Everyone goes through it but nobody talks about it. Expect it from everyone, in most men, 99.99% of them, this will happen in very late 30s or 40s (good luck everyone ;p ) so anyone young will still say they are fine, as we all did, we just didn’t know it yet. :) I am happy Armin doesn’t drink, I also stopped months ago, such a different life.
It was surprisingly powerful to hear someone like Armin talk about his battle with depression, seeking external validation, etc. Thanks for making this conversation happen.
First time I saw Armin spin was at Club Insomnia in D.C. Spring 2003, with the DJ booth on the floor, and Armin going out into the crowd during one of his encores! A very nice guy to meet in person, who has personally signed some of the CD's I had of his (and still have them!). During a pre-party at Cafe Asia in D.C., he kneeled down to take a picture with me, same age but considerably shorter! When I joked about the height difference, his response was very sincere, saying "we are all equal here". Truly grateful for all of those memories. I am sorry to hear about his mental health struggles, but it is very heartening to hear the work he's been doing for himself on himself.
In germany where I come from, I was bullied for playing trance music. I landed gigs in Tokyo where I made everyone dance with my sets. I was starting a career until covid hit. My depression was sky high as everything fell apart. I even ruined myself opportunities that I had with Rodg and Ruben de Ronde. I was too focused on the bad side of the industry instead of simply not care about. It was an ego thing. I was proud to do amazing things myself others didnt do who faked it, which I messed up myself. Now that AI came out and kinda shuts everyone up, I found some peace. AI shows us who we really are. My talents can be replaced, but my personality cant. So I work everyday to improve myself.
we are under attack my friend but your peace and your connection to the source, your essence is the real magic where parts into the material if you like. F them by getting that link to the organic light! they hate trance and everything uplifting the spirit for this reason. We just need to make it enjoy it and play it. Is that easy, good luck!
You should watch the you tube documentary about Armin called Mr Perfect. This opens the world to the intimate Armin and his history and experiences. He's an amazing human being . Incidentally Mr Perfect was the name that his close friends gave Armin because he was a perfectionist and wanted the best for everyone around him . Defo worth a watch.
This is the best thing I heard from him in such a long time. It's not his music this time, it's him! He's always had this amazing gift and we were able to hear it on his sets for all of the 2000s. In my experience I noticed it slip in the 2010s and then I stopped listening as much after 2018. He's right to say it sounded like people pleasing because unfortunately I felt I wasn't hearing his genuine sets. There is a true difference between what was 1999-2009 trance and then what is today which is more like big room edm trance. I couldn't listen to it anymore and I felt horrible stopping that be cause I remember the 2018 Washington DC gig he did and it's one I will never forget. When he pulled 4 strings out, I screamed! However I'm so glad he did this interview because it brings that genuine self out and positively shares a fragility and sin that we all face at some time. For him to bring that to surface just makes me want to bro hug him and say you were always loved and welcome back... When do we start this new journey together? I will listen again now because of this, but I have a request... Please bring back classic style trance. I miss those summer balaric trance sounds and I miss the years of the mirage album. Craig Connelly was doing well with it but overall it's missing and it needs a good push of both excluding pop edm and big room and forcibly bringing back the classic trance style. That genre may survive but nothing compares to that calming romanticism of classic trance.
I can resonate so much with this comment. To me I stopped listening after Intense, it just got a little bit too mainstream. The essence of trance was gone. From ALL top DJs. They were chasing that EDM craze imo. Trance is that electronic meets classical music, mixed in with some intergalacticness on other types of trance songs, and all across the trance scene that sound was gone. He always said dont be a prisoner of your own sound, but he went completely off trance. I cant believe trance is getting that feeling back again. Maybe not with the classical music so much as the braveheart type themes mixed in. I hope to continue to hear that old sound and always hope it goes back to something as deep as the piano and especially the violin and some synthyness for those types of songs.
Nothing wrong with having those insecurities and having those feelings, and definitely nothing wrong with going on that journey and trying to find back to yourself and what you truly care about! Nice to see him open up and be a flawed and deeply human individual. I hope he gets to keep his peace, can't have been easy to have such a successful life doing that stuff... live never stops racing at 600 km/h.
At the end of the day "you" are the only real Manager of your life. I understand deeply the difficulty of saying "no" and giving yourself permission to put yourself first. Clinical depression taught me that. As a fan, I love your music and how it makes me feel. Your music was a big part of my journey to finding myself again. For this I say thank you, thank you, thank you! My message to you is that if you are happy, then the quality comes out in the music naturally. Quality over quantity is healthier. It sounds like you have found your equilibrium. Thank you for sharing your journey! God bless.
What a great podcast. Being full time musician for many years, faced burnout and all the stuff once. Found a way to deal with that and go on. Thanks for sharing your stories guys!
Will, I‘m just about half through the podcast and I cannot express how I’m enjoying it! I’m a huge Armin fan since 2007 and I’ve always hoped to hear him on podcast talking ok a deeper level as he really is a solid and very intelligent person. Thank you so much for doing this episode!
Bryan Kearney was doing this a bit during the pandemic, but I'm so glad that djs are having these conversations. It's important not just for the fans, but for all of you as well. I'm subscribing to hear more. So great to hear from the big man himself, can't wait to hear all the other interviews as well. Proud of you Armin for choosing yourself and your family.
