At the very end of 1976, on December 25, in the Dutch city of Leiden, a boy was born who would become one of the most influential DJs in the world — Armin van Buuren.
From an early age, Armin grew up in a musical environment. His father was fond of jazz, and his mother loved classical music. Even as a child, he showed a passion for electronics and was inspired by the work of Jean-Michel Jarre. The album Oxygene became a source of inspiration and defined his future direction.
Early Steps and Career Beginnings
At the age of 10, Armin received his first computer, and by 14 he had bought a sampler and started producing his own tracks. Inspired by Ben Liebrand, he sent him a demo and received positive feedback, which became a strong motivation to continue developing his craft.
By 1995, Armin was already known in the Dutch underground scene as a talented producer. In 1997, he released the track "Blue Fear", which became a trance classic, and in 1999 — "Communication", a hit on Ibiza that secured his name among Europe’s leading DJs.
Label Foundation and First Successes
In 1999, Armin founded his own label Armind, and in 2003, together with Michael Piron and Maats Bont, he co-founded Armada Music. Today, Armada is one of the largest independent record labels in the world, releasing not only Armin’s music but also that of artists such as Andrew Rayel, Ferry Corsten, Orjan Nilsen, Dash Berlin, and others.
A State Of Trance
Since 2001, Armin has hosted the weekly radio show A State of Trance (ASOT), which has become legendary. Each episode gathers millions of listeners around the globe. By 2025, the show surpassed 1100 episodes and evolved into an international brand encompassing festivals, tours, and a worldwide trance community.
Albums and Career Development
- 2003 – 76: Debut album including "Blue Fear 2003", "Yet Another Day".
- 2005 – Shivers: Featured hits "Shivers" and "Serenity", now signature tracks for Armin.
- 2008 – Imagine: First album to reach #1 in the Dutch charts; accompanied by the Armin Only: Imagine tour.
- 2010 – Mirage: Collaborations with Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Christian Burns; global tour.
- 2013 – Intense: Included "This Is What It Feels Like" (feat. Trevor Guthrie), nominated for a Grammy.
- 2015 – Embrace: Experiments blending pop, jazz, and rock.
- 2019 – Balance: A fusion of trance and EDM with new sonic directions.
- 2023 – Feel Again: A trilogy reflecting the return of inspiration after the pandemic.
Tours and Festivals
Since 2005, Armin has produced large-scale events such as Armin Only and A State of Trance Festival, performing at major venues — from Amsterdam and Miami to Sydney and Kyiv. He has been a headliner at Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, EDC, and Untold multiple times.
Awards and Achievements
- DJ Mag Top 100: Ranked #1 DJ in the world five times (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012).
- Grammy: Nomination for "This Is What It Feels Like".
- Buma Cultuur Pop Award (2008) — recognition as one of the leading Dutch artists.
- ASOT 1000 Celebration Tour (2021–2022) — a world tour attracting hundreds of thousands of fans.
Personal Life
Armin has been married to Erika van Thiel since 2009, and they have two children. He often emphasizes that his family helps him maintain balance between career and personal life.
Armin Today
As of 2025, Armin van Buuren remains a symbol of trance music and an inspiration for new generations. His show A State of Trance has become a global brand, Armada Music continues as a leading EDM label, and his sets still fill stadiums worldwide.
Armin is also actively involved in charity work, supports young producers, promotes eco-friendly festivals, and fosters music education.
Conclusion
Armin van Buuren is not just a DJ, but a true philosopher of trance, who for over 25 years has united people through music. His art is a synthesis of energy, emotion, and depth, and his contribution to the evolution of the electronic scene makes him one of the most respected figures in global music.
