From: The Netherlands
DJ style: “Trance and progressive.”
Best known for: “A State Of Trance.”
Armin van Buuren scoops The World’s No. 1 Trance DJ award yet again in the Top 100 DJs poll 2024, marking an incredible run at the summit of the sound. This year also saw Armin’s classic trance track ‘Communication’ turn 25 years old, which has proved to be a pivotal release for the Dutch DJ and producer.
In terms of new music this year, Armin has remained prolific, releasing his ninth studio album, ‘Breathe In’, in January. Recorded in the two years following the end of the pandemic, the album is described as the next step in the narrative that started with 2023’s ‘Feel Again’ LP. He also dropped his debut David Guetta collaboration, 'In The Dark', via van Buuren's own Armada Music label. The pair debuted the song during their second-ever b2b set together, which happened during a F*** ME I'M FAMOUS! party at Ushuaïa Ibiza.
Elsewhere, Armin remixed Camisra’s ‘90s house classic, ‘Let Me Show You’ — which was described by the DJ and producer as a “revival” rather than a “rework” — reunited with Hardwell on ‘Follow The Light’ — the first music from the pair since their 2017 single, 'Off The Hook' — and shared the Ibiza-inspired track, 'Es Vedrà'. Inspired by his long-standing connection with the island — which has seen him hold residencies for 16 summers in various clubs there — the single takes its name from the small rocky island located just off the south-western tip of Ibiza, which is van Buuren's favourite spot on the White Isle. Armin also produced the official Euro 2024 anthem for the Dutch men's national football team, titled 'Larger Than Life', which includes vocals from the team, as well as Dutch indie band Chef'Special, and landed in June.
As you'd expect from The World’s No. 1 Trance DJ, Armin’s year has been just as busy on stage as it has been in the studio. He tells DJ Mag he’s "had a big summer tour including a residency at Ushuaïa and played almost all of the editions of Ultra Music Festival this year". Armin also brought Pendulum singer Rob Swire on stage at Tomorrowland in July to perform a drum & bass version of their new track, ‘Sound Of You’, as well as recently confirmed that his A State Of Trance festival will return to Rotterdam in 2025 for a two-day event, which he describes as a “new home” for the legendary event.
Fave tune of 2024?
“Sharam 'PATT (Party All The Time) (Adam Beyer & Layton Giordani & Green Velvet remix)’.”
Rising star DJ/producer of 2024?
“Ahmed Helmy.”
Could DJs do more to ensure that producers are fairly paid for their art?
“No. The only power DJs have is to decide which tracks to play, and refraining from playing a track because its producer may not be paid fairly does more harm (for the producer) than good.”
Should phones be banned on the dancefloor?
“No. I want everyone to be free to be who they want to be. However, you are missing out if you’re staring at your phone and not focused on the thing happening before your eyes.”
A.I. - friend or foe?
“Both. The way it’s developing, its use demands a set of rules and restrictions.”
What’s your lucky charm?
“Meditation. A clear mind is half the work.”