One of the best Videos/Podcast with Armin, it's amazing to see how much wisdom he really has and learned in his life. Thanks for publishing, this one is gold
True story Miami Beach 1998/99 Armin comes in to South Beach. And trance was just starting to come into its own , but it was always popular on south Beach in the after hours. Super excited to see him.I'm thinking this is gonna be a jampac event... And if there were 50 people in there..... Was the most. I mean , we were within arms distance of him. But he kept it up and I always stuck in my mind of his professionalism. He is an OG of the dance music and the King of Trance!!❤🎉 And now all these years later I still love Trance. 🎉
One of the best sets I ever saw was Armin at cameo in 2008, he spun an 8 hour set, I left at 7 am and he was still on, started at midnight. Saw tiesto at space in 1999 spin a midnight -noon set, left around 830/9 am. First went to ultra when it was on south beach (21st and Collins) before it moved to bicentennial then bayfront. Zen fest, UFO, smaller raves etc. Have seen the scene from its infancy to the Edm boom to the current state. Trance was my first love, still is, I am a huge fan of the move toward melodic techno/progressive house. Not 2016 progressive house, 2003 progressive house which was higher bpm techno, not pots and pans substanceless bore. What tale of us and the afterlife label has brought to the scene is beyond refreshing. Agents of time are absolutely incredible. Camelphat. Miss Monique Artbat I swore to scene off in 2003, got pulled back in 2006ish. Hard rock started having talent that never graced Miami such as Judge Jules. Mansion, Cameo etc kept me in the cycle for my preferred DJs. The edm boom and my hookups all over Miami had me going to 3 shows a week from 2010-2014 with 2012-2013 being nonstop. Having attended festivals all over the US, and a few outside. Ultra is one of the worst ran festivals, solidified with one thing in mind: Money. (Not comfort, not safety, not anything redeeming) EDC Orlando has done a better job at growing and expanding through the entire city then the staple festival of the scene has done in Miami. After 2013 when ultra lost 13+ million because of the 2 weekends, the festival has been stale/stagnate and trash. EDC vegas is the best electronic festival in America and nothing comes close. However tomorroworld 2013 was the best American festival I’ve ever attended, let me rephrase that; the best festival in America that I ever attended being that this was Tomorrowland behind it. Edc Puerto Rico was of the best times I had as well. Edc Orlando for the most part has great weather, and the production level is also great, logistically sound if you know the area. Tomorrowland is bucket list still, and planning on 2026, as next year due to conditions out of my control, Ultra Peru is going to be attended, Ultra Europe/Croatia is also a major vibe/good time vs our hometown fest. With all of that being said, Anyma at the sphere is going to be the penultimate event for me, as I am 40 years old, be 41 in a week. I thoroughly believe this will ruin most events in the future outside of some underground events or my favorite artists performing in obscure places. Armin is still the goat, knows how to pick talent, knows how to guide a set through crowd response, when he wants to show who’s boss, he does, I have seen him play some pretty offsetting main stage sets but that’s expected as it’s the main stage. But when he comes to crush an asot set, there’s not much better. This is an incredible interview and wish people understood the the things he is saying and things hes talking about when it comes to the scene, the status, the future and past.
9:24 Armin I work with your music all the time every time I hear it, I can't stop my physical body from channeling...and what I feel is It comes straight from the heart and the rest does itself. I've heard many beautiful experiences on your radio show. You are much appreciated in this world and beyond much love to you and your family 💗
I just love the man even now. I’m 53 year old man and not ashamed to say it . He brings such happiness to me and my 8 old daughter with his music. I was lucky enough to meet him at Ushuaia last year and hopefully again this year. What a human being he is. 💙
Armin has given me so much energy in life, saved me so many times. I live for that energy - Thank you Armin so much for your contribution to my life and the World
I was fascinated to hear his responses about his changes over the past few years. I was talking with my wife within the last week about his sets and music and I said "man, Armin has changed, he's so much better. It's like he just stopped caring about what people were saying that was holding him back, and now he's just on fire lately." I have seen a huge improvement in his quality of music and in his sets (man I wish I could attend one live). Due to the stress of my work (I do IT in a high stress environment) I ended up having a huge heath set back last year, and I've slowly started to realize how right Armin is when he says you have to take care of yourself and you have to learn to do things for you. I really need to get better at meditation, and hearing him describe how much it helped him, I will definitely be trying harder. The rest of the world will take everything from you, and if you let them, then you will have nothing left to continue to give back in a positive way to this world. Therefore, it is not protecting you, it is protecting the world from themselves. Keep up the incredible work Armin, you have been an inspiration for a good part of my life, and your music of late has really resonated with me on a spiritual level. Thank you! And Will, awesome interview! Well done!
I enjoyed listening to each of your personal stories. Being vulnerable and open, as if this conversation is just between you two, is very refreshing and will no doubt serve others since we are all on a path, seeking what makes us happy and what makes us ourselves. These are fundamental questions and I appreciate you two are being honest about life. Good luck with the new routines and may you always find inner balance.
Bringing these tough and personal topics from the person of this caliber... wow, very important for me and resonates a lot with my mid-age questions to self! Thanks for that, Will
thanks for this, I have so much respect to you both guys. And Armin you deserve all your success in your life,because you such a humble person! thanks for this WILL
Armin has been my favorite dj producer since I was little and he’s been such an inspiration for me and hearing this side of him is so comforting thanks a ton! 🙌🏽
Applaud his honesty, I'm sure it will benefit many. I am the same way, seeking external validation, really cool to hear him talk about his experiences and growth.
