Andrew Rayel
A Moldovan electronic music architect who rose from local clubs to global festivals, shaping the soaring sound of modern trance.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Moldovan DJ·Birthday: July 21·Millennials
Biography
Andrei Rață, operating as Andrew Rayel, turned a childhood fascination with classical music and early computer software into a global electronic phenomenon. Hailing from Moldova, a country not traditionally known for dance music exports, he broke through in the early 2010s with a signature style that fused orchestral grandeur with driving trance rhythms. His anthems, characterized by melodic complexity and emotional heft, quickly found a home on Armin van Buuren's Armada Music, before Rayel launched his own imprint, inHarmony Music. More than just a DJ playing festivals from EDC to Tomorrowland, he became a curator and label chief, using his platform to spotlight fresh talent from across the world, all while carrying the flag for his home country on international stages.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrew was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Andrew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Founded the record label inHarmony Music in 2017, establishing a platform for new artists in the trance and progressive house genres.
- Achieved global recognition with mainstage performances at major festivals like Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival.
- Released a string of successful studio albums and singles, including 'Find Your Harmony' and 'Moments', that defined a melodic branch of modern trance.
Did You Know?
He began producing music at age 13 using the software FruityLoops (now FL Studio).
His stage name 'Rayel' is derived from the Romanian word 'raiu', meaning 'paradise'.
He is a trained pianist, which heavily influences his melodic, classical-tinged production style.
“My sound is a fusion of classical melodies and modern electronic energy.”
