YORK & FAWZY: "Touched by God" - the best of the past and present
With YORK’s seasoned experience and FAWZY’s fresh perspective, these two creative minds blended multiple styles to craft a rework designed to take listeners on a heavenly journey. We caught up with them to dive deeper into the process behind this challenging — but undeniably magical — collaboration.
With YORK’s seasoned experience and FAWZY’s fresh perspective, these 2 creative minds blended multiple styles to craft a rework designed to take listeners on a heavenly journey. We caught up with them to dive deeper into the process behind this challenging — but undeniably magical — collaboration.
It all began in 1997 when brothers Torsten and Jörg Stenzel came together to form YORK, a project that would soon leave its mark on the global electronic music scene. Fusing elements of Electronica, Chillout, and Club music, YORK quickly carved out a signature sound — atmospheric, melodic, and emotionally charged.
They made their breakthrough in 1998 with "The Awakening", followed by a UK top-five hit in 1999 with their dreamy take on Chris Rea’s "On The Beach." Their albums Experience (2001) and Peace (2005) cemented their place in the scene. In 2012, Islanders brought a tropical twist, while Traveller and Indigo featured heartfelt collaborations with Torsten’s daughter, Au/Ra.
Fast forward to 2023, YORK reunited with ATB and Au/Ra for "Highs & Lows," and soon after joined the legendary Trance Allstars project.
YORK keeps delivering a mix of Balearic, old-school, and uplifting trance — while also embracing new sonic directions and fresh collaborations, including this one with fast-rising Egyptian talent FAWZY.
Emerging from Egypt’s vibrant electronic scene, FAWZY has quickly become a name to watch in the world of trance and progressive music. Known for his emotionally driven melodies and powerful energy, he’s carved his path with releases on labels like Armada, FSOE, and Black Hole Recordings.
Blending classic trance elements with a modern touch, FAWZY’s sound tells a story — one that resonates deeply with listeners. With each track, he brings passion, precision, and a deep love for the genre, proving that his journey is just getting started.
Torsten, “Touched by God" was originally released back in 2012 on your album Islanders, with multiple versions including the Original Album Mix, Steve Brian's Ocean Influence Mix, Xgenic Remix, and more. What motivated you to return to this particular track after all these years?
Torsten: To be honest, it was FAWZY’s idea to rework it and I was straight away open for this collaboration remix. It's always helpful if I have someone on board who is younger to the scene and brings a fresh vibe to my productions. I also felt that “Touched by God” is one of my nicest tunes — the vocals are magic and it features the typical “York Guitar” – but it's not very playable in a DJ set at a Full Trance Event since all mixes are made to chill. A rework was also a great idea, so it could fit in my Full-On Trance Sets.
Back in 1995, you felt Guru Josh’s “Infinity” was too slow for trance sets, which led to your well-known uplifting cover as DJ Taucher. Do you see the rework of “Touched by God” as a similar effort — like you did with “Awakening” — to modernize timeless tracks for today’s audience?
Torsten: Yes, that’s exactly why we do those kinds of mixes. I mean, I need to be able to play the tracks in a modern set and the original mixes are hard to mix, they just don’t match the energy. There's a lot of chill sound going on here.
Looking back — how long did it take to create the original version, and how does that compare to the time you spent on the rework today with FAWZY?
Torsten: The original mix took me weeks to complete. It went through several stages. Once the guitars had been added, I recorded the vocals with an amazing local singer in Antigua. With the new version, everything was already there, so it was a much faster process because we could reuse my original samples.
FAWZY, can you give us the inside scoop on the production process for this track? And how was Torsten to work with — any fun stories from the studio? :-)
FAWZY: Sure thing! Growing up, I have always had great respect for York; he was one of the legends that brought me into all this over a decade ago on the progressive house side of things. For years, I've wanted to work with him, but I believed that I'd have to prove myself first on the scene. Last year, I thought the time was right. I revisited some of his classics, and in the end, I decided to uplift 'Touched By God'.
When I contacted York for permission, he was very cooperative and down to earth. I started building the track and arrangement and sent him the first draft, which he liked. I continued working until I was happy with what I had done. Then, I sent all the track files to York for his expert touch, and it was truly magical! Using his signature guitar sounds, he emphasized the classic feel and made the groove even deeper and more impactful. The input he provided was nothing short of magical! He worked quickly and effectively, which, to me, shows both efficiency and respect for our collaboration. This is certainly something to admire about this living legend.
How did that connection between you two come about, and what actually made you want to work together on this version?
FAWZY: As mentioned above, I grew up with York’s music as one of my main motives in life. Last year, I contacted him on Facebook for the first time, and we both agreed that the calm and peaceful ‘Touched by God’ needed a more clubby and energetic rendition, and so this version was born. Furthermore, I believe York personally saw some talent in me while we worked together, and I highly cherish this! This has resulted in us working together more often, and I honestly couldn’t be happier!
Torsten: In addition, I am always open to newcomers and try to listen to every idea they have. When people become arrogant because of their history or success, I hate it. At the end of the day, this music is for everyone who likes it, no matter how famous or not you are.
What was the most challenging part of producing "Touched by God" — and do you feel it turned out the way you envisioned?
FAWZY: That's really good but also a challenging question! Well, when I work on remixing such golden classics, I want the new version to be melodic, energetic, emotional and dynamic on its own, right? Something that could be both euphoric and clubby, and could live for many years to come. This was something I also did for Lost Witness vs Sassot’s 'Whatever', released last January on WAO138. When we decided to collaborate, I told York, "Let's make something that can last at least 15 years", and he was just as excited as I was!
In order to achieve this, we needed to merge and blend multiple styles to really ‘bridge the past and the future, as the release description suggests. We brought together progressive house, uplifting trance, melodic techno to unite under the umbrella of meaningful and peaceful 90’s vocals. We are surely proud of the final result! York says it’s fat, I say it’s clubby and powerful. These are different words, but we definitely share the same vision!
Torsten: I really think with FAWZY's inputs it turned into a fantastic new version. I am happy to hammer it in my new sets – get ready lol!
Torsten, Black Hole Recordings has been a longtime home for your music over the past 25 years, but this marks your first release on their In Trance We Trust sub-label. FAWZY, while you've also released your music with labels like Armada, FSOE, and Black Hole Recordings, this is your debut on ITWT as well. Would you both say this label feels like the perfect fit for this track?
FAWZY: Absolutely! Through its rich and vivid history, this label was always the home for incredible tracks that are bold and not chained to a certain genre only. The ITWT team showed they were still true to their roots when they generously welcomed our track. We are happy that we got to debut on ITWT with a track that sends a powerful message and comes straight from our hearts!
Torsten: This is my first release on ITWT, so it is a big honour for me to have a release on this prestigious label. I hope that many more will follow!
How would you describe the overall vibe and sonic identity of this track? What kind of mood or journey were you hoping to take listeners on?
FAWZY: I would dare and say it’s such a diverse and comprehensive record that has something for everyone! It can take you on a journey of your own, whether you like it powerful and clubby or emotional and Balearic, whether you are a trance, house, techno, or 90’s music fan! It’s so classic that it can appeal to many of those who love nostalgic vibes, yet so modern that it’s totally able to live for many years to come! It certainly combines the best of the past and the present!
Torsten: In my opinion, the meaning of "Touched by God" is very deep. Listening to the lyrics, you can tell it's not a typical love song. This song is about creativity, and it speaks to anyone who creates something, like music. Due to the endless flow of energy, creation is infinite. There are many names given to it, but I call it God. It is, however, something very magical.
