Why Does Armin van Buuren Want to Change After More Than 20 Years at the Top?

For over two decades, Armin van Buuren has been one of the most influential and consistent forces in electronic dance music (EDM). From dominating the trance scene in the early 2000s to filling stadiums with euphoric anthems and hosting the globally celebrated A State of Trance (ASOT), Armin has reached heights few DJs ever dream of.

But now, in his 40s and still at the top of his game, Armin van Buuren is asking himself a surprising question: What truly matters? Despite global success, countless awards, and adoring fans worldwide, the Dutch DJ and producer is choosing to transform his life and career in ways that few superstars ever dare.

So, why is Armin van Buuren choosing to change after all these years?

The Hidden Costs of Success

From the outside, Armin’s career looks perfect:

• He’s been voted the #1 DJ in the world five times by DJ Mag.

• His Armada Music label is a powerhouse in the dance music industry.

• He’s sold out festivals and arenas worldwide.

• His radio show, A State of Trance, has been broadcasting for over two decades to millions of listeners.

But behind the scenes, Armin has faced burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. In multiple interviews over the past few years, he has opened up about the relentless pressure that comes with maintaining such a high level of success.

The constant touring, endless deadlines, and always being “on” for fans and the media took a toll on his mental health. He admitted that for a long time, he pushed his emotions aside, focusing only on work, driven by a fear of letting people down.

A Life-Changing Loss Sparked Self-Reflection

A major turning point in Armin’s life was the death of his father in 2010. Losing a parent often forces people to reassess their priorities, and for Armin, it planted the seeds of a deeper self-reflection.

Initially, he buried his grief in his work, ramping up his production output and increasing his tour schedule. But eventually, the unresolved pain caught up with him. As he put it in later interviews, “You can’t outrun your own feelings forever.”

This loss was the first crack in the facade of invincibility that Armin had built around himself.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pause He Didn’t Know He Needed

The global shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic finally gave Armin the forced pause his life desperately needed. With clubs closed, tours canceled, and no ASOT shows in front of live crowds, Armin was left alone with his thoughts for the first time in years.

During this time of isolation, he began asking himself critical questions:

• Who am I outside of being a DJ?

• Have I been present for my family?

• Am I happy, or just busy?

What he found was sobering. He realized he had been neglecting his mental well-being and personal relationships, living in a cycle of constant achievement without truly enjoying his success.

The Gratitude Challenge: A Simple Yet Powerful Shift

In 2023, Armin made his personal growth journey public by launching a “Gratitude Challenge” on social media. For 30 days, he committed to writing down things he was grateful for daily.

What started as a personal exercise soon grew into a global movement, with thousands of his fans joining him. People from all walks of life shared what they were thankful for, inspired by Armin’s vulnerability.

Through this challenge, Armin learned a simple but profound lesson: gratitude rewires your mind toward joy, not lack.

He stated in one interview:

“It’s easy to get caught up in what you don’t have. But when you start appreciating what you do have, your whole perspective changes.”

Reprioritizing Family and Mental Health

Armin’s transformation wasn’t just about slowing down at work. It was about reshaping his entire life philosophy.

Previously, work always came first. He missed family holidays, important milestones, and countless small moments with his wife Erika and their two children. But now, he prioritizes family above all else.

He’s adjusted his touring schedule to be more sustainable, taking extended breaks between shows and making sure he’s home for important family moments.

For Armin, true success no longer means selling out another stadium — it means being present for his loved ones.

Evolving His Sound Without Chasing Trends

Musically, Armin has also undergone a shift. While he still loves trance, he has stopped chasing mainstream trends just to stay relevant. Instead, his recent releases reflect a more personal and experimental sound.

Tracks like “Feel Again”, “On & On”, and “One More Time” reveal a deeper, more introspective side of Armin. He’s blending emotional lyrics with uplifting melodies, creating music that resonates with his personal journey.

This evolution has allowed him to stay true to himself while still connecting with both longtime fans and new listeners.

Helping Others Navigate the Same Struggles

Armin’s openness about his mental health has inspired countless fans and fellow artists. In an industry where burnout and depression are all too common, his willingness to speak about his struggles is helping break down stigmas.

He’s become an advocate for mental wellness in the music industry, encouraging other DJs and producers to:

• Set boundaries.

• Seek help when needed.

• Focus on longevity, not just fame.

In doing so, Armin has shifted from being just a superstar DJ to a mentor and role model.

Why Change Now, After 20 Years?

So why is Armin changing now, after two decades at the peak of his career? The answer is simple yet profound: because he finally realized that life is about more than success.

For years, he chased milestones — chart positions, ticket sales, industry awards — but found that each achievement left him briefly satisfied before he moved on to the next goal.

Now, he seeks something deeper:

• Peace of mind.

• Meaningful relationships.

• Authentic joy.

He doesn’t want to be remembered just as a world-famous DJ. He wants to be remembered as a good husband, a present father, and a happy human being.

The Reaction From the EDM Community

The EDM world has largely embraced Armin’s transformation. Fellow artists have applauded his vulnerability, and fans have supported his journey with messages of encouragement.

In an industry often defined by its party culture and hustle mentality, Armin’s story stands out as a reminder that even superstars are human.

Rather than fading away, his new approach has given his career fresh energy. Fans say his performances now feel more joyful, more connected, and more real.

Looking Ahead: Armin’s Next Chapter

As he enters this new chapter, Armin van Buuren shows no signs of quitting music. Instead, he is focused on creating from a place of passion, not pressure.

Fans can expect him to continue:

• Hosting A State of Trance, though perhaps with more guest hosts to give himself balance.

• Releasing music that reflects his evolving emotions and experiences.

• Touring selectively, prioritizing meaningful shows over endless schedules.

• Advocating for mental wellness in the creative community.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy Beyond the Music

Armin van Buuren’s decision to change after more than 20 years at the top isn’t about retiring or walking away from success. It’s about redefining what success means.

Where once it meant awards and recognition, now it means peace, gratitude, and love.

His journey is a powerful reminder to us all:

• That it’s never too late to change.

• That real happiness doesn’t come from external achievements.

• And that being present in your own life is the greatest success of all.

In the end, Armin van Buuren’s greatest remix isn’t a track — it’s his own life.