It’s something of an understatement to say that Paul Sawyer has firmly stamped his mark within the electronic music scene. Over the last three decades he has never stopped working, and now boasts a catalogue that includes originals and remixes on storied labels such as Perfecto Records, Pure Progressive, Black Hole Recordings, Armada, Toolroom and many more, including his own highly respected Krafted Underground imprint. Few artists have such a long career; fewer still operate at such a high level of consistency and creativity.

To celebrate this remarkable milestone in his career, Paul wil release his album 30 Years a A DJ on 17 February 2023. Compromising 30 tracks from his extensive discography – including three brand new and previously unreleased tracks – it is a comprehensive collection of one of progressive house’s most vital and passionate proponents.

Buy 30 Years a DJ on Beatport

Ahead of the release of the album, we invited Paul to talk us through his favourite progressive house tracks of all time.

Guy J – Modulator [Lost & Found]

My friend Phil Moonface Thompson introduced me to this track. It’s a track that sums of progressive house in a nutshell. Absolute killer track from Guy J that I love playing and listening/dancing to!

Alcatraz – Give Me Luv [Yoshi Toshi]

One of those timeless tracks that you know when you drop this, the crowd are going to go crazy. The build in this is so good, brings back many memories for me of so many amazing nights.

Underworld – Cowgirl (Nicolas Rada Remix) [Bootleg]

I’m a big fan of Underworld and Cowgirl was an outstanding track that I’ve always loved. I first heard Nicolas Rada’s remix when Nick Warren played this at an event I attended I Liverpool in 2019 and I immediately looked it up afterwards to get a copy.

Sasha & Maria – Be As One [Sony BMG]

If you’ve grown up listening to 90’s progressive house, you’ll know this track for sure. Dreamy vocals over very classy production as you’d expect from Sasha.

Deadmau5 feat. Chris James – The Veldt [Ultra Music]

There are many Deadmau5 tracks that are just phenomenal, but this one really stands out for me. I love the story behind this track and how the vocals ended up on there. This track I regularly listen to in my own personal playlist.

Freefall feat. Jan Johnston – Skydive [Stress Records]

Absolute classic track from Anthony Pappa and the super talented vocalist Jan Johnston. This is a true feel-good song that will always sit in my top 10 tracks of all time.

Matt Fax – To The Ground [Colorize]

Matt’s a great guy and a first-class producer/DJ. This track of his really opened my eyes to his music and ramps up the atmosphere at every event I’ve played it at.

Jam & Spoon – Follow Me (Jerome Isma-Ae Remix [Black Hole Recordings]

The original was always a favourite of mine, but when Jerome Isma-ae remixed this, I was blown away with how good this sounds. This one takes you on a journey that’s for sure.

X-Press 2 – Muzikizum [Skint]

There isn’t one track that X-Press 2 produced that I don’t like. Their music is timeless in my eyes and this track would fit any current set.

Solarstone – Seven Cities (Kristina Sky Pacific Coast Remix) [Pure Trance]

For my final choice, I had to include music by two of my favourite people in the industry, Kristina Sky and Solarstone. I played the original version so many times over the years, so when Kristina remixed this, it just took it to another level.