Armin van Buuren

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
    hometown
  • Trance
    genre
  • 1976
    started
  • Bio
    full story
  • Badges
  • Share
  • Similar
  • Leave Tip
  • Active
  • Clubland
    More Clubland Artists
Close

About Armin van Buuren

A man driven by an unbridled and relentless passion for music. A born perfectionist, striving to stay on top of the scene he’s helped to grow. The flag-bearer of the trance movement, one of the biggest scenes in EDM worldwide. A down-to-earth guy, living the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most popular DJ’s. Armin van Buuren is always on the move, whether through the music he creates in his studio, or bound to the next high-end club or festival somewhere around the globe.
Armin:”It’s not just love for music, it’s my passion. It goes beyond liking, and beyond a hobby, it’s about a way of living. Music is essential to my life.”

For more than 15 years, the Dutchman has been living to the rhythm of his own, international success. A 5 times number one position in the critically acclaimed DJ Mag’s Top 100 poll is the result of his loyalty to fans, his creativity in the studio, the perseverance with which he hosts his weekly radio show A State of Trance and the energy he transcends to the crowds in front of him. Despite the heavy pressure that comes along with being the world’s most popular DJ, Armin has always kept his focus on the music. And that’s exactly what keeps him going.

The DJ
No matter how many hours Armin van Buuren has travelled to get there, as soon as he enters the DJ booth, the Dutchman has his full focus on the music, the crowd and how these two will combine. As soon as the beats of his first record have kicked in, the room lights up and chanting fills the air. To witness a set of Armin van Buuren is to be blown away, to completely lose yourself into the music and be one with the people around you. Mixed seamlessly, he created his own style and sound, making his DJ sets a unique experience. He unites millions, not only through the gigs in his challenging schedule, but also through his Armin Only and A State of Trance world tours.

Armin has the privilege to perform at some of the world’s biggest and best festivals, clubs, events and shows. One of the highlights in his career was Armin’s DJ set at the Museumplein in Amsterdam in July 2010, during the honoring of the Dutch soccer team. Even though the national team lost in the FIFA World Cup final, they partied like they were the absolute winners, and so did the 200.000 strong crowd. That’s exactly what Armin’s sets are all about.

His busy life as a number one DJ has inspired many people. In 2009, Dutch author Coen Bom presented his on-the-road-biography of Armin, called ‘Eén op één’ / ‘Armin Only’, reporting about the hectic life of Armin and trying to find the secret behind to the grand success of the humble Dutchman. In October 2012, the official documentary ‘A Year With Armin van Buuren’ was released, in which Armin was followed during an important year in his life, offering a unique look behind the scenes and inside his personality.

The radio host
What started as an obsession for radio and the production of it, has turned into a weekly highlight for more than 20 million listeners. In June 2001, Armin van Buuren aired the first episode of A State of Trance.12 years later into the game, he still hosts the weekly 2 hour show, in which he presents the biggest tunes of the moment, as well as providing an interactive way for fans to discover new music. Regular features of the show are the Tune of The Week, A State of Trance Radio Classic and the Future Favourite, of which the latter is based on an online voting poll.

Celebrating each milestone, Armin has announced an extensive world tour in early 2013, based around the 600th episode of the show. ‘The Expedition’ world tour lands in cities such as Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Beirut, Kuala Lumpur, New York and Den Bosch. The tour kicks off in February 2013 and includes shows in countries all around the globe, with events broadcast live on the A State of Trance website. Reflecting upon the A State of Trance 550 tour, which included no less than 23 shows in different countries, Armin says:”I think we’ve showed the world we can connect through music and the love for music connects people. The mission was a success. Now it’s time for a new mission…”

Each year, the listeners of the show are asked to vote for their favourite records of the year, with the A State of Trance Top 20 as the official outcome. Each track on this list ends up in the yearly A State of Trance Yearmix, released at the end of December. Weeks of editing and mixing come together in a 2 hour mega-mix of over 85 tracks and countless memories. More than 150,000 copies of the series have been sold, going strong for 8 years already. Another series that Armin has linked to the radio show, is the A State of Trance Classics compilation. After 6 years of providing some of the most essential classics and all-time favourites in EDM, the series continues to commemorate the early days of dance music.

In addition to the weekly show, Armin started the weekly A State of Trance podcast, with a selection of the previous episode of the radio show, ensuring that listeners will never miss out on the highlights. Every Sunday, Armin also hosts a 24 hour radio day called ‘A State of Sundays’, broadcast on one of the biggest radio stations in the United States, Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Next to the A State of Trance shows, A State of Sundays also introduces its listeners to sets and radio shows of other popular DJ’s and talented artists.

