Armin van Buuren: Trance, Transformation, and the Future [Dreamstate SoCal Interview]

We caught up with Armin van Buuren to get his thoughts on Dreamstate SoCal, the evolution of trance music, his recent remix of one of Moby’s iconic tracks, his performance at Red Rocks, and more!

Armin van Buuren, one of the most iconic names in dance music, continues to inspire fans globally with his electrifying performances and groundbreaking contributions to the scene. Since his first performance at Dreamstate SoCal in 2017, Insomniac’s flagship trance music festival has grown exponentially, becoming a mecca for trance fans. Armin’s third consecutive year performing at the festival feels like a homecoming for his loyal supporters. His passion for the music, the fans, and the Trance Family is evident in everything he does, and his recent work is only intensifying that energy.

Before taking the stage at Dreamstate SoCal 2024, the A State of Trance boss shared his thoughts on the festival, the evolution of trance music, his recent remix of a Moby classic, his Red Rocks performance, and more!

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today! Dreamstate has truly become a haven for trance music lovers. What do you enjoy most about returning to this festival?

“There’s always been a special connection between trance music and certain places on the planet, and SoCal is definitely one of them. Dreamstate really feels like the hub for trance music in Southern California.”

How have you seen Dreamstate evolve since you first performed at the festival back in 2017 when it was held at the NOS Events Center?

“I remember that show—it was amazing. It’s great to see how the festival has grown over the years and you really notice it in the fans. I’ve seen some of these faces at my earliest shows in LA, like when I was playing Spundae, and they’re still here. It proves something, doesn’t it? We were right about trance that it’s not just a passing trend. Trance music is here to stay, even though it’s not the most popular sound in EDM right now. Let’s be realistic about that, but honestly, I’m okay with it. I love where it is. I love the fan base, the love, and this amazing community that calls themselves the Trance Family. There’s so much to say about it, and I could go on for hours, but I just feel blessed. I’m blessed that so many people still come out to see my shows, listen to the classic tunes, and also embrace my new music. It’s truly a blessing.”

Absolutely, and nowadays everyone’s fan base is more open and willing to accept experimentation from their favorite artists. 

“Yes well, as long as you go home to 138 and keep the melodic elements alive, I think there is more room now for experimentation and stepping outside the safe haven of trance than ever before. That is a good thing. It keeps things exciting for people. I’m definitely not closing my eyes to everything that’s happening right now with the techno sound coming up and techno embracing trance melodies and everything. It just feels really good where we are right now with trance.” 

Your embrace of techno influences has been especially evident since Ultra Miami 2023. How did this evolution come about for you?

“I will always play my classics, and there will always be uplifting tracks in my sets. I mean, I remember when minimal was hot, you know, with all the minimal percussion and minimal techno being big. And now, you have guys who are afraid to call their music trance, so they call it melodic techno, but I’m embracing that as well. I’m not bashing anyone because I understand it. Trance has a certain name. But really, what we’re talking about here is the power of melodies, the power of euphoria, and the power of emotions in music. That’s what we’re celebrating here at Dreamstate.”

Without giving too much away, what can we expect from your set tonight? Any surprises fans should keep an ear out for?

“Always surprises, always new tunes. Specifically for this set, I’ve been asking in my Discord what kind of tracks fans are expecting. There will definitely be classics and uplifting tracks, and I want to start my set with the new version of ‘Extreme Ways’ with Moby, which just came out today. The version I’m going to play today is not the version I opened with at Ultra Miami. This one includes special liners from Moby created for the intro of the A State of Trance Year Mix. You’ll see a hint of what I’m going to do with the year mix that’s coming out on December 13. I’ve already finished it and the master has been delivered, so this set is going to be catered a little towards the A State of Trance Year Mix.”

I was actually just going to ask you about Moby and ‘Extreme Ways.’

“I visited Moby today at his house. I’m a guest on his podcast which is coming out soon. It was such a pleasure to meet him. I had a chat with him, Lindsay, and his dogs. I really love him as a person and I admire him because he’s one of the founders of what we do today.”  

What inspired you to take on such an iconic track and what kind of energy did you want to bring to it?

“I love the original. The Bourne movies were a huge inspiration, of course. I just started working in the studio. The great thing about what I do is that when I start working on something, I’m not sharing it with the world yet. I only share it with you all once it’s finished. Some songs never get finished, but this one came together pretty easily. It was so great to create that intro mix, which features the original strings from the original record, which is amazing. I really feel blessed and honored to be working with Moby since he’s one of the founders of everything.” 

Over your career, trance music has evolved in many ways, blending with other genres and reaching new audiences. How do you see the genre growing over the next few years and what role do you see yourself playing in that evolution?

