For the 30th anniversary of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), having the legendary DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold join the celebration was a fitting tribute. As a pioneer in the world of electronic dance music (EDM), Oakenfold is recognized for helping to shape the genre long before it reached the mainstream. His contributions to trance, progressive, and festival culture have left an indelible mark on generations of artists and fans alike.
Oakenfold’s performance at EDC Las Vegas 2026 not only celebrated his impressive legacy but also served as a reminder of the vital role that early pioneers play in the ongoing evolution of dance music culture. Backstage at the festival, he reflected on the significance of this milestone and his journey through the electronic music scene.
Oscar Yerushalmi: Hello, everyone. This is Oscar Yerushalmi from EDMTunes. Today, we are at EDC Las Vegas 2026 for its 30th anniversary, and we are with a legend, Paul Oakenfold. Paul, how are you today?
Paul Oakenfold: I’m good, thank you. And you?
Oscar: Very good. I’m glad to be here with you. What does it mean to be part of the 30th anniversary of EDC Las Vegas?
Paul Oakenfold: Wonderful. I mean, I’m a big fan of what Pasquale’s done. I’ve been playing for EDC for many years, and to celebrate their 30-year anniversary is a wonderful moment for all of us. And I think, as you can see, we’ve got some of the original pioneers from electronic music mixed up with the next generation from around the world.
Oscar: How many editions have you played?
Paul Oakenfold: A lot. I can’t remember! laughs
Oscar: What can fans expect today from your show at Quantum Valley?
Paul Oakenfold: Because it’s the 30-year anniversary, I’m going to play brand new music, but I’m going to pepper it with classics and some of my music in between. The set’s live on YouTube, it’s on the EDC site, so it should be good.
Oscar: Cool. Can you tell us about your new single coming out in June, “Masquerade”?
Paul Oakenfold: Yeah, “Masquerade” I’m going to showcase tonight. It’s going to be the dance mix, the up-tempo mix. I’ve done two different mixes: one is down-tempo that’s more radio-friendly, and tonight is the world premiere of the up-tempo club mix of “Masquerade.”
Oscar: Nice.
Paul Oakenfold: You’re going to love it!
Oscar: You also have a new mix album coming out at the end of July. What can listeners expect from that project?
Paul Oakenfold: Transmission 2 is collaborations with a bunch of colleagues, from Carl Cox, Armin van Buuren, Markus Schulz, Ferry Corsten, and others. We’re reinterpreting classic tunes from back in the day and bringing fresh ideas around them.
Oscar: Great. Tell us about your upcoming U.S. and North American tour with The Crystal Method.
Paul Oakenfold: I’m really looking forward to that. The Crystal Method, Liquid Todd — two pioneers of the industry in America — are coming together with me to tour the World Cup. As a big football fan, we’ll be in fan zones, games, parties, and performing. It’s the World Cup tour. Really looking forward to that.
Oscar: That sounds very fun.
Paul Oakenfold: Yeah.
Oscar: As one of the original architects of electronic dance music, what is your perspective on the current state and future of the EDM industry?
Paul Oakenfold: I think it’s grown massively. It’s worldwide and getting bigger every day. You’re looking at emerging markets like China and India. Europe, particularly Germany, is still a big player. Electronic music is here to stay.
Oscar: Lastly, do you have a message for your fans at EDMTunes?
Paul Oakenfold: Thank you for your support. Love you, love you, love you, and I look forward to seeing you on the dance floor.
Oscar: Thank you so much. That’s it.
Paul Oakenfold: Thank you, buddy.
During our conversation, Paul also shared insight into the evolution of the EDM industry, emphasizing his passion for pushing creative boundaries while expressing excitement for upcoming projects such as his new single ‘Masquerade,’ the mix album Transmission 2, and his North American tour with The Crystal Method and Liquid Todd.
Even after decades at the pinnacle of the electronic music scene, Paul’s energy and dedication to the culture remain as vibrant as ever. By honoring classic tracks while premiering new music on one of the genre’s biggest stages, he continues to bridge the gap between generations while advancing the landscape of electronic music.
We express immense gratitude to Paul Oakenfold for his years of groundbreaking contributions, unforgettable performances, and for inspiring a new generation of DJs and producers around the globe. His unwavering passion and commitment to the electronic music scene continue to leave a profound impact.
Thank you, Paul, for your integral role in the EDC 30th anniversary celebration and for shaping the soundtrack to countless lives.
