Few names in electronic music command as much respect and recognition as Armin van Buuren. A five-time winner of DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll, the Dutch producer, DJ, and radio host has become a symbol of consistency, innovation, and passion within the global dance scene. For over two decades, Armin has remained at the forefront of trance and progressive music, pushing sonic boundaries while staying true to the emotional essence that defines his sound. From intimate club sets to massive festival stages like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival, his music continues to unite generations of ravers under one universal language — rhythm.
Born in Leiden, the Netherlands, Armin began his journey as a law student who moonlighted as a bedroom producer. By the late ’90s, his melodic sensibilities and technical precision had caught the world’s attention. His early breakthrough came with “Blue Fear” (1997), a shimmering trance anthem that remains a cult classic. He soon founded Armada Music in 2003 — a label that would become one of the most influential in dance music history, nurturing talents like Aly & Fila, Andrew Rayel, and W&W while giving Armin full creative freedom to experiment across sub-genres.
Armin’s debut studio album, 76 (2003), introduced his trademark sound: melodic trance layered with cinematic emotion and precision production. Tracks like “Burned With Desire” (featuring Justine Suissa) and “Yet Another Day” became instant classics, bridging underground trance with mainstream accessibility. His follow-up, Shivers (2005), elevated him to superstardom, featuring the now-iconic title track “Shivers” and “Serenity,” both of which became staples of his A State of Trance (ASOT) radio shows and festival sets.
In 2008, Armin unveiled Imagine, a landmark album that reached #1 on the Dutch Album Chart — the first time in history a dance artist had achieved that feat. The record included “In and Out of Love,” featuring Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel, which went on to surpass 300 million views on YouTube — a monumental milestone for a trance track.
His fourth studio project, Mirage (2010), showcased a broader sonic palette, blending orchestral elements, pop vocals, and club-driven beats. Collaborations with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Christian Burns, and BT expanded Armin’s reach beyond trance purists, culminating in an album that felt cinematic yet dance-floor ready.
By 2013, Intense saw Armin embracing crossover appeal while maintaining trance’s core emotion. The album produced global hits like “This Is What It Feels Like,” featuring Trevor Guthrie, which earned a Grammy nomination — a rare achievement for a trance record. With its fusion of EDM, acoustic instrumentation, and vocal storytelling, Intense captured a period when dance music was truly breaking mainstream barriers.
Continuing his evolution, Embrace (2015) pushed boundaries even further. Incorporating jazz, rock, and indie influences, the record featured collaborations with Hardwell, Mr. Probz, and Eric Vloeimans, proving that Armin’s versatility extended far beyond club bangers. He followed this experimental period with Balance (2019), a double-album that explored modern sounds from melodic techno to progressive house, reaffirming his commitment to growth while maintaining trance’s emotional DNA.
In 2023, Armin celebrated two decades of A State of Trance — his weekly radio show that now reaches over 40 million listeners across more than 80 countries. The milestone underscored his status not just as a DJ, but as a global ambassador for electronic music culture. His A State of Trance festivals, held annually in cities like Utrecht, Miami, and London, continue to attract thousands of fans, each gathering an affirmation of trance’s timeless appeal.
Beyond his albums, Armin’s singles have become anthems that define festival seasons year after year. Tracks like “Blah Blah Blah,” “Great Spirit” (with Vini Vici & Hilight Tribe), “Ping Pong,” and “Turn It Up” exemplify his playful, high-energy side, while songs like “Sunny Days” (featuring Josh Cumbee) and “Need You Now” (with Jake Reese) highlight his melodic, radio-friendly instincts. This range has cemented Armin’s place not only as a trance legend but as one of the most versatile electronic artists of his generation.
With millions of fans, countless awards, and an ever-evolving sound, Armin van Buuren remains an artist who transcends trends. Whether orchestrating symphonic trance in packed arenas or exploring stripped-down, melodic textures in his latest releases, he continues to lead with emotion and precision. His discography — spanning from Blue Fear to Balance — reads like the evolution of electronic music itself: a story of innovation, collaboration, and relentless passion.
