Armin van Buuren candidly: ‘Not every DJ understands the true meaning of the stage’

For over two decades, Armin van Buuren has been synonymous with trance music. From his iconic “A State of Trance” radio shows to his festival headlining sets, the Dutch DJ and producer has been one of the genre’s most influential figures. However, in recent years, Armin van Buuren’s evolving musical style has sparked intense debate among his fans, with some embracing his experimentation and others longing for his classic trance sound.

The debate came to a head recently after the release of his latest album and a string of performances that leaned heavily into commercial dance-pop, progressive house, and big-room influences. Critics accused him of “selling out,” while loyal fans defended his right to artistic growth.

Faced with this growing divide in his fanbase, Armin finally broke his silence, addressing the controversy in a candid interview and on his social media platforms.

Fans Slam Armin van Buuren for Abandoning His Trance Roots

The criticism has been mounting for several years. Long-time listeners of “A State of Trance” (ASOT) have noticed a gradual shift in Armin’s track selections, moving away from the uplifting, euphoric trance anthems of the early 2000s toward more mainstream and festival-friendly sounds.

When he dropped tracks like “Blah Blah Blah,” which became a global hit, some die-hard trance fans felt betrayed. The criticism intensified with collaborations featuring pop vocalists and dance-pop production that strayed far from his trance origins.

Social media became a battleground. On Reddit, Twitter, and trance forums, passionate fans argued whether Armin was evolving as an artist or abandoning the very essence that made him famous. Phrases like “trance is dead” and “Armin is no longer trance” trended among niche electronic music circles.

Armin van Buuren’s Calm Response to the Backlash

In a recent interview with Dutch media and on a heartfelt Instagram post, Armin van Buuren responded to his critics with his signature composure. He didn’t deny that his style has changed but offered a sincere explanation.

“I understand where the criticism is coming from,” Armin admitted. “Trance has always been my first love. But as an artist, I don’t want to limit myself to one genre. Music is about evolution, about expressing where you are in your life. Right now, I’m inspired by many different sounds, and I want to explore them.”

He emphasized that trance remains a core part of his DNA, citing his continued involvement in ASOT, which still showcases up-and-coming trance artists. “Just because I play other styles doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned trance. I still play it, promote it, and love it,” he clarified.

A Journey Through Genres: Armin’s Musical Experimentation

The debate surrounding Armin van Buuren highlights a broader conversation about artist evolution in the electronic music scene. Over the years, he has explored multiple genres, including:

• Big-room house: With festival anthems that resonate with mainstream audiences.

• Pop collaborations: Working with singers like Trevor Guthrie, James Newman, and Anne Gudrun on radio-friendly tracks.

• Progressive trance: Returning occasionally to deeper, layered productions reminiscent of his early work.

• Techno and melodic house: In side projects and special sets.

Fans who follow his complete discography — rather than just the singles on streaming charts — know that Armin has never confined himself to one sound, even during the height of his trance popularity.

Supporters Rally Behind Armin’s Artistic Freedom

Despite the criticism, Armin enjoys unwavering support from a large section of his fanbase. Many fans argue that an artist’s evolution is inevitable and necessary to avoid stagnation.

“He’s been doing this for 20+ years. People change, interests change. You can’t expect him to make the same music forever,” wrote one fan on Instagram.

Others pointed out that without experimentation, the music industry would be stagnant. “Armin’s music introduced me to trance, and now his new stuff gets my kids into dance music. That’s the beauty of evolution,” another fan commented.

These supporters celebrate Armin’s openness to new sounds, recognizing that his mainstream hits have brought new listeners to the world of electronic music, some of whom eventually explore deeper into the trance genre.

Industry Peers Defend Armin’s Evolution

It’s not just fans who’ve weighed in on the debate. Fellow DJs and producers have voiced their opinions, mostly in support of Armin’s choices.

Above & Beyond, the iconic trance trio, noted in an interview that evolution is part of longevity. “If you don’t grow creatively, you burn out,” said Jono Grant. “We all have to follow our inspiration, and sometimes that means surprising people.”

Even techno artist Charlotte de Witte defended Armin’s versatility, stating: “As long as it’s authentic to who you are, that’s all that matters.”

This consensus within the industry reflects a shared understanding: the pressures of the music world are intense, and balancing personal growth with fan expectations is one of the hardest acts for an artist.

A State of Trance: Still a Trance Stronghold

Despite the stylistic changes in his solo productions, “A State of Trance” remains one of the most important platforms for the genre. Each week, Armin introduces new trance releases, features rising talents, and hosts special trance-only episodes.

The annual ASOT Festival, held in cities like Utrecht and Miami, continues to attract tens of thousands of trance lovers, proving that Armin van Buuren’s commitment to trance culture is far from over.

During the ASOT 1000 celebration, Armin curated a special set filled exclusively with classic trance, thrilling fans who longed for his old-school sound. These moments showcase his ability to honor his roots while still pushing forward creatively.

Balancing Artistic Integrity and Commercial Success

It’s no secret that some of Armin’s biggest chart successes have come from his more mainstream endeavors. Tracks like “Blah Blah Blah”, “This Is What It Feels Like”, and “Great Spirit” have introduced him to audiences outside the trance community.

These songs, played at major festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival, generate revenue, visibility, and new listeners. While purists may lament the crossover appeal, from a business standpoint, it helps keep Armin at the top of the EDM world.

But Armin has always stressed that he makes music from passion first, not purely for commercial success. In his words: “If I only cared about the charts, I wouldn’t still be making trance tracks for the hardcore fans. I do both because both inspire me in different ways.”

What’s Next for Armin van Buuren?

Looking ahead, Armin van Buuren shows no signs of slowing down. He hinted at future projects that would span different genres, including a possible ambient album and a return to more underground trance sounds.

His summer tour schedule includes both mainstage festival appearances and more intimate club nights, where he plays extended trance-focused sets. This dual approach allows him to satisfy both sides of his artistic identity.

Armin is also investing in mentoring young trance producers, ensuring the genre’s future remains bright. Through his Armada Music label and ASOT platform, he’s giving new artists the stage that he himself once dreamed of.

Final Thoughts: An Artist’s Journey, Not a Destination

In the end, the fierce debate over Armin van Buuren’s changing style reflects the passion of his fans. It’s a testament to how much people care about the music he has made over the years.

But as Armin himself said: “Music is a journey. If I stayed in one place, I wouldn’t be true to myself.”

Artists evolve, genres morph, and the scene moves forward. What remains constant is Armin’s dedication to his craft and his fans — whether they’re listening to a thunderous trance anthem or a catchy pop hook.

Love it or hate it, Armin van Buuren’s evolution is part of what keeps electronic music alive and exciting. And in a world where many artists play it safe, his willingness to take risks deserves respect.