With no shortage of landmarks behind him and reputation for cutting quality albums throughout his long serving career, Dutch trance icon Armin Van Buuren has stepped to the mark with fifth artist album Intense to test the preservation of his craft once again. Even after selling out Madison Square Garden and showing no signs of slowing down his presence on the summer festival for circuit for 2013, this cultural minefield was certain to meet the follow-up to 2011’s Mirage with apprehensive eyes.
In case you missed it, Armin van Buuren graced Manhattan with his trance god presence on New Year’s Eve. Not only were we lucky enough to get a front row seat to his four-hour set at Pier 36, but we also got some time with him earlier in the day to sit down and pick his brain a little bit. We asked him how he’s seen the role of the DJ change in his long career, his thoughts on the controversial trend of ghost-producing, his big plans for ASOT 600 (specifically in NYC), his future plans for the “state of trance” and his peers and mentees, and his analysis on whether he’s a “DJ” or an “artist.” His answers were thorough and thoughtful and we think you’ll really enjoy getting a peek inside the mind of this prolific figure in dance music.
Swedish House Mafia were the first electronic act to sell out Madison Square Garden but it looks like they won’t be the last. Trance veteran Armin van Buuren announced today that he is bringing episode 600 of his legendary ASOT radio show to the historic venue. Details are scarce but we do know the event is taking place on March 30th. According to Armada Music’s website, lineup and ticket sales will be announced “soon” — vague but exciting nonetheless. Keep checking back for updates.
Today is Thanksgiving. It’s a time to give thanks for good health, good friends, good family, and, of course, good music. We thought we’d take the time to pay tribute to our favorite parts of dance music culture on this day of thanks, not only for the guys who slave over turntables while we get to party, but for the dance music scene in general and its constantly expanding fanbase. This one’s for the EDM acts that put their heart and soul into it, the clubs that go all out every night of the week, and the people who live and breathe house music. It’s the least we can do.
Norwegian producer Ørjan Nilsen is out with his latest single “Copperfield” on Armin van Buuren’s Armind Recordings. If his popularity wasn’t already apparent fro m the success of other recent releases like “Viking,” “Endymion,” and his Armin collab “Belter,” Ørjan also snagged a #32 spot on this year’s DJ Mag poll. “Copperfield” is a ravey trance track with a chunky bassline and an old school topline. It’s obvious Ørjan draws influence from Armin’s sound (the track was also featured on A State of Trance back in October), but also toes the line between trance and a more tech house feel. Listen and purchase after the break.
Superstar DJ Armin van Buuren announces today the first batch of cities for his A State of Trance 600 world tour at the Amsterdam Dance Event. In usual fashion, Armin is using a live YouTube broadcast of his 583rd ASOT episode to announce the first several stops on this year’s tour whilst playing his picks from the week. We already know Mexico City is the first stop on February 16th of next year, but tune in now to hear about the rest.
It’s true that to most of us the addition of a third day for EDC NY seemed like an afterthought — an entire stage had been eliminated from the lineup and the addition of Armin Van Buuren as the closer felt forced. We asked ourselves “Wouldn’t two closing sets cheapen the Armin experience?” The answer after two days at EDC NY is a resounding “HELL NO!” Armin Van Buuren is the world’s biggest DJ for a reason — he is one of the few left whose sets are true artistry. He masterfully mixes tracks to create an atmosphere rather than a party, taking listeners on a journey with peaks and valleys and highs and lows. While many popular artists play nearly identical sets at every big festival, Armin’s is always a surprise.
Big news for trance fans on the West Coast: Armin van Buuren will return to Los Angeles on March 17, 2012. The Dutchman has confirmed that he will celebrate the 550th episode of his radio show, A State of Trance, at Insomniac Events’ Beyond Wonderland festival. It’s been a long time coming — Armin hasn’t performed in LA since he headlined EDC 2010.
After the Monster Massive fiasco, we’re thrilled that Armin has decided to team up with a competent promoter. Insomniac’s track record is impeccable, and we’re fully confident that the show will go ahead as planned.
If you’ve never seen Armin before, we highly suggest buying a ticket. There’s really only one word to describe his sets: transcendent.