3.5 hour set at the Brooklyn Mirage was GODLIKE. My favorite show of the year so far and I don't think anyone is gonna top it lol. Did not expect the bangers he dropped that day. Truly a club set that I wish got recorded
WOW! please a part 2! Thank you Will and Armin for this talk, Armin your music fuels me, but not just that, you yourself, the way you are about life, inspires me to bettering myself, Armin nonstop reassures me of the privilege i have this year to see him at Tomorrowland Brasil, for the first time. PS: Your guided meditation at Insight Timer is a gem, i still go back to it from time to time. Cheers Armin and Clarke, keep up the good work!
After having one of my most recent tracks supported by Armin on ASOT & seeing him as Armin Van Buuren this guy on a pedestal, it's cool seeing this side of him.
I've shared this with my ex. Who opened my eyes to Armin. I love his music. I'm hoping he listens to this and gets help with his own mental health after Armin talked so openly about his struggles.
Incredible interview, especially impactful stuff around the 35 minute marking and onward. Will, I'd love to see you have trance vocalists on your show. So many of them have gone through such incredible journeys that you could really bring light to. Topics I'd love to see you cover: -Why trance DJs disappear from the scene, create a new alias and don't even let their fanbase know they've moved on -Vocalists, and their experiences being featured artists, navigating the music industry, etc. -Disbanded DJ duos and groups: Myon & Shane 54, Dash Berlin... so many more.
What an AMAZING episode! Long time fan of Armin, it's so nice to hear him talking for so long, but also getting so open and personal and vulnerable. Thank you so much for this incredible conversation!
Wow, I am so impressed by Armin, but also you, Will, being so immensely open about what is driving but also hurting you. It needs a lot of courage to talk about these things. Thanks a million for sharing this. It shows that you are human and very much down to earth. Last year, at the ADE workshop, I was already impressed by what Armin told about his personal live, but this goes a lot further. Lot's of respect for sharing this and making us seriously aware of the pros and cons of this job!! 🙏🙏🙏
@@socialsounds7172 Don't listen to that guy. He's trying to trick you into thinking you have a bad taste by listening to Armin. He already tried fooling me twice. He's also jealous and has a personal agenda against him. Don't worry. The true fans know Armin will bring the golden Trance back. His upcoming track with Natalie Gioia is a good example.
@@JoshFoster-l7t Because you're making up false stories to smear his career and image, even though you know they are not true. And unlike the generic and conventional artists you listen to, he still is a succesful artist who hasn't lost his artistical integrity. Next to that, you try to come across as superior by telling his fans he is bad, even though he still releases good music. If you weren't jealous of him, you would respect him for who he is and let him do whatever he wants without complaining about him and to his fans.
Security that understands the atmosphere, and feels approachable when needed with or without requests, makes or breaks events for me. Artists, their team and the audience should always thank them when possible 🙏
Great interview and I love him addressing metal illness and depression.. life on the road is very lonely, people are away from their families, and the lack of sleep and proper food etc is so unhealthy ... being a successful DJ can indeed include self care, it really should become a part of being a DJs way of life (I know promoters won't love it ahahahaha) especially if considering long term careers ...
"I wish everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.” Jim Carrey. No amount of riches can compensate for an inner feeling of poverty.
Armin made tough questions to himself, right now Im starting to go be a dj on small venues, and while making strategies to grow up, everyone says be on social media, post engagement content, increase views, etc. And very soon I ask myself do I really want others to approve my content, to seek others approval? I think that no, but then how to grow up?
Woooow! This interview is amazing! Thank you Armin for sharing all this personal experience. I relate so much to all your words. You are truly a leader and a inspiration for so many of us.
It is a very dangerous thing to say "no' as well. There are soooo many DJ's emerging and they all do something similar. Armin Van Buuren is still a brand but for how long especially when Armin keeps saying 'no'?
You always hear the nerdness Armin has just Like the Jedimaster Ben Liebrand His teacher, and his biggest influencer. but without the autism Ben has (altho... ;) ).
I am glad I am not the only who thinks he must surely hate what he plays though compared to what he used to play. It's sad how crap he has become compared to what he used to be in the past.
@@JoshFoster-l7t Well said. Why can't he play old trance like The Thrillseekers or PvD? Because of the one reason and one reason only: money. Sad really...
@@adeck79 Yup exactly he is putting his family's future ahead of his own personal feelings. Sadly, I am trying to convince the person below wolterzz3267 he thinks what Armin plays and makes is trance it's just a fusion of it apparently lol and because of that I am not a music lover. If you want to check out proper trance check out omformer - 10,000 Ohm or check out tracks by mikkel-rev they are more psychedelic trance
@@adeck79 You're just deluded and don't understand music. The guy doesn't do 'cheap dance shit'. He produces and plays quality music and most of it is still great Trance. Next to that, he doesn't care about making money. He cares about making music. He literally says it in the interview. Besides, his first collab with Oliver Heldens exactly sounds like how old Acid Trance sounded like. It could've been easily released on Tracid Traxx.
@@wolterzz3267 you must be deaf or thick. Or both, probably... Try to compare his "trance" from 2024 to his trance from 2004. Trance died around 2008-2010, kid.
