Balancing rhythm and time for the baby: Armin’s life offstage

For more than two decades, Armin van Buuren has ruled the global trance scene with unmatched energy, emotional melodies, and legendary performances. But behind the laser-lit stages and festival crowds lies a quieter, more intimate world—one where the Dutch DJ isn’t performing for thousands, but for two small faces waiting at home: his children. As Armin’s professional life continues to soar, so does his commitment to fatherhood. Balancing rhythm and time for the baby has become a personal mission for one of EDM’s busiest icons.

A Superstar DJ and a Devoted Father

Many fans know Armin van Buuren for his monumental sets at Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and his long-running radio show, A State of Trance (ASOT). But away from the spotlight, Armin is a deeply family-oriented man. He is married to Erika van Thiel and the couple share two children: a son named Remy and a daughter named Fenna.

“It’s the most humbling thing,” Armin once said in an interview. “You can have 50,000 people screaming your name, but the second you come home and change a diaper, none of that matters anymore.”

This grounding force of fatherhood has changed how Armin sees not just his schedule, but his entire purpose.

Finding Balance in a Hectic Career

Life as a world-renowned DJ isn’t exactly designed for stability. Tour dates span continents, studio hours stretch late into the night, and the pressure to constantly create is relentless. So how does Armin van Buuren maintain a connection with his family amid such chaos?

The answer lies in discipline—and perspective.

“I’ve had to become very conscious about my time,” he revealed. “I say no to more gigs now. I structure my weeks. I fly in and out quickly, or I bring my family with me when I can.”

Time management has become a skill as critical to Armin as beat-matching. He uses planners, digital calendars, and even family WhatsApp groups to stay connected on the road. But more importantly, he sets boundaries—something not always common in the music industry.

Studio Sessions with a Family Twist

While his studio in Amsterdam remains the creative heart of Armin’s productions, it has also adapted to his life as a father. Occasionally, you’ll find his children playing quietly in the corner while he’s tweaking a synth or testing a mix.

“They’ve grown up with music around them,” he says with a smile. “Fenna already has favorite songs. Remy will nod his head when something has a good drop.”

Instead of separating family life from music, Armin merges the two whenever possible. His kids are not just observers—they’re mini collaborators in spirit. He’s even joked about sampling their laughter for a future track.

When the Music Stops: Armin’s Daily Routine

Despite a career that thrives on unpredictability, Armin finds calm in a structured home routine. “The mornings are sacred,” he says. “That’s when I make breakfast, help get the kids ready, and enjoy being just ‘Dad.’”

Unlike the chaos of touring, home life offers a tempo of its own—slower, more deliberate, and deeply meaningful.

• Morning: School runs, breakfast together, quiet coffee moments.

• Daytime: Studio sessions, meetings, music planning.

• Evening: Family dinner, bath time, reading books to the kids.

It’s a rhythm Armin is deeply protective of. Even major releases are timed around family needs. “If the kids are sick, or there’s a school play, everything else waits,” he affirms.

Parenting in the Spotlight

Being a father in the public eye brings its own challenges. Paparazzi, fan encounters, and media scrutiny can easily infringe on privacy. Armin and Erika have made a deliberate choice to shield their children from the limelight as much as possible.

“I want them to have normal childhoods,” he explains. “They didn’t choose this life—I did.”

That doesn’t mean his kids are unaware of his fame. They’ve seen videos, attended age-appropriate shows, and know that “Daddy is a DJ.” But Armin never lets stardom overshadow his role as a parent.

A Message to Fellow Artists and Fathers

Armin is increasingly vocal about mental health, burnout, and the importance of presence. He often shares his insights in interviews, podcasts, and his own platforms, encouraging other artists to invest not only in their careers but also their emotional well-being and personal lives.

“Being there for your family is not weakness—it’s strength,” he said in an interview with Dutch media. “You don’t need to sacrifice everything to succeed.”

His message resonates far beyond the EDM world. In an industry often associated with excess and isolation, Armin represents a healthier, more mindful path.

The Influence of Parenthood on Armin’s Music

Fatherhood hasn’t just affected Armin’s schedule—it has inspired his sound. His more recent work reflects a deeper emotional range, with lyrics that speak to connection, growth, and vulnerability.

Songs like “For All Time”, “One More Time”, and “This Is What It Feels Like” explore themes of love, reflection, and nostalgia. Fans often comment on how his newer tracks feel more personal—and that’s no coincidence.

“There’s more of me in the music now,” Armin admits. “Not just the DJ, but the husband, the dad, the human being.”

Even his iconic radio show, A State of Trance, has begun to feature more reflective moments and heartfelt messages—connecting with listeners not just as ravers, but as people.

Bringing Gratitude to the Forefront

One of the most moving initiatives Armin has launched recently is his Gratitude Challenge—a social campaign encouraging fans to share what they’re thankful for. The project aligns with his personal journey into mindfulness and presence, both driven by his evolving role as a father.

“I wanted to start a conversation,” he says. “Music can lift people up, but gratitude grounds them. And being a dad taught me that.”

It’s yet another example of how Armin’s personal life is shaping his professional purpose—offering fans more than just a beat to dance to, but a message to live by.

The Future of Armin van Buuren: Family First

As 2025 unfolds, Armin van Buuren continues to headline global festivals, collaborate with rising stars, and drop new music regularly. But his priorities are clear. Family isn’t just part of his life—it’s the foundation of it.

“Success means nothing if you don’t have someone to share it with,” he says. “When I come home and get a hug from my daughter, or my son tells me about his day—that’s my real encore.”

For Armin, the true art is not just in crafting euphoric drops or electrifying crowds. It’s in balancing rhythm and time for the baby, finding harmony between his roles, and creating a life where love and music coexist.