(above image source)

In case you haven’t ever heard of Above & Beyond (confession: I hadn’t until a few months ago), allow me to fill you in: A&B is a trance DJ trio. They hail from Britain, and even though most people I talk to have never heard of them, they’re very much a big deal– shown by a  their popular podcast “Trance Around the World” to a top-five spot on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ list. Most of their music falls into the trance genre (a type of electronic and dance music), but believe me, their talents definitely deserve recognition both on and off the dance floor.

I’ll admit, when my boyfriend first got me listening to A&B’s podcast, my response was along the lines of, “Why does their music all sound the same?”. But once I decided to have an open mind and sync a few more podcasts to my iPod, I realized that A&B’s unique sound was the perfect accompaniment to my workout, study session, long car ride…practically everything! Their music is equal parts foot-tapping and relaxing. You can listen and still go about your business as usual, or you can turn up the volume and dance in your chair while studying in the library. Your choice.

I encourage you to give Above & Beyond a shot (they made a local stop- Ann Arbor’s Necto on March 21). Their refreshing musical stylings might surprise you (and hey, the podcast is free!). Happy listening!