Armin van Buuren: The Trance Titan

Armin van Buuren is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and composer who stands as a global ambassador for trance music. Hailing from Leiden, Netherlands, his consistent output and the enduring success of his "A State of Trance" radio show have cemented his status as a leading force in electronic dance music.

Early career

Born in 1976, Armin van Buuren developed a passion for computer-generated music as a teenager. His first major release, "Blue Fear," arrived in 1997 on the Cyber Records label, showcasing the melodic, progressive sound that would become his signature.

Breakthrough

Van Buuren's international breakthrough accelerated with the 2003 release of his debut artist album, "76." The album's success, fueled by singles like "Burned With Desire," propelled him into DJ Mag's Top 10, a position he would hold for decades, including five years at the coveted number one spot.

Key tracks

Communication — This 1999 instrumental anthem became an instant classic in trance sets worldwide, defining the genre's euphoric sound.

Shivers — Featuring vocals by Susana, this 2005 track from the "Shivers" album highlighted his skill in crafting emotive, vocal-driven trance.

This Is What It Feels Like — A 2013 crossover hit with Trevor Guthrie, it earned van Buuren a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.

Blah Blah Blah — This 2018 big room track demonstrated his ability to adapt to evolving EDM trends while maintaining massive festival appeal.

Following his initial success, van Buuren founded the Armada Music label in 2003 with partners Maykel Piron and David Lewis, creating a powerhouse empire for trance and progressive music. His weekly "A State of Trance" radio show, launched in 2001, became a global institution, broadcasting to millions of listeners in over 80 countries and spawning major arena events.

His subsequent albums, including "Imagine" (2008), "Mirage" (2010), and "Balance" (2019), have explored broader electronic styles while maintaining his core audience. Notable collaborations span from electronic acts like Above & Beyond and Vini Vici to classical musician Miri Ben-Ari and rock singer Kensington.

Fans of Armin van Buuren's euphoric trance sound also enjoy the melodic work of Tiësto, another Dutch pioneer who helped bring trance to global audiences. The progressive structures of Above & Beyond offer a similarly emotional journey for listeners. For driving, anthemic trance, explore the music of Ferry Corsten, another key figure from the Netherlands. The modern, high-energy productions of W&W also resonate with van Buuren's festival-focused side.

Armin van Buuren's extensive catalog is a staple on electronic dance music radio stations across our network. His classic anthems and newest releases feature prominently on dedicated trance channels, mainstream EDM stations, and online radio streams that champion the genre.

Listeners can discover the evolving sound of Armin van Buuren by tuning into the trance and electronic music radio stations featured on onairium.com, where his iconic mixes and productions are regularly broadcast.