The producer
Armin van Buuren looks back on the success of his ‘76’ (2003), ‘Shivers’ (2005), ‘Imagine’ (2008) and ‘Mirage’ (2010) albums. His latest album, ‘Mirage’, reached golden status in The Netherlands and Poland and includes collaborations with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ferry Corsten, BT, Nadia Ali, Guy Chambers, Christian Burns and Adam Young of Owl City. Armin:”Mirage has been the biggest project I’ve ever worked on. There’s so many hours in this. Many new techniques were used and most of all I had so much fun creating this with the many people that are involved. It was a journey, an epic one!

May 2013 marks the release of Armin’s brand new artist album, ‘Intense’. The follow-up to his successful ‘76’, ‘Shivers’, ‘Imagine’ and ‘Mirage’ album features collaborations with Israeli violinist Miri Ben-Ari, US duo Nervo and singers by the likes of Trevor Guthrie, Emma Hewitt, Laura Jansen, Fiora and more.

Whenever he’s not on tour or having a daddy-day with his first-born, daughter Fenna, Armin locks himself up in the studio. Giving meaning to his famous quote ‘Don’t be a prisoner of your own style’, he explores the boundaries of EDM through his originals and remixes. Some of his most beloved works, such as ‘Communication’, ‘Blue Fear’, ‘Shivers’ and ‘Yet Another Day’, have grown into all-time favourite classics, withstanding the test of time.

With remix offers flooding in, Armin has the luxury of taking on only the tracks that he really loves. His remix discography includes cult TV series 24, Danish TV series The Killing, Dutch film Nova Zembla and tracks by the likes of Motorcycle, The Killers, Faithless, BT and Kerli.

The label owner
In 2003, plans emerged to set up a record label: Armada Music. Together with Maykel Piron and David Lewis, Armin built the foundation to one of the most successful record labels worldwide. Armada Music, voted ‘Best Global Record Label’ for the fourth year running, is home to more than 25 sub-labels and releases productions by some of the industry’s biggest names and rising talents. Armin’s very own Armind and A State of Trance labels have found a safe haven at Armada Music, as well as his A State of Trance and Universal Religion compilation series and artist albums.

Armin’s annual A State of Trance compilations have become an institution in the industry, having won several awards and featuring a fresh and exclusive selection of tracks. As if one compilation isn’t enough yet, Armin has been live recording some of his sets on Ibiza and released them under the ‘Universal Religion’ series. The summer of 2012 saw the 6th chapter of this beloved series, a two hour live recording of Armin’s residency at club Privilege.

How it all began
Born in Leiden, The Netherlands (December 25, 1976) to a musical family, Armin indulged his passion for music from a young age. He spent all the money he earned with his paper round on records. His mum won a computer when he was 10, gaining Armin’s interest. “So as a little nerdy kid I was writing my own basic programs, and learnt about the technology from there.” He progressed from making low-profile mix tapes for friends to higher profile mixes when he discovered experimenting with different sequences on his computer through his uncle. “I was so stunned by what I saw him doing on the computer, that I got addicted to creating music right there and then!”

“I loved dance music immediately – this great rebellious sound that was so different to the ‘beautiful’ songs of the years before”. Armin cites electronic pioneer Jean Michel Jarre as a major influence, as well as Dutch producer Ben Liebrand, who later mentored him in his mixing and producing.

In the early days, Armin thought it was wise to have a back-up plan and so he studied for a law degree. The final year of his course was inevitably stretched as he juggled his studies with his increasingly hectic schedule; his rise to fame included lots of productions and remixes, as well as playing out to packed clubs every weekend. It took him three years to graduate, but his determination made him succeed.

Although owning a Master’s degree in Law, the main ingredient to Armin’s life will always be music. Armin:”I see it as my responsibility to promote trance as a genre and I want to support it in every way I can. Music should connect us. As long as the music keeps evolving like it is, I will continue and I don’t see any reason to slow it down.”

The award-winner: facts & figures
Even a basic list of recent successes reads like a lifetime of work and the landmarks just keep coming. Aside from Armin’ A State of Trance broadcasting to over 40 FM stations as well as satellite and internet radio, having more than 20 million listeners every week, his Podcast gets more than 50,000 downloads per week. His singles, albums and compilations reached high chart positions all across the globe, with single ‘Rush Hour’ being the official anthem of UEFA’s European Youth Championship and the DVD registration of his ‘Armin Only – Imagine’ show making a #1 entry in the Dutch chart. The music video for his single ‘In and Out of Love’ featuring Sharon den Adel has received more than 125 million views, making it one of the most viewed videos on YouTube. But that’s not all. Armin’s trophy closet is crammed with awards, and this is a selection of them:

DJ Mag Top 100 positions:
2001: #27 2002: #5 2003: #3 2004: #3 2005: #3 2006: #2 2007: #1 2008: #1 2009: #1 2010: #1 2011: #2 2012: #1

2005:
International Dance Music Awards for: Best Dance Radio Mix show DJ & Best Full Length DJ Mix CD on ‘A State of Trance’

