Armin van Buuren at the crossroads of reflection and reinvention: Refreshing himself and asserting his position in the electronic music scene.
As we enter 2025, Armin van Buuren finds himself standing at a crossroads of reflection and reinvention. The past year has tested his adaptability, pushed his creativity to new heights, and deepened his connection with his ever-loyal fanbase. From his groundbreaking performance of Pillars of Creation in Ras Al Khaimah to transitioning A State of Trance (ASOT) to Rotterdam, 2024 marked a year of profound change. His ongoing tour continues to excite but also wears on him, while the ever-evolving music industry demands fresh methods to stay ahead.
Looking forward to this new chapter in his career, Armin reflects on the lessons, milestones, and pivotal moments that continue to shape his journey. In this exclusive interview with EDMNOMAD‘s Angelo De Guzman, he opens up about the challenges and triumphs of his legendary career.
2024: A Year of Milestones
For Armin van Buuren, 2024 was a year of monumental achievements, but one moment stood out above the rest. His performance of Pillars of Creation at the Ras Al Khaimah desert was a career-defining experience. Combining music, technology, and immersive storytelling, the performance was an awe-inspiring spectacle. With nearly 800 drones lighting up the sky and LED pillars framing the stage, the experience felt like something out of a futuristic vision, but in an entirely new way. Armin shared, “I love seeing my vision come to life. Creating an immersive experience that connects people emotionally through sight and sound was just incredible.”
The Double-Edged Sword of Touring Life
Life on the road is both thrilling and exhausting. For Armin, the excitement of traveling to new destinations comes hand in hand with the inevitable physical and mental fatigue. “Getting on a plane to a new destination is always exciting,” he says, “but the process itself can be tough, both mentally and physically.” While staying positive is important, the repeated motions of constant travel can take their toll. “It’s a give-and-take,” he explains. The reward is connecting with fans all over the world, but the journey to get there isn’t always easy.
Adapting to a Constantly Evolving Industry
As 2025 approaches, Armin faces a major challenge with A State of Trance moving to Rotterdam. He has to rethink how to approach the event’s transition while maintaining its legacy and welcoming a new chapter. On a broader scale, the continuous development of the electronic music industry requires reinvention. “You always need to find ways to evolve without alienating your existing fanbase,” he admits. Striking a delicate balance between staying relevant and remaining true to oneself remains a constant challenge for Armin.
A Career-Defining Decision That Continues to Shape Him
Long before global success, Armin made the game-changing decision to launch A State of Trance (ASOT) — a choice that continues to shape his career today. “I started ASOT simply because I wanted to share my love for dance music,” he recalls. Over time, the show grew into a global event brand, solidifying his impact on the trance genre. Reflecting on his decision, Armin says, “I’m so proud that we’ve managed to make this a reality.”
The Power of Music and the Fans Who Keep Him Going
For Armin, every crowd fuels his passion. Whether performing at major festivals or intimate venues, seeing fans enjoy his music reminds him of why he does what he does. “Every fan who truly enjoys the music I play reminds me why I’m doing this,” he shares. His ASOT show only reinforces this bond, with fans from around the world tuning in each week to share personal tracks that hold deep meaning. “I’ll never take that for granted,” Armin emphasizes.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2025 looms, Armin is focused on both personal and professional growth. While he hasn’t revealed specific plans just yet, one thing remains clear: his dedication to advancing electronic music is unwavering. As he continues to evolve as an artist, his passion for connecting with fans and creating unforgettable experiences will remain at the heart of everything he does.
