For more than two decades, A State of Trance has stood as one of the most influential platforms in electronic music, shaping the global trance scene and defining how fans discover, experience, and connect with the genre. What began as a modest radio experiment has grown into a worldwide brand spanning radio, festivals, label releases, and a fiercely loyal international community.
Launched in June 2001 by Dutch DJ and producer Armin van Buuren, A State of Trance—often referred to simply as ASOT—was originally conceived as a way to showcase new trance records and connect directly with listeners beyond the nightclub circuit. Broadcasting from the Netherlands, the show quickly distinguished itself through Armin’s warm, informative hosting style and a strong emphasis on melodic, emotional dance music at a time when trance was beginning to fracture into multiple sub-styles.
In its early years, ASOT aired bi-weekly before evolving into a weekly format as its audience rapidly expanded. By the mid-2000s, the show was syndicated across dozens of radio stations worldwide and streamed online, making it accessible to millions of listeners each week. Segments such as Tune of the Week, Future Favorite, and Service for Dreamers became staples, while fan voting introduced a participatory element that helped build a strong sense of global community.
As the show grew, so did its cultural influence. A State of Trance became a trusted tastemaker, breaking records from emerging artists while championing established names within the trance and progressive scenes. The brand also expanded beyond radio with the launch of Armada Music, co-founded by Armin van Buuren, which further cemented ASOT’s role as a driving force in electronic music.
A major turning point came in 2007, when ASOT transitioned from a purely broadcast format into a live event concept. The first A State of Trance events allowed fans to experience the show in a festival-style environment, complete with multiple stages and extended DJ performances. These events evolved into large-scale productions hosted in cities such as Amsterdam, Miami, Utrecht, and beyond, often aligning with major dance-music weeks and attracting tens of thousands of attendees.
Milestone episodes became defining moments in the show’s history. Episode 500 in 2011 and episode 600 in 2013 were celebrated with massive international events, while episode 1000 in 2021 marked a historic achievement—highlighting ASOT’s longevity in an industry known for rapid change. Throughout these years, the show adapted to shifting sounds, embracing progressive, melodic techno, and crossover influences while remaining rooted in trance’s emotional core.
In the streaming era, A State of Trance continued to evolve. The show expanded across platforms including YouTube, podcast services, and social media, maintaining its weekly broadcast schedule while reaching new generations of listeners. Armin’s consistent presence as host ensured continuity, even as the musical landscape shifted and the ASOT sound broadened.
Today, A State of Trance stands not just as a radio show, but as a global movement—one that has helped launch careers, unite fans across continents, and preserve trance music as a living, evolving art form. More than 20 years on, ASOT remains a testament to the power of consistency, community, and emotional connection on the dancefloor and beyond.