“It’s funny because something always brings us back to trance. If you had told me when I started the radio show back in 2001 that I’d still be doing it in 2024 or 2025, I would have said you’re absolutely nuts. The genre continues to stay alive. It’s not the most popular genre, but it’s gaining popularity again, especially with techno embracing melodies. Now, you’re seeing artists like Charlotte de Witte suddenly releasing a version of ‘Universal Nation.’ I mean, what the f***, seriously? Amazing, by the way. But that shows that it’s not just the old crowd, there are young people rediscovering trance music over and over, which is absolutely amazing.”

You’ve been on this whirlwind North American tour and Red Rocks last week looked incredible. What was it like performing there? 

“Oh, so amazing man. That was actually the second time I played there, and it was really cool to be there with so many fans. I was nervous about that show. It was really cold, and I was afraid it was going to snow or rain, but luckily it didn’t. The atmosphere there is so special. Anyone who has been to Red Rocks will tell you the same thing, it’s definitely a bucket list experience. I played a bit of a deeper set, more progressive, but still trancey. It was super great, really super great.”

And was there a moment from the night that just blew you away?

“A couple of moments spring to mind. I remember the crowd going wild when the lasers went up when I played my track ‘Take Off’ with ARTBAT. The lasers stretched up to the hill and it was surreal to see and hear the crowd roar. It was incredible. ‘Dream A Little Dream’ has become my closing track, and there’s a lot of buzz around it right now. Fans get really upset when I don’t play it, which I actually love because it’s not out yet. I’ve also been really enjoying the love for ‘Viva l’Opera,’ which is more of an uplifting trance track. Seeing it get so much attention and love from the fans has been amazing. I also played a lot of new tracks that I just love.”

Speaking of the crowd, you have such a deep connection with your fans through your music, live sets, and ASOT radio. Is there a particular fan interaction or moment that stuck with you recently, something that reminds you why you do what you do?

“I absolutely love doing the radio show every week. It brings so much joy and love to my work because it’s not just about driving to the studio and playing tracks for a large audience, but also the fact that we have fans joining us every week. We have a website, studio.astateoftrance.com, where people can reserve their spots, and we’re already full through March. Fans are even upset that they can’t attend the Christmas special yet. It’s become a thing. Of course, it’s free. We get fans from all over the world—Argentina, Australia, South Africa, the US, Canada, Poland—it’s incredible.

We had a great episode last week and here’s some snippets from our favourite moments. Did you enjoy? We sure did 😮‍💨🤝 pic.twitter.com/GepTiumclf

— A State of Trance (@asot) December 3, 2024

It really allows me to spend time with those fans. You have to understand that during the radio show, I’m staring at a camera watching me, so it feels like a black hole. I know people are watching and listening on the other side, which I’m very grateful for, but having fans in the studio gives it a much more personal, human element. I’m super grateful for that.

What I’m doing is unique, but it’s not about patting myself on the back. I’m doing it because I love it. Doing the show every week costs money—it costs me, it costs Armada to set up and maintain the studio and staff—but it’s absolutely worth it. It’s an investment in building a community and connecting with the fans. That’s why so many of them are here tonight.

I feel blessed and honored. I’ve had people ask for marriage proposals to be aired, photos with babies, and fans with disabilities who may not be able to attend large concerts but can come to the studio and experience a live radio performance. It’s amazing.”

It’s also great how much new music is discovered through the radio show.

“Isn’t it amazing how much new music is being created right now? Especially in the UK, with artists like Ben Hemsley, Ben Gold, Hannah Laing, Patrick Topping, and others who are reinventing the genre. It’s absolutely amazing.”

For the final question, I have to ask about something you mentioned in an episode of ASOT radio. Pasquale Rotella hinted at something big coming next year for ASOT Festival in the US. What can you tell us about that? Any secrets you’re ready to spill yet?

“It’s not a secret—we don’t have a date yet, but we want to take it easy. We have Insomniac Europe now as our new partner for A State of Trance, which I’m really, really happy about. We’re continuing the home base edition of A State of Trance in Ahoy, Rotterdam, which is set for the 21st and 22nd of February. I’m really looking forward to it because I think Ahoy is a better location than Jaarbeurs. It’s easier to access, more intimate, and more compact. I’m able to offer five rooms with completely different genres of trance: uplifting, classics, psytrance, techno, and progressive. Each genre will have its own space and I’m thrilled to give trance music a home.

Of course, it’s always been a dream of mine to bring this event to SoCal since it’s one of the most important hubs for me. Other areas that come to mind include Australia, Poland, Argentina, New York, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, and China. Shanghai also has a huge trance scene. I’m seriously considering festivals in all these locations. At the moment, I can’t give a date or specifics, but if we do it, we want to bring the real A State Of Trance experience from Ahoy to SoCal.

Obviously, Insomniac Europe has a strong connection with Insomniac here in the US.  It would be amazing to have two hubs for A State of Trance, one in the Netherlands and one here, but I don’t want to interfere with Dreamstate. This festival is amazing. I mean, I’m here to play it so it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to have A State of Trance next week, but maybe at another time of the year. But we’re definitely looking into it.”