Armin van Buuren’s boldest collaboration yet: what it feels like when so many superstars and legends come together on one album

Not content with simply delivering a three-part sonic journey—spanning the melodic calm of On The Beach, the high-energy pulse of In The Club, and the underground intensity of Who’s Afraid of 138?!—Armin van Buuren elevates his “A State of Trance Ibiza” album further through a series of dynamic collaborations with some of the most prominent names in electronic music. From global EDM superstar Martin Garrix, to underground techno force Indira Paganotto, and trance veteran Ferry Corsten, these partnerships inject new energy, broaden the album’s stylistic range, and reflect the evolving landscape of the genre itself.

Each of these artists brings a distinct identity to the project—reflecting the genre’s elasticity, its intergenerational appeal, and Armin’s talent as a curator, not just a producer.

Martin Garrix x Armin van Buuren – When Trance Meets Gen Z EDM

In one of the most high-profile collaborations of the year, Armin van Buuren teams up with Martin Garrix, the Dutch wunderkind who skyrocketed to global fame with hits like “Animals” and “Scared to Be Lonely.” While their fan bases traditionally orbit different corners of the electronic music universe—Garrix in big room EDM and future bass, Armin in melodic and progressive trance—this joint track represents a meeting point between generations.

The result is a production that seamlessly blends Garrix’s festival-sized energy with Armin’s refined sense of melodic progression. The drop is massive, the vocals are soaring, but the arrangement remains trance-rooted, revealing Armin’s influence beneath the surface. This isn’t Armin “going EDM”—it’s Garrix stepping into trance territory, and doing so with respect.

Why does this matter? Because it’s a statement collaboration. In pairing with one of Gen Z’s most influential EDM figures, Armin demonstrates that trance is not a legacy genre—it’s still evolving, still inspiring, and still drawing attention from the next generation of electronic artists.

From a strategic standpoint, the collaboration opens new doors: it brings younger listeners into the A State of Trance ecosystem, introduces trance to fans who may never have explored it before, and creates a cultural bridge between two generations of Dutch electronic excellence.

Indira Paganotto x Armin van Buuren – The Underground Rises

At the opposite end of the mainstream spectrum is Indira Paganotto, a fast-rising name in the underground techno and trance revival. Known for her high-intensity DJ sets, genre-bending productions, and affiliation with underground tastemakers like Charlotte de Witte, Indira brings a darker, rawer energy to the table.

Her collaboration with Armin on the album is a standout not just musically, but culturally. It feels like a passing of the torch—but sideways, not downward. Rather than the established scene embracing the underground, this is the underground infiltrating the mainstream, on its own terms.

The track itself sits comfortably in the Who’s Afraid of 138?! zone—fast, hypnotic, with traces of psytrance, acid techno, and breakbeats. It’s a testament to Armin’s willingness to adapt and open his platform to voices pushing the boundaries of what trance can be.

Why is this important? Because for trance to remain relevant, it can’t just stay where it’s comfortable. By collaborating with Indira, Armin not only acknowledges the underground renaissance of high-BPM dance music, but also gives it space on the global stage. This is how scenes cross-pollinate—through genuine collaboration, not appropriation.

And it’s also how trance maintains its cutting-edge appeal. The genre was born from experimentation. Collaborations like this ensure it continues to evolve rather than fossilize.

Ferry Corsten x Armin van Buuren – A Legacy Reaffirmed

No exploration of Armin van Buuren’s collaborations would be complete without mentioning his longtime creative partner and fellow Dutch trance legend, Ferry Corsten. Their collaboration on the Ibiza album is not merely nostalgic—it’s relevant, refined, and deeply rooted in the history of trance.

Ferry, known for iconic aliases like System F and Gouryella, has always been at the forefront of melodic and emotional trance, crafting anthems that shaped the sound of the early 2000s. His synergy with Armin is decades in the making, but it remains as potent today as it was during their early co-productions.

Their latest joint track on the album is a masterclass in melodic storytelling. It doesn’t chase trends—it reminds listeners why they fell in love with trance in the first place. It’s layered, immersive, and confidently paced, showcasing the timeless quality of well-produced trance.

This collaboration matters because it grounds the album. In a project that explores fresh sounds and emerging voices, Armin and Ferry’s contribution acts as a point of continuity. It assures longtime fans that while the genre may be evolving, its core values—emotion, melody, unity—remain intact.

Moreover, this partnership reaffirms the Dutch dominance in trance music—a tradition that began in clubs and festivals in the early 2000s and still reverberates globally.

A Curated Tapestry of Sound and Influence

Taken together, these three collaborations represent more than just exciting musical pairings. They’re a curated tapestry—a deliberate blending of:

• Mainstream and underground

• Legacy and youth

• Structure and experimentation

Through Martin Garrix, Armin embraces the energy of the present and future.
Through Indira Paganotto, he connects with the raw pulse of the underground.
Through Ferry Corsten, he honors the roots and emotional DNA of trance.

This kind of curatorial approach is what has always set Armin apart—not just as a DJ, but as a storyteller, community builder, and genre ambassador. While some artists focus solely on sound, Armin focuses on context, always asking: What does this moment mean for trance? For the listener? For the legacy we’re building?

Conclusion: Collaboration as a Compass for the Future of Trance

The “A State of Trance Ibiza” album is more than just a celebration of a night out—it’s a snapshot of where trance is, and where it’s heading. Through these collaborations with Martin Garrix, Indira Paganotto, and Ferry Corsten, Armin van Buuren maps out the genre’s expanding universe.

He shows that trance isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, morphing, and reaching audiences far beyond its original borders. Whether it’s reaching Gen Z through big room crossovers, building bridges to the techno underground, or revisiting foundational sounds with old friends, Armin’s approach is holistic and visionary.

This is why he remains not just a DJ, but a cultural architect in electronic music. His Ibiza album doesn’t just ask “What will people dance to?” It asks: “What will they remember? What will they feel? Who will they become because of it?”

And in that, Armin van Buuren continues to define not just the sound of trance—but its soul.