How did you manage to get an interview wit him? I wish he would make more like what he did with his older tracks both trance and house. The current edm is not of the same quality and finesse just like his older tracks of back when he was playing house, techno and proper trance now he is just a copy cat of david guetta and steve aioki. EDIT: Ah right you are signed with Armada that makes sense.
@@JoshFoster-l7t This is what I mean. You're not a true music lover. You don't appreciate it enough to applaud the artists who have a big impact on music. Armin van Buuren is what Bach would have been if he was born in this century. He is to the DJ's what Hans Zimmer is to soundtrack composers. The best of his craft. And he is unique. As are Steve Aoki and David Guetta. All three of them have their own signature sound.
@@wolterzz3267 Dude! I have over 800 vinyl releases and 30 Terabytes which I spent $350,000 over the past 30 years I've listened to music and also spent music production gears and synths as well across various genres and plus 200 cds collection so don't say I am not a 'true music lover' once again that's based on your views/opinions not on fact. Get real the world doesn't revolve around you. I don't blindly follow an artist just because they produce garbage like Armin has been producing to appeal to the masses.
@@JoshFoster-l7t If you really are a true music lover, you wouldn't look at what kind of genre a song is or to a specific time period in which a song is released. Everything has something to appreciate, as proven by the fans who listen to it. The fact you don't think like that is the main reason why you aren't a true music lover, no matter how hard you try to deny it. I don't blindly follow a specific artist either, but Armin isn't an artist who produces 'garbage' to 'appeal the masses'. He is an artist who has been honest about thinking out of the box and wanting to explore other styles of music because he likes those styles in particular. He isn't interested in making more money or gaining a bigger fanbase. He is only interested in making music, because that's his biggest passion and the main reason he became a DJ in the first place. That's called creativity, not 'appealing to the masses'. And I can know, since I have been following him since I was a kid and I still listen to him. Because he still makes great music, no matter what genre it is and because he is still original.
@@wolterzz3267 Dude, things are given specific names and labels for a reason-it’s about giving identity and purpose to something, just like how you have a name. Without names and labels, there would be no way to distinguish or understand the value and meaning behind things. It’s not about limiting creativity but about recognizing and appreciating what makes something unique.
@@wolterzz3267 Sophie Ellis-Bextor - "Not Giving Up on Love" (2010) Nadia Ali - "Feels So Good" (2011) Steve Aioki and David Guetta he has collaborated with as well. Trevor Guthrie - "This Is What It Feels Like" (2013) Ron Jeremy (YES the porn star appeared as a cameo in his music video Blah Blah and these are all of the other artists too he is going after the commercial crowd. Laura V - "Drowning" (2011) Adam Young (Owl City) - "Youtopia" (2011) Gavin DeGraw - "Looking for Your Name" (2015) Kensington - "Heading Up High" (2015) Conrad Sewell - "Sex, Love & Water" (2018) Josh Cumbee - "Sunny Days" (2017) James Newman - "Therapy" (2018) Ne-Yo - "Unlove You" (2019) Sam Martin - "Wild Wild Son" (2018) David Hodges - "Waking Up With You" (2019) Rudimental - "Something Real" (2020) Luke Bond & KARRA - "Revolution" (2020) Brennan Heart - "All On Me" (2020) Jake Reese - "Need You Now" (2020) MaWayy - "White Lies" (2020) RBVLN - "Weight Of The World" (2021) Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano - "You Are" (2018) hristian Burns - "This Light Between Us" (2010) Cindy Alma - "Beautiful Life" (2013) Miri Ben-Ari - "Intense" (2013) Mr. Probz - "Another You" (2015) Rock Mafia - "Hands to Heaven" (2016) Angel Taylor - "Make It Right" (2016) Olaf Blackwood - "I Need You" (2017) Conor Maynard - "Hold On" (2020) Inner City - "It Could Be" (2021) Susana - "Shivers" (2005) (While this is slightly over 15 years, it's a significant collaboration worth mentioning.) Ellie Goulding - "Be Your Sound" (with Cosmic Gate) (2011) Jan Vayne - "Serenity" (2005) BT - "These Silent Hearts" (2010) Above & Beyond - "Show Me Love" (2019) Markus Schulz - "The Expedition" (A State of Trance 600 Anthem) (2013) Paul Oakenfold - "Love We Lost" (with R3HAB) (2022) Garibay - "Phone Down" (2019)
No, you just don't have a good musical ear. Armin van Buuren only releases good music. His music from 2012 and onward is just as good his 1999-2011 music, if not better. Armin is a modern version of Johann Sebastian Bach. Someone like that doesn't make bad music. Next to that, you should be glad he talks about the dark side of success as a DJ.
@@junkies1111 I take that as a yes. But just to inform you: you are only a kid until you're 10 years of age. Until the age of 18, you're a teenager. After that, you're a grown man. I've passed that stadium years ago, so I'm not a kid anymore. And it also doesn't make me one because I'm being objective about Armin's music still being good.
„I have two kids who deserve a dad to be home.“
So obvious, but so necessary to say those words in todays world. A truly good man Armin is.
I have a new found respect for Armin Van Buuren. Spiritual awakening, I would have never expceted that.
Everyone goes through it but nobody talks about it. Expect it from everyone, in most men, 99.99% of them, this will happen in very late 30s or 40s (good luck everyone ;p ) so anyone young will still say they are fine, as we all did, we just didn’t know it yet. :) I am happy Armin doesn’t drink, I also stopped months ago, such a different life.
