How was the global trance empire created from a Dutch boy?

In the heart of the Netherlands, known more for tulips and windmills than world-dominating music trends, a quiet revolution was taking place. A young boy from Leiden, fascinated by rhythms and melodies, was about to reshape the very foundation of electronic music. His name? Armin van Buuren. And from his childhood bedroom studio, he would go on to forge a global trance empire, becoming not only one of the most influential DJs in the world but also the man most responsible for mainstreaming trance music worldwide.

This is the story of how a Dutch boy with a passion for synthesizers and an obsession with melody went on to build a movement that still echoes through dance floors, festivals, and airwaves across the globe.

The Early Days: A Boy, a Computer, and a Dream

Born in 1976 in Leiden, Armin van Buuren was raised in a home where music played an integral role. His father, a musician himself, introduced Armin to the wonders of classical and pop, but it wasn’t until he discovered Jean-Michel Jarre and Ben Liebrand’s mixes on Dutch radio that his love affair with electronic music truly began.

By the age of 14, Armin had already started producing tracks on his Commodore Amiga 500. Armed with basic gear and endless curiosity, he began composing, experimenting, and dreaming of one day sharing his sound with the world.

What started as bedroom tinkering would soon evolve into something much larger — a musical vision that would change the face of trance.

Breakthrough with “Blue Fear”

While studying law at Leiden University, Armin released his first major hit: “Blue Fear” in 1997. A moody, melodic instrumental built on pulsating synths and hypnotic grooves, the track was an underground success across Europe and became a cult classic within the trance scene.

It was this release that proved a Dutch teenager could not only compete with the top producers in Germany and the UK — but also define his own signature uplifting sound.

“Blue Fear” was only the beginning. Armin’s combination of euphoric build-ups, ethereal atmospheres, and tight production would soon come to represent the gold standard in trance.

The Birth of A State of Trance

In 2001, Armin van Buuren launched a radio show with little fanfare. Called A State of Trance (ASOT), it was originally broadcast from a small Dutch station with a simple mission: to share the week’s best trance tracks with whoever would listen.

Fast-forward to today, and ASOT has become the most important radio show in the history of electronic music, with over 40 million weekly listeners across 90+ countries.

Each episode is more than just music — it’s a ritual. DJs premiere unreleased tracks, fans vote on “Tune of the Week,” and the entire trance community connects, no matter their location.

ASOT became the backbone of the trance movement, and Armin, its spiritual leader.

Albums, Anthems, and Awards

While radio brought his sound to the masses, Armin’s studio albums turned him into a chart-topping artist. From “76” to “Intense” and “Embrace”, his releases pushed the boundaries of trance by incorporating pop, progressive house, orchestral elements, and even rock.

Notable tracks like:

• “This Is What It Feels Like” (feat. Trevor Guthrie)

• “In and Out of Love” (feat. Sharon den Adel)

• “Shivers”

• “Burned with Desire”

• “Not Giving Up on Love” (with Sophie Ellis-Bextor)

became global anthems, racking up hundreds of millions of streams and even earning a Grammy nomination.

Armin has also been voted #1 DJ in the world a record five times by DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs — an unmatched achievement in the world of trance.

The Trance Empire Expands: ASOT Events and Festivals

Building on the success of his radio show, Armin launched A State of Trance events. These are not just concerts — they are full-scale festivals, drawing tens of thousands of fans from all corners of the globe.

From Utrecht to Miami, Mexico City to Sydney, ASOT 1000 became a global celebration, selling out arenas and even stadiums.

Each ASOT milestone is marked by custom visuals, exclusive setlists, and surprise guests, making them the pinnacle of trance live experiences.

Armin’s empire wasn’t just growing in terms of music. It was now a worldwide community of die-hard fans, known affectionately as “trance family,” bound by their love for a sound that inspires unity, emotion, and freedom.

Armin’s Philosophy: Spreading Positivity Through Sound

Ask Armin what trance means to him, and his answer is always the same: emotion.

Unlike other electronic subgenres, trance is rooted in feeling. Whether it’s joy, melancholy, nostalgia, or euphoria, Armin’s tracks aim to move people deeply, not just make them dance.

His sets are known for their emotional progression, taking audiences on a musical journey — from deep introspection to ecstatic release.

In interviews, he often states:

“Music should uplift. If one person leaves my show feeling better about life, then I’ve done my job.”

That philosophy is what makes his empire unique — it’s built on connection, not ego.

Staying Relevant in an Ever-Changing Industry

Despite the changing tides of EDM — with the rise of big room, techno, bass, and house — Armin has remained resolutely relevant. How?

1. Adaptation – Armin evolves without losing his identity. Whether experimenting with hip-hop influences or working with orchestras, he knows how to stay fresh.

2. Collaboration – From Above & Beyond to Hardwell, Vini Vici, and VanVelzen, Armin constantly works with artists across genres.

3. Innovation – His live shows incorporate cutting-edge visuals, 4D audio, and immersive stage design, elevating the trance experience.

4. Humility – Despite being a global star, Armin is known for his approachability and work ethic, always crediting his team and his fans for his success.

A Trance Empire Beyond Music

Armin’s influence extends well beyond music. He’s:

• An ambassador for the Dutch creative industry

• A UNICEF ambassador

• A speaker at international forums on creativity and technology

• A mentor to rising DJs and producers

He’s also written a memoir, launched his own merchandise line, and created masterclasses to share his knowledge with the next generation.

And yet, through all the accolades, Armin van Buuren still sees himself as that kid from Leiden — just with a bigger sound system.’

What’s Next for the Dutch Trance King?

As of 2025, Armin continues to push boundaries. With new tracks in the pipeline, an ASOT 1200 world tour planned, and rumors of a second orchestral tour, his empire shows no signs of slowing down.

There’s also growing interest in AI-generated trance, and Armin has expressed curiosity in collaborating with AI composers to explore hybrid creative models. He is always looking toward the future of sound.

Meanwhile, STMPD and Armada Music, co-founded by Armin, continue to expand, signing new talent and distributing the music of tomorrow.

Final Thoughts: The Dutch Boy Who Gave the World a Soundtrack

So, how was the global trance empire built from a Dutch boy?

It was built on passion, persistence, and an unrelenting belief in the power of melody to unite people. From bedroom beats to global broadcasts, from local clubs to the world’s biggest stages — Armin van Buuren has done it all, and still does it with grace and gratitude.

He didn’t just ride the trance wave. He created it — and then invited the whole world to ride it with him.