Armin van Buuren Speaks Out After Ultra Miami: ‘I Want to Bring Trance Music Back to Its Golden Age’

In the world of electronic dance music (EDM), few names carry as much weight as Armin van Buuren. As one of the genre’s most celebrated figures, his contributions have spanned decades, influencing not only the sound but also the culture of trance music. Following a memorable performance at Ultra Miami 2025, van Buuren shared his thoughts on his future and his mission to bring trance music back to its golden age. The performance, which marked a historic moment in the EDM community, was not only a milestone for van Buuren but also for the entire trance genre.

Armin van Buuren’s Legacy in the Trance Scene

Armin van Buuren is widely regarded as one of the pioneering figures of the trance music scene. From his early days in the late 1990s to his reign as the undisputed leader of the genre, his impact has been immense. Van Buuren’s weekly radio show, A State of Trance (ASOT), has become a global institution, consistently showcasing the best trance tracks and introducing new talent to the scene. His productions, such as Shivers and This Is What It Feels Like, have become anthems within the trance community and are played in clubs and festivals around the world.

Over the years, Armin has garnered numerous accolades, including being named the World’s No. 1 DJ by DJ Mag a record five times. However, despite his success, he has never stopped pushing the boundaries of his craft. His desire to evolve as an artist and to bring something fresh to the trance genre has kept his music relevant in an ever-changing landscape of EDM.

But despite the continued success, Armin has noticed a shift in the EDM world. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift away from traditional trance toward more commercially viable subgenres like progressive house and big room house. This trend, while part of the natural evolution of music, has left Armin with a sense of urgency and responsibility to protect the essence of trance.

Ultra Miami 2025: A Defining Moment in the EDM World

Ultra Miami 2025 proved to be a defining moment for both Armin van Buuren and the entire trance music community. The iconic festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of EDM fans from across the globe, is often the setting for some of the most groundbreaking performances in the genre. For Armin, his set at Ultra Miami was more than just another show; it was a statement of intent. The night was electric, with van Buuren delivering an unforgettable performance that showcased the evolution of trance music.

What made this set particularly special was the surprise collaboration with fellow EDM legend Martin Garrix. The two giants of the scene joined forces to perform Sleepless Nights, a track that blends Garrix’s energetic, festival-ready style with Armin’s signature trance sound. The performance was an emotional moment for both artists and fans, representing the fusion of two generations of EDM legends. The track’s release and the performance at Ultra Miami symbolized a bridging of the past and future of dance music, giving fans a taste of what the future of trance could hold.

Following the performance, Armin van Buuren took to social media to express his gratitude toward Garrix, thanking him for the opportunity to collaborate. In his statement, he revealed his deeper thoughts on the direction of trance music and his mission to reignite its golden age.

Armin’s Vision for the Future of Trance

In the wake of his landmark performance, Armin van Buuren spoke candidly about his vision for the future of trance music. He explained that, while he is incredibly proud of the progress the genre has made over the years, he believes that trance has lost some of its soul in the pursuit of mainstream success. As the genre has grown, many of its defining characteristics – such as melodic richness, uplifting energy, and emotional depth – have been diluted in favor of more accessible sounds that appeal to larger audiences.

“Trance music has always been about emotion,” Armin explained. “It’s about connecting with the audience on a deeper level, not just through the beats but through the melodies and the energy that comes with it. When I perform, I want to make people feel something. It’s not just about the drops; it’s about the journey. I want to bring that back.”

To achieve this, Armin has been working on new music that combines the best of both worlds – the emotional depth of traditional trance and the cutting-edge sound design of modern EDM. He has hinted at several upcoming projects, including collaborations with younger artists who share his passion for the genre’s roots.

“I want to work with the next generation of trance producers,” Armin continued. “There is so much talent out there, and together, we can take the genre to new heights while still staying true to what makes trance so special.”

The Challenges of Bringing Trance Back to Its Golden Age

Armin van Buuren’s vision for the future of trance music is ambitious, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the main hurdles he faces is the shifting landscape of the music industry. As trends evolve, mainstream tastes often move away from genres that are seen as less commercially viable. Trance, once at the forefront of the global dance music scene, has had to compete with other subgenres like house and techno, which have gained more widespread attention.

Despite this, Armin remains hopeful that trance can reclaim its place at the top of the EDM hierarchy. “Music always comes in cycles,” he says. “We’ve seen genres rise and fall in popularity, but at the end of the day, it’s the music that speaks for itself. Trance has a timeless quality, and I believe it will always have a place in the hearts of fans.”