It was surprisingly powerful to hear someone like Armin talk about his battle with depression, seeking external validation, etc. Thanks for making this conversation happen.
First time I saw Armin spin was at Club Insomnia in D.C. Spring 2003, with the DJ booth on the floor, and Armin going out into the crowd during one of his encores! A very nice guy to meet in person, who has personally signed some of the CD's I had of his (and still have them!). During a pre-party at Cafe Asia in D.C., he kneeled down to take a picture with me, same age but considerably shorter! When I joked about the height difference, his response was very sincere, saying "we are all equal here". Truly grateful for all of those memories. I am sorry to hear about his mental health struggles, but it is very heartening to hear the work he's been doing for himself on himself.
In germany where I come from, I was bullied for playing trance music. I landed gigs in Tokyo where I made everyone dance with my sets. I was starting a career until covid hit. My depression was sky high as everything fell apart. I even ruined myself opportunities that I had with Rodg and Ruben de Ronde. I was too focused on the bad side of the industry instead of simply not care about. It was an ego thing. I was proud to do amazing things myself others didnt do who faked it, which I messed up myself. Now that AI came out and kinda shuts everyone up, I found some peace. AI shows us who we really are. My talents can be replaced, but my personality cant. So I work everyday to improve myself.
Best of luck with your career mate
I know that feeling 😕
we are under attack my friend but your peace and your connection to the source, your essence is the real magic where parts into the material if you like. F them by getting that link to the organic light! they hate trance and everything uplifting the spirit for this reason. We just need to make it enjoy it and play it. Is that easy, good luck!
You should watch the you tube documentary about Armin called Mr Perfect. This opens the world to the intimate Armin and his history and experiences. He's an amazing human being . Incidentally Mr Perfect was the name that his close friends gave Armin because he was a perfectionist and wanted the best for everyone around him . Defo worth a watch.
This is the best thing I heard from him in such a long time. It's not his music this time, it's him! He's always had this amazing gift and we were able to hear it on his sets for all of the 2000s. In my experience I noticed it slip in the 2010s and then I stopped listening as much after 2018. He's right to say it sounded like people pleasing because unfortunately I felt I wasn't hearing his genuine sets. There is a true difference between what was 1999-2009 trance and then what is today which is more like big room edm trance. I couldn't listen to it anymore and I felt horrible stopping that be cause I remember the 2018 Washington DC gig he did and it's one I will never forget. When he pulled 4 strings out, I screamed!
However I'm so glad he did this interview because it brings that genuine self out and positively shares a fragility and sin that we all face at some time. For him to bring that to surface just makes me want to bro hug him and say you were always loved and welcome back... When do we start this new journey together? I will listen again now because of this, but I have a request... Please bring back classic style trance. I miss those summer balaric trance sounds and I miss the years of the mirage album. Craig Connelly was doing well with it but overall it's missing and it needs a good push of both excluding pop edm and big room and forcibly bringing back the classic trance style. That genre may survive but nothing compares to that calming romanticism of classic trance.
I can resonate so much with this comment. To me I stopped listening after Intense, it just got a little bit too mainstream. The essence of trance was gone. From ALL top DJs. They were chasing that EDM craze imo. Trance is that electronic meets classical music, mixed in with some intergalacticness on other types of trance songs, and all across the trance scene that sound was gone. He always said dont be a prisoner of your own sound, but he went completely off trance. I cant believe trance is getting that feeling back again. Maybe not with the classical music so much as the braveheart type themes mixed in. I hope to continue to hear that old sound and always hope it goes back to something as deep as the piano and especially the violin and some synthyness for those types of songs.
So much love for Armin and being open
Nothing wrong with having those insecurities and having those feelings, and definitely nothing wrong with going on that journey and trying to find back to yourself and what you truly care about! Nice to see him open up and be a flawed and deeply human individual. I hope he gets to keep his peace, can't have been easy to have such a successful life doing that stuff... live never stops racing at 600 km/h.
At the end of the day "you" are the only real Manager of your life. I understand deeply the difficulty of saying "no" and giving yourself permission to put yourself first. Clinical depression taught me that.
As a fan, I love your music and how it makes me feel. Your music was a big part of my journey to finding myself again. For this I say thank you, thank you, thank you!
My message to you is that if you are happy, then the quality comes out in the music naturally. Quality over quantity is healthier.
It sounds like you have found your equilibrium. Thank you for sharing your journey! God bless.
It's great to get to know Armin more, in particular on this topic of meditation.
What a great podcast. Being full time musician for many years, faced burnout and all the stuff once. Found a way to deal with that and go on. Thanks for sharing your stories guys!
Will, I‘m just about half through the podcast and I cannot express how I’m enjoying it! I’m a huge Armin fan since 2007 and I’ve always hoped to hear him on podcast talking ok a deeper level as he really is a solid and very intelligent person.
Thank you so much for doing this episode!
Bryan Kearney was doing this a bit during the pandemic, but I'm so glad that djs are having these conversations. It's important not just for the fans, but for all of you as well. I'm subscribing to hear more.
So great to hear from the big man himself, can't wait to hear all the other interviews as well.
Proud of you Armin for choosing yourself and your family.
One of the best Videos/Podcast with Armin, it's amazing to see how much wisdom he really has and learned in his life.
Thanks for publishing, this one is gold
True story Miami Beach 1998/99 Armin comes in to South Beach. And trance was just starting to come into its own , but it was always popular on south Beach in the after hours. Super excited to see him.I'm thinking this is gonna be a jampac event... And if there were 50 people in there.....
