“Not Always a Party” – Armin van Buuren Reveals the Lesser-Known Side of Being a DJ

To the outside world, being a world-famous DJ like Armin van Buuren might seem like a non-stop party — flashing lights, adoring fans, glamorous venues, and the pulse of euphoric music. But according to Armin himself, life as a global DJ is not always what it seems.

In a candid interview, the Dutch trance icon lifted the veil on what he calls the “other side” of DJ life — a side filled with mental fatigue, extreme pressure, and lonely hotel rooms, far away from the screaming crowds and confetti drops.

“People think it’s always fun, always a party,” Armin said. “But they don’t see the jet lag, the missed birthdays, or the emotional toll that comes with being away for weeks.”

The Toll of Touring: More Exhausting Than It Looks

While the crowd dances until sunrise, Armin van Buuren is already calculating the time he has to rest before catching a 6 a.m. flight to another country. The glamorous tour schedules we see on Instagram don’t reveal the physical and emotional exhaustion artists often endure.

Armin has performed in over 130 countries, averaging more than 120 shows per year at his peak. That kind of routine may sound thrilling, but it’s also punishing.

“You’re in São Paulo one night and Ibiza the next,” Armin explained. “Your body never knows what time it is. And sometimes, you’re just numb.”

The cumulative effect of jet lag, irregular meals, little sleep, and high-adrenaline performances takes a toll even on the fittest minds and bodies.

Mental Health Matters in the DJ World

Armin is one of the few artists willing to speak openly about mental health in the electronic music industry — an issue that’s slowly receiving the attention it deserves.

“There have been moments where I felt completely lost — like I was just going through the motions,” he admitted. “You get off stage from playing to 40,000 people, and then you’re alone in a hotel room, wondering what it all means.”

That emotional rollercoaster is something many artists experience but rarely talk about. For Armin, the key to maintaining balance has been awareness and self-care.

He now makes time for meditation, journaling, and rest days, even during busy tour stretches. It’s part of what he calls his “mental gym” — as important as any physical workout.

Missing Milestones: The Sacrifices of Stardom

For Armin, one of the hardest parts of DJ life is missing out on moments that matter most. Birthdays, anniversaries, school performances — the little things that ground us — often happen without him there.

“I’ve missed a lot,” he said softly. “My wife and kids have been incredibly supportive, but there’s a price you pay.”

He credits his family for helping him stay centered and grounded despite the whirlwind that surrounds his career. Regular video calls and extended breaks at home are now part of his strategy to stay connected.

Perfectionism and Pressure: Always Delivering the “Experience”

When you’re Armin van Buuren, the expectations are sky-high. Every show must deliver magic. Every mix must be flawless. Every production must outdo the last. That’s a lot of pressure — and Armin admits that the weight of perfectionism can be crushing.

“I’m my own worst critic. Even after a great show, I’ll replay every mistake in my head,” he said.

He’s learned, over time, to balance ambition with compassion. “I still want to push myself, but I’ve stopped beating myself up for being human.”

This evolution in mindset has allowed him to reconnect with the joy of music, rather than getting trapped in an endless cycle of self-judgment.

The Importance of Routine in Chaos

With so much unpredictability, Armin relies heavily on daily routines to stay stable. Whether it’s hitting the gym in the morning, doing a 10-minute breathing exercise, or prepping his ASOT radio show from a mobile studio, discipline keeps him grounded.

“I used to think routine was boring,” Armin smiled. “Now I realize it’s what keeps me sane.”

He also credits his team and crew, many of whom have been with him for over a decade, for creating consistency amid chaos. “We’ve been through it all together. That loyalty means everything.”

DJing Isn’t Just Performance — It’s Management, Branding, and Strategy

Beyond the decks, Armin is also a businessman. He runs Armada Music, manages ASOT’s global events, handles brand partnerships, and stays active across multiple platforms.

“People don’t see the endless meetings, emails, content planning. It’s not just about pressing play.”

The workload is massive. And while he loves the creative side, Armin has had to learn boundaries and delegate more in recent years.

“I used to want to control everything,” he laughed. “Now I let others help — and that’s been freeing.”

A Deeper Purpose: Why He Keeps Going

So why, after all the fatigue, sacrifice, and pressure, does Armin van Buuren still do it?

The answer is simple: purpose.

“When I see a fan crying in the front row, when someone tells me my music got them through hard times — that’s why I do this,” he said, his voice cracking slightly.

For Armin, music is not just entertainment. It’s healing, connection, and transcendence. It’s a universal language that brings people together — and knowing that his work makes a difference gives him the strength to keep going.

Inspiring the Next Generation with Honesty

More than ever, Armin wants to be transparent with young artists entering the scene. He believes honesty is essential to creating a healthier industry culture.

“It’s not my job to scare them. But I want them to know the full picture,” he said. “This life is beautiful — but it’s also tough. And that’s okay.”

By sharing his struggles, Armin hopes to encourage rising DJs to prioritize balance, wellness, and authenticity, rather than just chasing fame.

Conclusion: A Party Worth Reflecting On

Yes, Armin van Buuren’s life is extraordinary. He has headlined the biggest festivals in the world, released countless hits, and built a legacy few can rival. But he’s also human — tired, emotional, and sometimes overwhelmed.

His story reminds us that beneath the strobes and confetti, the world of DJing is complex, demanding, and deeply human.

So the next time you see Armin lighting up the main stage, remember: it’s not always a party. But it is always a calling — one that he continues to answer with humility, passion, and heart.