A top DJ said he doesn’t like Armin’s music and doesn’t enjoy performing with him — all because of one single reason.

In a music industry known for collaboration, mutual respect, and cross-genre admiration, a recent statement from American dubstep icon Skrillex (Sonny Moore) shocked the global EDM community. During a behind-the-scenes interview on an upcoming documentary series about global DJs, Skrillex reportedly said, “Armin’s music isn’t really my thing, and honestly, I don’t enjoy sharing a stage with him.”

This comment ignited a firestorm of controversy across social media platforms, unearthing deeper questions about musical taste, artistic integrity, and generational differences in the electronic music scene. But to truly understand the gravity of Skrillex’s statement, we must first examine who Armin van Buuren is, what his music represents, and why such a public dismissal matters.

The Legacy of Armin van Buuren: Trance Royalty

Armin van Buuren is not just another name in electronic music; he is a pioneer. Hailing from the Netherlands, Armin has spent over two decades shaping and elevating the trance genre. From the inception of his iconic weekly radio show A State of Trance to headline performances at Tomorrowland, Ultra, and EDC, Armin has built an empire based on melodic storytelling, euphoric build-ups, and emotional release.

His Journey:

• 1995: Armin began releasing tracks while studying law at Leiden University.

• 2001: Launched A State of Trance radio show, which now reaches over 40 million listeners globally.

• 2005 – 2012: Frequently voted #1 DJ by DJ Mag, setting the bar for trance music worldwide.

• 2025: Released his 9th studio album, Breathe, an ambitious 51-track project.

Armin’s work ethic, passion for music, and unwavering connection with his fans have earned him reverence across generations. His performances are often described as spiritual experiences that unite massive crowds through uplifting soundscapes and intricate transitions.

The Sound of Armin: A Trance Odyssey

If Skrillex thrives on chaotic bass drops and dark energy, Armin floats on melodic waves and uplifting harmonics. His music is rooted in progressive trance, uplifting trance, and vocal trance. He is known for:

• Layered compositions that evoke emotion.

• Long-form storytelling within tracks.

• Collaborations with vocalists like Sharon den Adel, Trevor Guthrie, and recently, Jai Ryu.

• Genre experimentation: Though trance is his core, Armin has dabbled in house, big room, and even ambient music.

Armin’s Artistic Identity

Critics and fans alike describe Armin’s musical persona as:

• Empathetic: His music often mirrors human emotions.

• Elegant: Composition is key, with careful attention to musicality.

• Inclusive: He champions up-and-coming artists and diverse voices.

In contrast, Skrillex’s musical ethos leans toward rebellion, distortion, and genre fusion. While Armin crafts ethereal journeys, Skrillex demolishes boundaries. Could this creative dichotomy explain the clash?

Who Is Skrillex, and Why the Disdain?

Skrillex emerged in the early 2010s with a sound that shook the foundation of EDM. Fusing electro house with aggressive dubstep elements, he became the face of a new wave. Hits like Bangarang, Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, and First of the Year were staples for a younger, more chaotic EDM audience.

Skrillex is known for:

• Heavy basslines and glitchy soundscapes.

• Genre-bending productions (hip hop, punk rock, pop).

• Collaborations with Justin Bieber, Diplo, and Boys Noize.

In recent years, Skrillex has leaned into more experimental territory, working with artists like Fred again.. and Four Tet. While Armin remains grounded in melody, Skrillex seeks disruption.

So why did he criticize Armin?

Industry insiders speculate:

• Clashing performance styles: Armin follows structured sets; Skrillex improvises.

• Generational differences: Skrillex caters to Gen Z and younger millennials, while Armin’s core audience is older.

• Musical elitism: Skrillex might view trance as outdated or overly sentimental.

Fan Reactions: Civil War in the Rave Community

As expected, the backlash was swift. Trance fans defended Armin fiercely:

“Armin gave us the emotional core of EDM. Without him, half these festivals wouldn’t even exist!”

“You may not like trance, but disrespecting a legend? That’s low, Skrillex.”

Others agreed with Skrillex:

“Honestly, I find trance boring. Skrillex just said what a lot of us feel.”

“Different vibes. Let’s stop pretending everyone has to like everything.”

On Reddit, debates raged across r/EDM, r/trance, and r/EDMproduction. Memes, reaction videos, and YouTube commentary flooded in.

Interestingly, Armin himself remained silent on the matter—a move some interpreted as professional restraint, while others saw it as quiet disappointment.

Industry Perspectives: A Deeper Divide?

Several producers chimed in anonymously:

• A techno DJ remarked: “This shows how divided EDM is becoming. The big tent is splintering.”

• A trance label exec noted: “Trance was never about being trendy. It’s about longevity, which Armin embodies.”

Others suggested that Skrillex’s comment was a marketing ploy to stir attention before a tour announcement or album drop.

The Bigger Picture: Is Unity in EDM a Myth?

This incident exposes a growing fracture in the EDM world:

• Genre tribalism is rising. Fans and artists alike are aligning themselves more rigidly.

• Festival politics: With lineups becoming more diverse, clashes between styles are inevitable.

• Ego vs. art: As DJs become global brands, personal views impact public perception.

Armin’s message has always been one of connection, upliftment, and unity. In stark contrast, Skrillex has leaned into disruption, rebellion, and deconstruction of norms.

Imagining the Backstage Tension

Let’s step into a fictional but plausible scenario: Both artists are booked to headline a major European festival. A joint press event is arranged. Skrillex arrives late, avoids eye contact with Armin, and whispers to his manager about “switching set times.” Rumors spread. Armin, ever composed, proceeds with interviews, never once mentioning the tension.

Later that evening, backstage chatter intensifies as Skrillex demands the stage be rearranged to remove Armin’s signature visuals. The festival team declines. The tension becomes palpable.

By showtime, security ensures both DJs avoid crossing paths.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

Despite the drama, both artists will continue to thrive. Their audiences are loyal, their artistry undeniable. But the event does prompt introspection:

• Can artists with opposing visions still coexist peacefully?

• Do we, as fans, force artificial unity in a genre that thrives on individualism?

• Is it time to accept that electronic music isn’t one community, but many co-existing tribes?

Conclusion: Beyond the Sound, A Reflection of Identity

Skrillex and Armin van Buuren represent two poles of EDM:

• One grounded in emotion and structure.

• The other rooted in chaos and experimentation.

Their clash is not merely personal. It’s emblematic of a broader shift in electronic music culture. It forces us to ask:

“What do we want from our artists? Harmony or honesty?”

As fans, we may never see Armin and Skrillex perform side by side, but perhaps that’s okay. Great art often emerges from tension, not agreement. And in the end, the music speaks louder than words.

Let the beat go on.