Was the most. I mean , we were within arms distance of him. But he kept it up and I always stuck in my mind of his professionalism. He is an OG of the dance music and the King of Trance!!❤🎉 And now all these years later I still love Trance. 🎉
One of the best sets I ever saw was Armin at cameo in 2008, he spun an 8 hour set, I left at 7 am and he was still on, started at midnight.
Saw tiesto at space in 1999 spin a midnight -noon set, left around 830/9 am.
First went to ultra when it was on south beach (21st and Collins) before it moved to bicentennial then bayfront.
Zen fest, UFO, smaller raves etc.
Have seen the scene from its infancy to the Edm boom to the current state.
Trance was my first love, still is, I am a huge fan of the move toward melodic techno/progressive house. Not 2016 progressive house, 2003 progressive house which was higher bpm techno, not pots and pans substanceless bore.
What tale of us and the afterlife label has brought to the scene is beyond refreshing.
Agents of time are absolutely incredible.
Camelphat.
Miss Monique
Artbat
I swore to scene off in 2003, got pulled back in 2006ish. Hard rock started having talent that never graced Miami such as Judge Jules.
Mansion, Cameo etc kept me in the cycle for my preferred DJs.
The edm boom and my hookups all over Miami had me going to 3 shows a week from 2010-2014 with 2012-2013 being nonstop.
Having attended festivals all over the US, and a few outside.
Ultra is one of the worst ran festivals, solidified with one thing in mind: Money. (Not comfort, not safety, not anything redeeming)
EDC Orlando has done a better job at growing and expanding through the entire city then the staple festival of the scene has done in Miami. After 2013 when ultra lost 13+ million because of the 2 weekends, the festival has been stale/stagnate and trash.
EDC vegas is the best electronic festival in America and nothing comes close.
However tomorroworld 2013 was the best American festival I’ve ever attended, let me rephrase that; the best festival in America that I ever attended being that this was Tomorrowland behind it.
Edc Puerto Rico was of the best times I had as well. Edc Orlando for the most part has great weather, and the production level is also great, logistically sound if you know the area.
Tomorrowland is bucket list still, and planning on 2026, as next year due to conditions out of my control, Ultra Peru is going to be attended, Ultra Europe/Croatia is also a major vibe/good time vs our hometown fest.
With all of that being said, Anyma at the sphere is going to be the penultimate event for me, as I am 40 years old, be 41 in a week. I thoroughly believe this will ruin most events in the future outside of some underground events or my favorite artists performing in obscure places.
Armin is still the goat, knows how to pick talent, knows how to guide a set through crowd response, when he wants to show who’s boss, he does, I have seen him play some pretty offsetting main stage sets but that’s expected as it’s the main stage. But when he comes to crush an asot set, there’s not much better.
This is an incredible interview and wish people understood the the things he is saying and things hes talking about when it comes to the scene, the status, the future and past.
9:24 Armin I work with your music all the time every time I hear it, I can't stop my physical body from channeling...and what I feel is It comes straight from the heart and the rest does itself. I've heard many beautiful experiences on your radio show. You are much appreciated in this world and beyond much love to you and your family 💗
I just love the man even now. I’m 53 year old man and not ashamed to say it . He brings such happiness to me and my 8 old daughter with his music. I was lucky enough to meet him at Ushuaia last year and hopefully again this year. What a human being he is. 💙
Armin has given me so much energy in life, saved me so many times. I live for that energy - Thank you Armin so much for your contribution to my life and the World
Thank you for this interview! I love more Armin now. All the best!
I was fascinated to hear his responses about his changes over the past few years. I was talking with my wife within the last week about his sets and music and I said "man, Armin has changed, he's so much better. It's like he just stopped caring about what people were saying that was holding him back, and now he's just on fire lately." I have seen a huge improvement in his quality of music and in his sets (man I wish I could attend one live).
Due to the stress of my work (I do IT in a high stress environment) I ended up having a huge heath set back last year, and I've slowly started to realize how right Armin is when he says you have to take care of yourself and you have to learn to do things for you. I really need to get better at meditation, and hearing him describe how much it helped him, I will definitely be trying harder. The rest of the world will take everything from you, and if you let them, then you will have nothing left to continue to give back in a positive way to this world. Therefore, it is not protecting you, it is protecting the world from themselves.
Keep up the incredible work Armin, you have been an inspiration for a good part of my life, and your music of late has really resonated with me on a spiritual level. Thank you! And Will, awesome interview! Well done!
Thanks for sharing the story, Armin. Big respect for being vulnerable in front of us
I enjoyed listening to each of your personal stories. Being vulnerable and open, as if this conversation is just between you two, is very refreshing and will no doubt serve others since we are all on a path, seeking what makes us happy and what makes us ourselves. These are fundamental questions and I appreciate you two are being honest about life. Good luck with the new routines and may you always find inner balance.
I love this. Thank you both.
Bringing these tough and personal topics from the person of this caliber... wow, very important for me and resonates a lot with my mid-age questions to self! Thanks for that, Will
I have so much love and respect for Armin ! Amazing podcast 🤍
I really and honestly enjoyed this podcast. Thank you both.
