“I don’t want to prove anything anymore” – Armin talks about his career after 25 years behind the mixing desk

After more than two decades at the forefront of electronic dance music, Armin van Buuren has nothing left to prove. And in 2025, that’s exactly how he wants it.

The Dutch trance icon, known for his legendary A State of Trance brand and marathon festival sets, has opened up in a rare and deeply personal interview reflecting on 25 years in the music industry. With the glow of Ibiza’s summer sun behind him and a residency at Ushuaïa in full swing, Armin delivered a powerful statement that left fans and critics alike thinking twice:

“I don’t want to prove anything anymore.”

These words mark a defining moment for an artist who has spent his life chasing perfection, juggling global fame with personal growth, and constantly pushing creative boundaries.

From Bedroom Producer to Global Trance Ambassador

Armin’s journey began humbly in his Leiden bedroom in the late 1990s. A law student by day and a producer by night, he was captivated by the emotional pull of trance music. What started with a few vinyl releases quickly snowballed into a global phenomenon.

By the early 2000s, Armin van Buuren was a household name in dance music. His early hits like “Communication” and “Blue Fear” cemented his place in the trance canon, and his weekly A State of Trance radio show became a sacred ritual for millions of listeners around the world.

The Weight of Being Number One

With success came expectations—and pressure. Armin was named DJ Mag’s No.1 DJ in the World five times, more than any other artist in history. He headlined festivals from Tomorrowland to Ultra, sold out stadiums, and released albums that topped both dance and mainstream charts.

But the high came at a cost.

In various interviews throughout the years, Armin has confessed that the pressure to stay on top became overwhelming. He found himself caught in a cycle of performance, production, and perfectionism—always chasing something more.

“For a long time, I felt like I had to be ‘the best’ all the time,” he admitted. “I had to be everywhere, say yes to everything, release hit after hit. But that’s not healthy. That’s not real.”

A Turning Point: The Pandemic and Self-Reflection

The global COVID-19 pandemic served as a major reset for many in the music industry, and Armin was no exception. When the world stopped touring, he was forced to slow down. That pause led to something unexpected: clarity.

“It was scary at first, but also liberating. I finally had time to ask myself, ‘What do I really want?’”

During the lockdowns, Armin spent more time with his family, focused on wellness, and took a long look at the kind of artist—and man—he wanted to be moving forward.

The conclusion was simple yet powerful: he didn’t need to prove anything to anyone anymore.

Evolving Sound, Evolving Mindset

In recent years, Armin’s music has noticeably evolved. While he still delivers trance bangers like “Lifting You Higher” and “Blah Blah Blah,” his recent albums and collaborations have embraced deeper, more melodic, and more emotional elements.

Projects like Balance and Feel Again reflected his inner state—less obsessed with big drops and more focused on human connection.

“I’m still passionate about trance, of course,” Armin said. “But I’m also curious. I want to explore. Music isn’t about fitting in a genre box anymore. It’s about expression.”

Fans have noticed and praised this shift. Rather than repeating past formulas, Armin is carving out space for new ideas, new collaborations, and most importantly, creative freedom.

Letting Go of the “Superstar DJ” Persona

Part of that freedom has also meant letting go of the superstar DJ persona. In his early years, Armin embodied the high-energy, non-stop touring life—private jets, nonstop festivals, red carpets.

But in 2025, he’s more interested in staying grounded.

“I don’t need to be on every flyer anymore. I don’t need to be at every party. I’d rather play fewer shows and make them count.”

His limited nine-date residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza is a perfect example of this new philosophy. Instead of grinding through an exhausting tour schedule, Armin has chosen to pour his heart into a few carefully curated shows—each one different, each one intentional.

This approach has also helped him reconnect with what drew him to music in the first place: the ability to make people feel something real.

Family, Wellness, and the Quiet Victories

Armin has often spoken about the importance of family and mental health, especially as he moves into the second half of his career.

In his 30s and 40s, it was all about the hustle. But now, as he nears 50, he’s learning to prioritize balance.

“I love what I do, but I also love being a dad. I love taking walks. I love being in the studio without a deadline.”

This slower pace has helped him stay inspired. Rather than chasing radio hits or festival anthems, Armin is now chasing meaningful moments—both on and off the stage.

He no longer defines success by chart positions. Success now looks like creating a song that touches someone’s soul, spending quality time with his kids, or playing a set where he loses himself in the music.

Advice to Younger DJs: “Don’t Burn Out Chasing Approval”

With 25 years behind the decks, Armin has become a mentor figure to a new generation of DJs and producers. And he doesn’t sugarcoat his advice.

“Don’t burn out chasing approval. Don’t build your identity around validation. Focus on your art and your well-being.”

He emphasizes that social media, while powerful, can distort reality and create dangerous cycles of comparison. Instead, he urges young artists to focus on sustainability—both in their careers and in their personal lives.

It’s a lesson he learned the hard way, and one he’s determined to pass on.

Looking Ahead: Legacy and Purpose

So what’s next for Armin van Buuren?

Not retirement. Not yet.

But he’s shifting gears. Instead of chasing trends or radio success, Armin is focused on legacy and purpose. He wants to continue mentoring young talent, exploring new sounds, and evolving his A State of Trance brand into a more immersive, multi-sensory experience.

“If I can spend the next 10 years helping others, inspiring new artists, and enjoying what I do without pressure, that’s success to me.”

He’s also teased the idea of scoring films or working on deeper studio projects that blend orchestration, ambient music, and even spoken word.

For Armin, the possibilities are endless—but only if they come from a place of authenticity.

The Message Behind the Music

More than anything, Armin van Buuren’s journey after 25 years is a reminder that longevity in music doesn’t come from fame, hype, or algorithms. It comes from heart, humility, and the courage to grow.

By declaring, “I don’t want to prove anything anymore,” Armin is giving himself—and his fans—permission to breathe. To enjoy the ride. To let go of expectation and simply experience the music.

Because in the end, that’s what dance music was always meant to be: a celebration of being present, alive, and human.