2007:
#1 in DJ Mag Top 100
International Dance Music Awards for: Best Radio Mix Show DJ & Best Cd Compilation on ‘A State Of Trance 2006’

2008:
#1 in DJ Mag Top 100
International Dance Music Awards for: Best European DJ & Best Radio Mix Show DJ
Buma Cultuur Pop Award – the most important Dutch musician award since 1986
Armin draws 35,000 people to his Armin Only show in the Los Angeles Sports Arena, making him the first Dutch DJ ever to have drawn such a big crowd to an own event

2009:
#1 in DJ Mag Top 100
#1 DJ in Australia’s IntheMix.au International Acts
International Dance Music Awards for: Best Progressive House/Trance Track on ‘In & Out of Love’ ft. Sharon den Adel, Best European DJ, Best Radio Mix Show DJ, Best Music Video ‘In & Out Of Love’ & Best Global Record Label – Armada Music
DJ Awards – Best International DJ

2010:
#1 in DJ Mag Top 100
International Dance Music Awards for: Best Global DJ, Best Podcast on A State of Trance Podcast &
Best Global Record Label – Armada Music
DJ Awards – Best Trance DJ
Gouden Harp – highest distinction a Dutch artist can get

2011:
#2 in DJ Mag Top 100
#1 DJ in Australia’s IntheMix.au International Acts
International Dance Music Awards for: Best Trance Track: ‘Not Giving Up On Love’ ft. Sophie Ellis Bextor, Best European DJ, Best Global DJ, Best Radio Mix Show DJ ,Best Full Length DJ Mix: ‘A State of Trance 2010’, Best Podcast & Best Global Record Label – Armada Music
DJ Awards – Best International DJ & Best Trance DJ
Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands – Royal distinction

2012:
#1 in DJ Mag Top 100
International Dance Music Awards for: Best Trance Track: ‘Feels So Good’ ft. Nadia Ali, Best Global DJ, Best Radio Mix Show DJ, Best Podcast & Best Global Record Label – Armada Music
DJ Awards – Best International DJ & Best Trance DJ
FCN Business Award
Scroll up Scroll down

Music

From position 0, showing 7 items, asking 10
See All
  • This Is What It Feels Like
    armin-van-buuren
    Video
    This Is What It Feels Like
  • This Is What It Feels Like (W&W Remix)
    armin-van-buuren
    Video
    This Is What It Feels Like (W&W Remix)
  • J'ai Envie De Toi feat. Gaia
    armin-van-buuren
    Video
    J'ai Envie De Toi feat. Gaia
  • The Expedition (A State Of Trance 600 Anthem)
    armin-van-buuren
    Video
    The Expedition (A State Of Trance 600 Anthem)
  • Armin van Buuren's NYE 2012 Mini-Mix (Official Aftermovie)
    armin-van-buuren
    Video
    Armin van Buuren's NYE 2012 Mini-Mix (Official Aftermovie)
  • I'll Listen
    armin-van-buuren
    Video
    I'll Listen
  • We Are Here To Make Some Noise
    armin-van-buuren
    Video
    We Are Here To Make Some Noise

Photos

From position 0, showing 3 items, asking 10
See All
  • Armin van Buuren
  • Armin van Buuren
  • Armin van Buuren

News

From position 0, showing 10 items, asking 10
See All
Next Page
  • Armin van Buuren
    Armin Van Buuren To Wrap Up 'A State of Trance 500' Celebrations In Australia
    MTV News
    and we got over 25,000 reactions, and I basically approached the DJs from the top of that list. It's the cream of the crop, and I'm really proud becau...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren Bring Ultra Music Fest To A Close
    MTV News
    annual get-together held at Bicentennial Park. The Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am joined an impressive roster of house-music performers that included Laid...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    Sophie Ellis-Bextor Pretties Up Armin Van Buuren’s “Not Giving Up On Love” Video
    idolator.com
    The other day we expressed our dismay at Sophie Ellis-Bextor's recent chart fortunes in her home country of England. Here's hoping "Not Giving Up On L...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    Armin Van Buuren Spills 'Not Giving Up On Love' Video Details
    MTV News
    But for a first official single from the album, he's gone with a sure-to-be anthem called "Not Giving Up on Love," featuring the vocals of British sin...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    Armin Van Buuren, Afrojack, Steve Aoki Psyched For Ultra Music Festival
    MTV News
    Skrillex, Afrojack, Dada Life, Katy B, Nicky Romero, Tommy Trash, Carl Cox and New Order, to name a few. Justice, Avicii, Fatboy Slim, Duck Sauce, M83...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    Trance DJ Armin van Buuren Sells Out Madison Square Garden | Billboard
    www.billboard.com
    Welcome to the club, Armin van Buuren. The Dutch trance DJ/producer joined an exclusive fraternity today, becoming the second EDM act ever to sell out...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    Armin van Buuren Talks MSG Surprises, A State of Trance, Tiësto and More
    www.vibe.com
    Tonight, Saturday (March 30), Madison Square Garden will transform from an arena to a sold out (tickets flew off the Net in under an hour) 'state of t...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    Armin van Buuren Finds His Own Way With Intense Tour
    www.vibe.com
    "I'm not trying to evolve, per se. I'm not trying to force being something that I'm not, Armin van Buuren told VIBE in his recent interview with VIBE ...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    Armin van Buuren, Cosmic Gate, Benny Benassi, Gareth Emery Make It Rain At Wet Wonderland
    www.vibe.com
    music festivals) just announced the return of Wet Wonderland. Every Saturday, some of our favorite DJs will put on a live set during the daytime party...
    Read More
  • Armin van Buuren
    Stream: Armin van Buuren Gets Intense On SiriusXM Radio
    www.vibe.com
    The world's #1 DJ Armin van Buuren performed in a Fish Bowl Thursday night (May 2). We're talking about NYC'a Sirius XM headquarters where the king of...
    Read More

