Oakenfold the No. 1 DJ in the World twice, in 1998 and 1999.

Paul Oakenfold's Early Life and Career

Becoming a DJ: The Early Years (1980-1984)

Paul Oakenfold was born in London on August 30, 1963. He started his journey as a DJ in the late 1970s. He began by helping his friend Trevor Fung play soul music in a London wine bar. In 1981, when he was 18, Paul moved to New York City. He worked as a courier and explored the city's music scene.

During this time, hip-hop music was becoming very popular. Paul and his friends visited famous dance clubs like Studio 54. They even met music legends like Bob Marley. Back in London, Paul became an A&R man for Champion Records. This meant he helped find and sign new music artists. He signed groups like DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and Salt-n-Pepa. He also promoted concerts for bands like the Beastie Boys.

Starting Perfecto Records and Finding Fame (1985-1991)

In 1987, Oakenfold visited the island of Ibiza for his birthday. This trip changed his music style. He was inspired by the acid house music he heard there. When he returned to England, he started a successful acid house party called Spectrum in London.

In 1988, Paul decided to create his own record label. This was a place where new artists could grow their careers. He named it Perfecto Records. He also started producing music under the name "Electra". Later, he used the name Perfecto for his own music.

Paul worked with his friend Steve Osborne on many projects. In 1990, they remixed songs for the band Happy Mondays. Their remixes helped the songs become big hits in the UK. They also produced the Happy Mondays' album, Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches. This album went to number one in the UK. Paul and Steve won a Brit Award for Best Producer in 1991.

Tours, Nightclubs, and Global Success

Touring with U2 and Creating Grace (1992-2000)

In 1992, Paul Oakenfold's remix of U2's song "Even Better Than the Real Thing" became very popular. Because of this success, U2 hired him for their Zoo TV world tour in 1993. He played music before their shows, performing for huge crowds.

Around this time, Oakenfold also formed a music project called Grace. They released several singles that charted well in the UK. However, Paul became very busy with his DJ tours. This meant he couldn't spend as much time recording with Grace.

In 1994, Oakenfold started using Goa music in his sets. He discovered this music in Goa, India. He blended it with European sounds to create his unique style. He shared this new sound on BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix. His album Perfecto Fluoro became a top dance collection in 1996.

From 1997 to 1999, Oakenfold was the main DJ at Cream in Liverpool. Cream was a very famous nightclub. In 1998 and 1999, DJ Mag named him the world's best DJ. In 1999, he made history by being the first DJ to play on the main stage at the Glastonbury Festival. He performed for 90,000 people, which he calls his favorite show.

Paul also created the theme music for the UK reality show Big Brother in 2000. He also composed the soundtrack for the video game EA's Euro 2000.

Becoming a Pioneer in America (2000-2001)

After his success in Europe, Oakenfold started making a big impact in America. In 2000, he performed at Cyberfest in Fresno, California. This was one of the biggest dance events ever in America, with 80,000 people attending.

In 2001, Oakenfold joined the first Area Festival tour. He released a new album called Perfecto Presents: Ibiza. He also created the soundtrack for the film Swordfish. This soundtrack included his remix of "Planet Rock." He worked with artists like Andy Gray on these tracks.

Paul moved to Los Angeles to focus on film soundtracks and his DJing in the United States. He even recorded a song called "Starry Eyed Surprise" with Shifty Shellshock from the band Crazy Town.

Studio Albums and Film Scores

Bunkka and A Lively Mind (2002-2007)

In 2002, Paul Oakenfold released his first official studio album, Bunkka. It became his best-selling album, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The album featured many guest singers. These included Perry Farrell, Shifty Shellshock, Ice Cube, and Nelly Furtado.

One of the album's most famous songs was "Ready Steady Go". This song was used in many commercials, video games, and TV shows. It even became the NASCAR theme song in 2006. In 2003, he remixed Elvis Presley's "Rubberneckin'", which was also very popular.

In 2005, Oakenfold toured with Madonna for her Confessions Tour. He opened her shows for two months. He also remixed the Transformers theme song for the TV series Transformers Cybertron.

His second studio album, A Lively Mind, came out in 2006. The first single from this album was "Faster Kill Pussycat", a collaboration with actress Brittany Murphy. In 2007, Paul played live with the Boston Pops Orchestra. He created a special piece of music that combined orchestral and electronic sounds.

Pop Killer and More Film Work (2008-2014)

In 2008, Oakenfold released a new version of his song "Not Over Yet". He also worked on music for films and TV shows like Californication and Speed Racer. He joined Madonna again for her Sticky & Sweet Tour in 2008 and 2009.

In 2009, Paul announced his third studio album would be called Pop Killer. He also worked with Madonna on her greatest hits album, Celebration. He produced the title track, "Celebration".

In 2012, Oakenfold performed with the band Train at a Google I/O event. In 2013, he co-wrote a song called "Woman's World" for Cher's album Closer to the Truth. He also remixed "Only Child" for British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor in 2014.

Recent Projects (2015-Present)

Since 2015, Paul Oakenfold has been leading the DJ and EDM vocalist department at Isina. This is a program that helps find and develop new music talent. In 2020, he released "The Perfect Song" with Mexican pop singer Fey. His album Shine On was released in 2022.

In 2022, Oakenfold was the opening act for the Pet Shop Boys and New Order on their Unity Tour.

Paul Oakenfold's Music Albums

Studio albums

• Bunkka (2002)
• A Lively Mind (2006)
• Trance Mission (2014)
• Shine On (2022)

Film and TV Appearances

• 2002 The Rules of Attraction (Himself)
• 2003 Dancestar USA 2003 (Himself)
• 2003 No Cover (Guest)
• 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards 2003 (Himself)
• 2004 The Club (Himself)
• 2007 Post Military Trip (Guest)
• 2012 Dark Hearts (2012) (Dj)
• 2016 Sundown (2016) (Himself)
• 2022 Who Killed the KLF? (Himself)
• 2024 Point of Change (exec producer and sound mixer)

Awards and Recognitions

Paul Oakenfold has won and been nominated for many awards for his music.

BMI Awards

The BMI Awards celebrate songwriters.

DJ Awards

The DJ Awards honor DJs. Oakenfold has won the Best Trance DJ Award twice. He also received an "Outstanding Contribution Award" in 2004.

DJ Magazine Award

DJ Magazine has named Oakenfold the World's Best DJ two times.

Grammy Awards

Oakenfold has been nominated for three Grammy Awards.

IDMA Awards

Oakenfold has been nominated for an IDMA.

World Music Awards

Oakenfold has received two nominations at the World Music Awards.

Images for kids

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  Paul Oakenfold at Sutra, OC California, in 2012

See also

In Spanish: Paul Oakenfold para niños