Welcome to the undisuted king of trance
Armin, a huge tune smashing up the dancefloors at the moment – ‘Belter’, a piece of classic trance that takes us back to the golden age of 1999 with haunting breakdowns, gorgeous chords and NRG. Tell us about the tune…
“Thank you Dan!! I had a melody idea that fitted the style of Orjan’s recent tracks so I contacted him and we finished the tune together.”
Talk us through the new compilation, a different format for you…
“Last year I started a new tradition, I would ask four of my colleagues and artists that inspire me to create a mix with tracks that made them who they are today. Whether it is classics of themselves, or their favourite artists, they could decide themselves. This year I have asked Dash Berlin, John O’Callaghan and youngsters Arty and Orjan Nilsen to do so, and the result is the brand new ASOT550 5 CD Compilation!“
Massive news surrounding you leaving Space in Ibiza and heading over to Privilige, a much better venue for you we think at DMC. What have you got in store for us all, tell us about it all…
“I would say we are taking my brand and radio ‘A State of Trance’ to a whole new level, and to have a platform to be able to give the whole experience of a night of ASOT – Privilege is perfect! I can’t wait for the summer to start, and throw parties with the best artists around to entertain all the amazing clubbers that Ibiza attracts.”
What is it about Ibiza that makes it such a special island?
“I think it is because the people that go to Ibiza are in general EDM lovers, that listen to their favourite music all year through, and in Ibiza they can actually see all the artists that they would like to see – all in one island and during one week. Add music to sun and beautiful surroundings, et voila!”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning?
01. Omnia & IRA – The Fusion
02. Armin Van Buuren & Orjan Nilsen – Belter
03. Armin Van Buuren feat. Ana Criado – Suddenly Summer
04. Orjan Nilsen – Amsterdam
05. John O’Callaghan – Stresstest (John Askew Remix / Armin van Buuren Edit)
06. Ferry Corsten feat. Armin Van Buuren – Brute (Armin Van Buuren Illegal Drum Edit)
07. W&W – Invasion (ASOT 550 Anthem)
08. Armin Van Buuren pres. Gaia – J’ai Envie De Toi
09. Markus Schulz pres. Dakota vs. Marcel Woods – Sleepwalkers vs. Advanced (Armin Van Buuren Mashup)
10. Andrew Rayel – 550 Senta (Aether Mix)
A cool looking Canadian Tour kicking off on Thursday, Canada is rocking at the moment…
“Festivals like Bal en Blanc have been on my schedule for a long time already, plus there are some great clubs in Canada.”
What has the rest of 2012 got in store for us release wise?
“I have just released a new single under my guise Gaia, called ‘J’ai Envie de Toi’ and a new single with Ana Criado, called ‘Suddenly Summer’, which are both featured on my mix compilation ‘A State of Trance 2012’. As for the rest of the year, I am working on a lot of new material, but more info about that soon.”
What new producers and DJs have you spotted on your travels who we should be looking out for this year?
“There are so many great producers, it is hard to pick out some. I have just made a track with a big talent from Norway, Orjan Nilsen. I think he is doing great! But there are so many great talents out there!”
What are your thoughts on the trance scene in 2012 – it seems healthier than ever?
“Absolutely! The trance scene is booming, the living proof were the recent ASOT550 celebrations. I still cant believe how much reactions there were online, not to mention the sold out shows.”
Not many people know this, but Armin Van Buuren is really good at?
“Sjoelen hahaha. Google it.”
What are the festivals we can find you at this Summer?
“Electronic Family, Global Gathering, Sunrise, EDC to name just a few…”
What is the bravest thing you have ever done?
“Having a baby!”
I read somewhere that you were brought up in a very musical family in Leiden, your uncle especially was a big influence?
“Yeah he was one of the first to own a sampler. When I saw his studio I was like “THIS IS WHAT I WANT!”
You are from the same Dutch town as fellow producer Dyro – are you aware of his sounds…
“Absolutely, he is a big talent. I just heard some of his tracks, like the recent remix he did for Armada.”
What song can’t you get out of your head at the moment?
“Weekend Players – ‘Walking Into The Sun’ (Riva remix). What a classic!”
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
“A perfect sunday is spending time with my family.”
www.arminvanbuuren.com