Amazing. New follower gained! 🙌🏻 Thank you so much for your Podcast!
thanks for this, I have so much respect to you both guys. And Armin you deserve all your success in your life,because you such a humble person! thanks for this WILL
Armin has been my favorite dj producer since I was little and he’s been such an inspiration for me and hearing this side of him is so comforting thanks a ton! 🙌🏽
Applaud his honesty, I'm sure it will benefit many. I am the same way, seeking external validation, really cool to hear him talk about his experiences and growth.
Great job guys. Really enjoying this podcast. Big fan of both of your art.
3.5 hour set at the Brooklyn Mirage was GODLIKE. My favorite show of the year so far and I don't think anyone is gonna top it lol. Did not expect the bangers he dropped that day. Truly a club set that I wish got recorded
Great stuff! Thanks Will and Armin. This could very well save me!
WOW! please a part 2! Thank you Will and Armin for this talk, Armin your music fuels me, but not just that, you yourself, the way you are about life, inspires me to bettering myself, Armin nonstop reassures me of the privilege i have this year to see him at Tomorrowland Brasil, for the first time.
PS: Your guided meditation at Insight Timer is a gem, i still go back to it from time to time.
Cheers Armin and Clarke, keep up the good work!
Interviews get to let you know so much and what they go through❤❤❤❤❤
I'm a Vegas local, when I saw AVB at the Omnia, its one of my favorite sets ever in Vegas ❤
After having one of my most recent tracks supported by Armin on ASOT & seeing him as Armin Van Buuren this guy on a pedestal, it's cool seeing this side of him.
Just listened to it. Such a banger, man. Looking forward to hear more from you.
@@wolterzz3267 Thank you glad you like it!
@@AOAOffical No problem, man. Keep up the good work.
Great interview and what a grounding look into Armin's life and mindset! So much respect, for the both of you!
Great stuff here. Thank you Will and Armin.
I've shared this with my ex. Who opened my eyes to Armin. I love his music. I'm hoping he listens to this and gets help with his own mental health after Armin talked so openly about his struggles.
Spiritual awakening.. Now I understand why I am following your music for about 20 years ❤ thank you, profound respect for you as a person
Armin, what a legend!
Another amazing episode! Probably the best conversation I’ve heard with Armin. Just pure and raw 👏
amazing interview!!
Incredible interview, especially impactful stuff around the 35 minute marking and onward. Will, I'd love to see you have trance vocalists on your show. So many of them have gone through such incredible journeys that you could really bring light to. Topics I'd love to see you cover:
-Why trance DJs disappear from the scene, create a new alias and don't even let their fanbase know they've moved on
-Vocalists, and their experiences being featured artists, navigating the music industry, etc.
-Disbanded DJ duos and groups: Myon & Shane 54, Dash Berlin... so many more.
What an AMAZING episode! Long time fan of Armin, it's so nice to hear him talking for so long, but also getting so open and personal and vulnerable. Thank you so much for this incredible conversation!
Appreciate your honesty Armin, thank you for doing this interview.
Great talk! It is one of the most intimate interview I heard from Armin .
Big respect!!!
If the door team dance you’re smashing it. Simple Dj fact.
Wow, I am so impressed by Armin, but also you, Will, being so immensely open about what is driving but also hurting you.
It needs a lot of courage to talk about these things.
Thanks a million for sharing this. It shows that you are human and very much down to earth.
Last year, at the ADE workshop, I was already impressed by what Armin told about his personal live, but this goes a lot further.
Lot's of respect for sharing this and making us seriously aware of the pros and cons of this job!!
🙏🙏🙏
i love this podcast. count on a guy with 11K subs to produce the greatest interview with best DJ in the world. thank you for your service sir!
Thank you, I don't know the hidden stories about Armin's mental health and the pressure from the external world. Great interview Will.
Amazing honest conversation 👏🏻
Truly such an inspiration. Armin is the BEST. ❤
Exactly! A good DJ plays the right track at the right time.
Really enjoyed that chat, thanks for posting..
Loved it❤️❤️❤️🫶🏻
Wow this interview is deeply impactful for me right now
Incredible episode. I cannot believe this type of wisdom and information is given free of charge. Thank you so much, Will and Armin. ❤❤
Good on you brother Armin … Bring the golden Trance back
Not going to happen dude he is chasing money nowadays and getting cheap fans with his lazy productions with David Guetta
@@socialsounds7172 Don't listen to that guy. He's trying to trick you into thinking you have a bad taste by listening to Armin. He already tried fooling me twice. He's also jealous and has a personal agenda against him.
Don't worry. The true fans know Armin will bring the golden Trance back. His upcoming track with Natalie Gioia is a good example.
@@JoshFoster-l7t You just proved again that you hate his guts and you're jealous of him.
@@wolterzz3267 No!, I am NOT jealous of him I am not even a DJ so why would I be jealous of him in a good or bad way?
@@JoshFoster-l7t Because you're making up false stories to smear his career and image, even though you know they are not true. And unlike the generic and conventional artists you listen to, he still is a succesful artist who hasn't lost his artistical integrity. Next to that, you try to come across as superior by telling his fans he is bad, even though he still releases good music.
If you weren't jealous of him, you would respect him for who he is and let him do whatever he wants without complaining about him and to his fans.
One of the best podcasts. Now i feel where the good music comes from. Just a good human likes i feld whene i came to asot show. ❤
Odd to see this has not received more views. Great interview bro 🤘
Brilliant!
Meditation is a super power that is available to everyone.