Tour Dates

From position 0, showing 13 items, asking 50
See All
  • May 23 Thursday
    Houston, TX, US Stereo Live
    Buy Ticket
  • May 24 Friday
    Joliet, IL, US Chicagoland Speedway
    Buy Ticket
  • May 26 Sunday
    Quincy, MA, US Ocean Club at Marina Bay
    Buy Ticket
  • May 26 Sunday
    Atlantic City, NJ, US HQ Beach Club
    Buy Ticket
  • Jun 27 Thursday
    Norrköping, Sweden Festivalområdet Bråvalla
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 6 Saturday
    Viareggio, Italy Cittadella Del Carnevale
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 7 Sunday
    Jesolo, Italy Kartodromo Pista Azzurra
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 11 Thursday
    Zamárdi, Hungary Zamardi Beach
    Buy Ticket
  • Aug 16 Friday
    Helsinki, Finland Kyläsaari (Kalasatama)
    Buy Ticket
  • Aug 24 Saturday
    London, UK Clapham Common
    Buy Ticket
  • Aug 30 Friday
    New York, NY, US Randall's Island
    Buy Ticket
  • Nov 15 Friday
    Amsterdam, Netherlands Ziggo Dome
    Buy Ticket
  • Nov 16 Saturday
    Amsterdam, Netherlands Ziggo Dome
    Buy Ticket

Discography

From position 0, showing 10 items, asking 10
See All
Next Page
  • Intense (2013)
    Armin van Buuren
    Intense (2013)
    Armada Music NL
  • A State of Trance: Year Mix 2012 (2013)
    Armin van Buuren
    A State of Trance: Year Mix 2012 (2013)
    Armada Music
  • Universal Religion: Chapter 6 (2012)
    Armin van Buuren
    Universal Religion: Chapter 6 (2012)
    Armada Music
  • A State of Trance 2012 (2012)
    Armin van Buuren
    A State of Trance 2012 (2012)
    Armada Music
  • A State of Trance: Year Mix 2011 (2011)
    Armin van Buuren
    A State of Trance: Year Mix 2011 (2011)
    Cloud 9 Records
  • Universal Religion - Chapter 5 (2011)
    Armin van Buuren
    Universal Religion - Chapter 5 (2011)
  • Mirage: The Remixes (2011)
    Armin van Buuren
    Mirage: The Remixes (2011)
    Ultra Records
  • Mirage: The Remixes (2011)
    Armin van Buuren
    Mirage: The Remixes (2011)
  • A  State of Trance 2011 (2011)
    Armin van Buuren
    A State of Trance 2011 (2011)
    Astral
  • A  State of Trance Classics, Vol. 5 (2011)
    Armin van Buuren
    A State of Trance Classics, Vol. 5 (2011)
    Cloud 9 Records
Sign in | Learn more about Artists.MTV | FAQ for Artists
Armin van Buuren Bio | Armin van Buuren Tour Dates | Armin van Buuren Music | Armin van Buuren News | Armin van Buuren Discography |
MTV | MTV Jobs | Privacy Policy | User Content Agreement | Copyright | Artist Index | Social Projects Agreements | Ad Choices |
Portions of this page powered by
This site contains content from artists, fans, and writers from around the internet in it's natural form. Such content is not representative of Viacom Media Networks.

©2012 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. MTV and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

  • Explore
    • Popular
    • Emerging
    • Genres
      • Rock
      • Hip Hop
      • Indie
      • Electronic/EDM
      • Country
      • Pop
    • Collections
    • Artist To Watch
  • Search
  • Are you an artist?
    • Claim Your Page
    • Learn More
    • FAQ
    • Opportunities