Armin van Buuren reveals he seriously considered quitting music in 2011

Few names carry as much weight in electronic music as Armin van Buuren, but even one of trance’s most influential figures once came close to walking away from the industry entirely.

Speaking during a recent appearance at Winter Music Conference in Miami, the Dutch icon revealed that he seriously considered quitting music back in 2011, despite being at the peak of his global success. At the time, vArmin an Buuren had already built an enormous career. His ‘A State of Trance’ radio show had grown into a worldwide phenomenon, while his productions and global tours had positioned him as one of dance music’s most recognizable artists.

However, the changing perception of trance music within the electronic scene began to weigh on him.

“But, as they say, you should always stop at a peak,” Armin explained. “By 2011, I seriously considered quitting, but I just felt the music.” For a period, trance found itself pushed aside as other electronic genres dominated the conversation. According to van Buuren, the style that once defined festival stages suddenly became viewed as less fashionable within parts of the scene.

Yet instead of walking away, the Dutch superstar stayed committed to the sound that built his career.

Over time, melodic electronic music began finding its way back into the spotlight, with artists across techno and progressive scenes once again embracing emotional melodies, something Armin van Buuren believes helped restore confidence in the genre he helped pioneer.

Today, Armin van Buuren remains one of the most respected figures in dance music, continuing to headline major festivals, release new music and lead the global trance community through A State of Trance. And as his story proves, sometimes the moments of doubt become the very ones that reaffirm why artists started making music in the first place.

H/T: EDM.com