With a career spanning 25 years, Armin Van Buuren has managed to stay on top of the scene he helped build. This is the story of one of dance music’s biggest legends and hardest workers. A source of inspiration for artists and listeners worldwide.
A born perfectionist, Armin’s interest in music runs in his blood. Born in Leiden, Netherlands to a musical family, Armin would spend all of the money he earned from his paper route on records. His mom won a computer when he was 10, which sparked his interest in technology. He quickly began developing his own basic programs and went on to create mixtapes for his friends. Armin was blown away by what he could accomplish on the computer and became addicted to creating music.
In 1995 while studying for a law degree at Leiden University, Armin was able to play his first gigs at the local student club venue. He invested any money earned into producing 12”s and was able to release a hit record with Cyber Records “Blue Fear” that same year. By 1999 he was able to sign to AM:PM and formed his own label, Armind. A collaboration with Tiesto “Eternity” became Armin’s biggest hit to date and made for the perfect introduction for his label.
In 2003 with the help of Maykel Piron and David Lewis, Armin built the foundation of one of the most successful record labels worldwide Armada. With more than 40 sub-labels to its name, Armada is home to some of dance music’s best across all genres. After 14 years of success, Armada has been voted best global record label five years in a row. With a plate full of activities, world tours, and festivals Armin still serves as A&R of the Armind, Who’s Afraid Of 138?!, and A State OF Trance labels.
Armin’s obsession with radio inspired him to create the weekly radio show ASOT (A State Of Trance). With a massive worldwide audience of 40 million, Armin has helped take Trance to places to other artists could. A world tour was based around the 650th episode of ASOT in 2014 and by 2015 ASOT festival was being planned for episode 700. Armin became the first DJ to have his own festival, which opened the doors for many young artists we see today following in those footsteps.
After 25 long years of excellence, Armin continues to shape the future of dance music.