Armin van Buuren is a globally renowned Dutch DJ, record producer, and a leading figure in the trance and electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Born on December 25, 1976, in Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, he grew up in Koudekerk aan den Rijn and began experimenting with music at a young age.
Career Highlights
A State of Trance (ASOT): Since 2001, Armin has hosted A State of Trance, a weekly radio show broadcast to nearly 40 million listeners in 84 countries on over 100 FM radio stations. This show has played a pivotal role in popularizing trance music worldwide and has become a cornerstone of the genre.
DJ Accolades: Armin van Buuren has been ranked the number one DJ in the world by DJ Mag a record five times, including four consecutive years. He consistently remains in the top tier of the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs list, reflecting his enduring influence and popularity in the dance music community.
Grammy Nomination: In 2014, he received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance Recording for "This Is What It Feels Like" featuring Trevor Guthrie, making him only the fourth trance artist ever to be nominated for a Grammy.
Chart Success: In the United States, he holds the record for the most entries (twenty-one) on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
Musical Style and Influence
Armin is celebrated as a flag-bearer of the trance movement, known for his melodic, uplifting productions and energetic DJ sets. He has released several acclaimed albums, including:
76 (2003)
Shivers (2005)
Imagine (2008)
Mirage (2010)
Intense (2013)
He is also known for his “Armin Only” and “A State of Trance” world tours, which attract massive audiences and unite fans from around the globe.
Personal Life and Background
Despite his global fame, Armin has remained grounded and is known for his perfectionism and passion for music. He holds a Master’s degree in Law, though music has always been his primary calling. He has been married to Erika van Thiel since 2009, and they have two children.
Legacy
Armin van Buuren is widely regarded as one of the most influential DJs and producers in the history of electronic music. His dedication to promoting trance, connecting people through music, and innovating within the genre has inspired countless fans and artists worldwide.
“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.” - Armin van Buuren
Armin continues to shape the sound and culture of electronic music, ensuring that trance remains a vital and evolving genre.
