How a Dutch law student became the world's most influential trance music icon
In short: Armin van Buuren transformed from a dedicated law student into a global electronic music titan. Through his long-running radio show, A State of Trance, he cultivated a massive international audience, eventually earning a Grammy nomination and becoming the first DJ to perform for the Dutch royal family during their inauguration.
Born in Leiden in 1976, Armin van Buuren balanced his burgeoning musical career with a rigorous academic path, eventually graduating from law school in 2003. His early professional life was defined by marathon DJ sets, sometimes lasting six hours or more, which helped him refine his craft. By the late 1990s, he had established his own label, Armind, and released tracks like 'Blue Fear' and 'Communication', the latter of which gained significant traction in the UK and Ibiza.
The centerpiece of his career is the weekly radio show A State of Trance (ASOT), which debuted in 2001. What began as a two-hour broadcast on ID&T Radio evolved into a global phenomenon, now reaching nearly 40 million listeners across 84 countries. The show serves as a vital platform for trance music, with van Buuren celebrating milestones like the 1000th episode in 2021 with a week-long livestream. His influence is further cemented by his record-breaking five appearances as the number one DJ in the world according to DJ Mag.
Beyond his radio success, van Buuren has maintained a prolific output as a producer, releasing eight studio albums between 2003 and 2023. His work often features diverse collaborations, ranging from trance staples to pop-oriented artists. His 2013 single 'This Is What It Feels Like' earned him a Grammy nomination, marking a rare achievement for a trance artist. His artistic versatility remains a hallmark of his career, as evidenced by his 2023 album 'Feel Again', which spans 34 tracks and showcases a wide array of musical partnerships.
Van Buuren’s impact extends into the cultural fabric of the Netherlands. In 2011, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Oranje-Nassau for his contributions to the Dutch music economy. His status was perhaps most uniquely highlighted in 2013, when he performed alongside the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra to celebrate the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander, an event that saw the new monarch and his family join him on stage.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Armin van Buuren
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