From Law Student to Trance Legend – Armin van Buuren Talks About His Life-Changing Turning Point

Changing Turning Point

In the world of electronic dance music, few figures are as iconic and universally respected as Armin van Buuren. With over two decades at the top of the industry, countless awards, and a devoted global fanbase, he’s a towering figure in trance music. But what many don’t know is that Armin’s career almost went down a very different path — one involving courtrooms, not concert halls.

At one point, Armin van Buuren was a full-time law student. The decision to pursue music over a conventional career wasn’t easy, nor was it instant. In a recent interview, Armin opened up about the life-changing turning point that led him to trade legal textbooks for synthesizers—and how that bold move shaped not just his destiny, but the future of trance itself.

The Early Years: Between Music and Academia

Born in Leiden, Netherlands, in 1976, Armin van Buuren showed an early passion for music. As a teenager, he was already experimenting with electronic sounds on his computer, inspired by pioneers like Jean-Michel Jarre and Ben Liebrand. Yet despite his musical curiosity, Armin’s academic side remained strong. His father encouraged a balanced life, one where Armin could explore his creativity but also prepare for a “real” career.

He went on to study law at Leiden University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands. At the time, Armin believed that becoming a lawyer would be his future. Still, his passion for music never faded. While attending university full-time, he would spend countless late nights producing tracks and DJing at local clubs.

“I’d be studying law during the day,” Armin recalls, “and producing music until 3 or 4 in the morning. It was exhausting, but I was addicted to both worlds.”

The First Breakthrough: “Blue Fear”

In 1997, while still a student, Armin released a track called “Blue Fear”. The instrumental trance single became a surprise hit in Europe and gained traction in underground clubs across the UK and beyond. For the first time, Armin saw that his music could become more than just a side hobby.

“‘Blue Fear’ was the first time I thought, ‘Maybe I can do this for a living,’” he said. “It was still a long shot, but it gave me hope.”

That track opened the door to remix offers, label attention, and DJ gigs outside the Netherlands. Yet despite this early success, Armin was still determined to finish his degree.

The Turning Point: A State of Trance

The real turning point came in 2001, when Armin launched his now-legendary weekly radio show, A State of Trance (ASOT). What started as a modest project quickly evolved into one of the most influential platforms in dance music history. Each episode featured the latest in trance and progressive music, handpicked and mixed by Armin himself. The show’s unique energy, consistency, and global fan interaction made it an instant hit.

Within a year, ASOT had gathered a massive international following. Suddenly, Armin was no longer just a promising DJ—he was becoming the face of a global movement. Still, he had one foot in two worlds. He finally graduated with a law degree in 2003, even as his music career was exploding.

“It was one of the hardest choices of my life,” he explained. “Do I take the safe route and become a lawyer—or follow my heart into the unknown world of music?”

The Leap of Faith

With his law degree in hand and a growing presence on the global trance scene, Armin made the decision that would change everything: he chose music.

“I realized that I would never forgive myself if I didn’t at least try,” Armin said. “I could always go back to law if things didn’t work out, but I couldn’t ignore what music was doing to my soul.”

That leap of faith turned out to be the defining moment of his career. By the mid-2000s, Armin had become one of the top DJs in the world. His debut album “76” and subsequent releases like “Shivers” and “Imagine” only solidified his status as a trance visionary.

Legacy of a Legend

Today, Armin van Buuren is more than just a DJ or producer. He’s a curator, mentor, and ambassador for dance music culture. His ASOT episodes have surpassed 1100 shows, attracting millions of listeners every week. He’s performed at every major music festival, from Tomorrowland to Ultra Music Festival, and holds the record for the most entries on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart by a solo artist.

But for all his accolades, Armin remains deeply reflective about the path he almost took.

“Sometimes I wonder what life would’ve been like if I stayed in law,” he admitted. “But then I see a crowd of 50,000 people dancing to a song I made, and I know I made the right choice.”

Staying Grounded Through Transformation

Despite experimenting with various genres in recent years—sometimes drawing criticism from trance purists—Armin never lost sight of his roots. He’s kept trance alive through ASOT, his GAIA side project, and his carefully curated festival sets.

“I’m not just a trance DJ. I’m a music lover. But trance will always be in my DNA,” he affirmed.

His journey from law school to festival stages serves as a powerful reminder that following one’s passion can lead to extraordinary success—even when it means taking a risky path.

Advice for Aspiring Creatives

For young artists torn between security and passion, Armin offers thoughtful advice.

“Don’t be reckless, but don’t ignore your heart. Sometimes, the scariest decisions are the ones that lead to the most beautiful destinations. Be prepared to work harder than you ever imagined, but also know that it’s worth it if you’re doing what you love.”

He also emphasizes the importance of balance. “Even though I didn’t become a lawyer, having that education gave me perspective. It’s okay to explore both worlds before making your choice.”

Conclusion: The Power of Choosing Passion

Armin van Buuren’s story is not just about fame or music. It’s about the courage to embrace uncertainty in pursuit of a dream. From university lecture halls to the decks of the biggest festivals in the world, his journey is proof that choosing passion over predictability can redefine a life—and inspire millions.

His life-changing turning point wasn’t marked by a sudden discovery or lottery-like luck. It was a calculated, brave decision made by someone who chose to believe in his talent. And in doing so, he didn’t just become a DJ—he became a trance legend.