Legendary DJ and producer Paul van Dyk returns with his first album in five years—This World Is Ours—a powerful exploration of human emotion, artificial intelligence, and the future of electronic music.
Released on April 11, 2025, This World Is Ours isn’t just Paul van Dyk’s eleventh studio album—it’s a bold statement. Fusing collaborative creativity with deep philosophical inquiry, the album confronts the growing tension between human connection and technological advancement.
“Life’s full-on right now, but in the best way,” says Paul. “The excitement around the release, the energy from fans—it’s inspiring. I’m traveling, performing, and sharing ideas that are close to my heart.”
A Soundtrack for 2025: Reflecting Our Relationship with AI
Far from dystopian, This World Is Ours is rooted in the present reality. Paul clarifies, “This isn’t about bleak futures. It’s about 2025—the here and now.” With rising concerns about artificial intelligence, the album asks urgent questions: How are we shaping the future? And are we truly ready for what’s coming?
“We’re on the cusp of massive disruption,” Paul warns. “AI is accelerating. We’re racing toward a final station where we must decide how we coexist with what we’ve created.”
Human Emotion in a Digital Era
At its core, This World Is Ours examines the fragile balance between machine logic and human feeling.
“Technology is widely seen as progress,” he explains. “But when AI reaches self-awareness, we’ll no longer be Earth’s apex species.”
This isn’t just abstract theory. For Paul, music is the medium through which these truths are processed. The album offers an emotional counterpoint to a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms.
Built on Collaboration and Creative Curiosity
The album features powerful collaborations with artists like John 00 Fleming, FUENKA, The Yellowheads, Sue McLaren, and Christian Schottstaedt. Each artist contributed not just sound, but philosophy.
“I chose collaborators who are curious about where we’re going—not just musically, but as a species,” says Paul.
The standout track “Against the Algorithm,” created with John 00 Fleming, directly challenges the formulaic direction of the modern music industry.
“We wanted to push back against music that’s programmed for clicks instead of connection,” Paul shares.
“The Poem”: An Experiment with Artificial Creativity
In a bold move, Paul co-created “The Poem” with an AI model. He prompted it to write about the sea, nature, and positivity—and the results were startlingly human.
“It was an experiment,” he says. “A test of where AI creativity currently stands. The result was eerily beautiful, and emotionally convincing.”
Five Years of Growth and Soul
This album marks a clear evolution in Paul’s sound and vision. After half a decade of introspection, This World Is Ours brings emotional nuance and layered storytelling to the forefront of electronic production.
“I’ve had time to reflect deeply,” Paul says. “Not just as a musician, but as a person living in an increasingly complex world.”
He adds, “Electronic music is capable of profound expression. This album is proof.”
Facing the Algorithm: Culture in Crisis
Paul doesn’t shy away from cultural critique. In his view, algorithms are already shaping human behavior, from what we listen to, to how we think.
“Through social media, we’re seeing the dark side of tech in real time,” he says. “And it’s already changing us.”
He believes artists must engage in this conversation—and This World Is Ours is his contribution.
The Road Ahead: Touring and Transformation
With the album out, Paul is preparing for an international tour to bring this vision to life onstage.
“I’m committed to sharing these ideas with people face-to-face,” he says. “Not just as a DJ, but as someone concerned with where we’re headed.”
He’s already writing new music and thinking about how art can guide us through the next decade.
Dolphins, Dogs, and Deep Connection
Asked what animal he’d be for a day, Paul smiles. “A dolphin—intelligent, instinctual, connected to nature. It feels like the opposite of modern chaos.”
He laughs, “Although my dog Bailey seems to have life figured out too.”
A Message to the Fans
Paul closes with heartfelt gratitude.
“Thank you for taking this journey with me. Whether you’ve been here since the ’90s or just joined now—this album is for you. This World Is Ours—and I hope it reminds you of the beauty, responsibility, and wonder that still exist in it.”