Armin van Buuren: The Global Ambassador of Trance Music

Armin van Buuren is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and composer who stands as one of the most influential figures in electronic dance music. From his home base in Leiden, Netherlands, he has built a legendary career defined by his long-running A State of Trance radio show and multiple Grammy Award nominations.

Early career

Born in 1976 in Leiden, Armin van Buuren developed a passion for computer-generated music in his youth. His first major release came in 1996 with the track "Blue Fear" on the UK label Cyber Records, which became an underground hit in the European club scene.

Breakthrough

Van Buuren's true mainstream breakthrough arrived in the early 2000s with the explosive success of his single "Communication". This track, released in 1999 but gaining massive momentum over the following years, became an anthem and solidified his signature sound. His label, Armada Music, co-founded in 2003 with Maykel Piron and David Lewis, became a global powerhouse for trance and progressive house.

Key tracks

Communication — This iconic melody-driven track is widely considered a trance classic that defined a generation.

This Is What It Feels Like — Featuring Trevor Guthrie, this 2013 crossover hit earned van Buuren a Grammy nomination and global chart success.

Blah Blah Blah — A 2018 big room house track that showcased his ability to adapt to and influence evolving EDM trends.

In And Out Of Love — The 2008 vocal trance collaboration with singer Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation became a platinum-certified staple.

Great Spirit — His 2016 collaboration with Vini Vici highlighted the rising psytrance movement and became a festival favorite.

His album "Imagine" (2008) debuted at number one on the Dutch album charts, a rare feat for a dance artist. Van Buuren has maintained an relentless touring schedule, headlining every major festival from Tomorrowland to Ultra Music Festival, while his A State of Trance radio show reaches millions of listeners in over 80 countries weekly.

Explore similar artists who have shaped the European trance and progressive house scene. Tiësto is another Dutch pioneer who achieved global superstar status from the same vibrant scene. Ferry Corsten is a key Dutch producer known for his melodic and technical production style. Above & Beyond are the British group behind the Anjunabeats label, celebrated for their emotive songwriting. Paul van Dyk is a German trance legend known for his high-energy, melodic sets and productions.

Armin van Buuren's music is a fixture on electronic dance music radio stations worldwide. His tracks are regularly featured on dedicated trance channels, mainstream EDM FM stations, and online radio streams that cater to club culture enthusiasts. The weekly broadcast of his own A State of Trance show is a cornerstone of programming for many electronic music stations.

Listeners can discover the vast catalog of Armin van Buuren's music, from early trance classics to his latest big room anthems, through the electronic dance music radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear his iconic mixes and productions as part of our continuous rotation celebrating dance music's leading artists.