Security that understands the atmosphere, and feels approachable when needed with or without requests, makes or breaks events for me. Artists, their team and the audience should always thank them when possible 🙏
epic interview lol
Great interview and I love him addressing metal illness and depression.. life on the road is very lonely, people are away from their families, and the lack of sleep and proper food etc is so unhealthy ... being a successful DJ can indeed include self care, it really should become a part of being a DJs way of life (I know promoters won't love it ahahahaha) especially if considering long term careers ...
Thank you
"I wish everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.” Jim Carrey.
No amount of riches can compensate for an inner feeling of poverty.
buuren🎉🎉🎉
In̈tresting
Armin The Best DJ and person ❤❤❤
lol
Terry Black's BBQ ftw 😁 (it's on the cup)
Armin made tough questions to himself, right now Im starting to go be a dj on small venues, and while making strategies to grow up, everyone says be on social media, post engagement content, increase views, etc. And very soon I ask myself do I really want others to approve my content, to seek others approval? I think that no, but then how to grow up?
so it was armin all the time! (COVID) LOL
how could your find the fun , without the love 4 an artist
Tuesday/Thursday to 1 I promise Love ❤
please invite ATB next 🙏
very interesting, thanks! any tips for homemade producer like my how to be played anywhere?😂
When do sleep. ? I definitely want only Armin / or the there’s
For me its :finding the fun factor
Woooow! This interview is amazing! Thank you Armin for sharing all this personal experience. I relate so much to all your words. You are truly a leader and a inspiration for so many of us.
Podcasts in their most fundamental form are just radio talk-shows on demand.
Pretty sure it’s important for everyone’s career.
@59:55 8 people carrying my usb stick :D
Will: "I normally just play my own music or my mates music in my sets"
Armin: 😒😒😒😒😒
It is a very dangerous thing to say "no' as well. There are soooo many DJ's emerging and they all do something similar. Armin Van Buuren is still a brand but for how long especially when Armin keeps saying 'no'?
Don’t let anyone define you 😆
"Armin discussed the challenges of being a support act for big names like Calvin Harris " Lool, who is Calvin Harris?
You always hear the nerdness Armin has just Like the Jedimaster Ben Liebrand His teacher, and his biggest influencer. but without the autism Ben has (altho... ;) ).
I remember tomorrowland,he must to stop the show, his wife was getting child
x marks the spot sucks
He cannot be mentally healthy while playing this cheap dance shit...
He used to play/produce great trance but that was ages ago.
I am glad I am not the only who thinks he must surely hate what he plays though compared to what he used to play. It's sad how crap he has become compared to what he used to be in the past.
@@JoshFoster-l7t Well said. Why can't he play old trance like The Thrillseekers or PvD? Because of the one reason and one reason only: money. Sad really...
@@adeck79 Yup exactly he is putting his family's future ahead of his own personal feelings. Sadly, I am trying to convince the person below wolterzz3267 he thinks what Armin plays and makes is trance it's just a fusion of it apparently lol and because of that I am not a music lover. If you want to check out proper trance check out omformer - 10,000 Ohm or check out tracks by mikkel-rev they are more psychedelic trance
@@adeck79 You're just deluded and don't understand music.
The guy doesn't do 'cheap dance shit'. He produces and plays quality music and most of it is still great Trance.
Next to that, he doesn't care about making money. He cares about making music. He literally says it in the interview.
Besides, his first collab with Oliver Heldens exactly sounds like how old Acid Trance sounded like. It could've been easily released on Tracid Traxx.
@@wolterzz3267 you must be deaf or thick. Or both, probably... Try to compare his "trance" from 2024 to his trance from 2004. Trance died around 2008-2010, kid.
How did you manage to get an interview wit him? I wish he would make more like what he did with his older tracks both trance and house. The current edm is not of the same quality and finesse just like his older tracks of back when he was playing house, techno and proper trance now he is just a copy cat of david guetta and steve aioki. EDIT: Ah right you are signed with Armada that makes sense.
@@JoshFoster-l7t This is what I mean. You're not a true music lover. You don't appreciate it enough to applaud the artists who have a big impact on music.
Armin van Buuren is what Bach would have been if he was born in this century. He is to the DJ's what Hans Zimmer is to soundtrack composers. The best of his craft.
And he is unique. As are Steve Aoki and David Guetta. All three of them have their own signature sound.
@@wolterzz3267 Dude! I have over 800 vinyl releases and 30 Terabytes which I spent $350,000 over the past 30 years I've listened to music and also spent music production gears and synths as well across various genres and plus 200 cds collection so don't say I am not a 'true music lover' once again that's based on your views/opinions not on fact. Get real the world doesn't revolve around you. I don't blindly follow an artist just because they produce garbage like Armin has been producing to appeal to the masses.
@@JoshFoster-l7t If you really are a true music lover, you wouldn't look at what kind of genre a song is or to a specific time period in which a song is released. Everything has something to appreciate, as proven by the fans who listen to it. The fact you don't think like that is the main reason why you aren't a true music lover, no matter how hard you try to deny it.
I don't blindly follow a specific artist either, but Armin isn't an artist who produces 'garbage' to 'appeal the masses'. He is an artist who has been honest about thinking out of the box and wanting to explore other styles of music because he likes those styles in particular. He isn't interested in making more money or gaining a bigger fanbase. He is only interested in making music, because that's his biggest passion and the main reason he became a DJ in the first place. That's called creativity, not 'appealing to the masses'. And I can know, since I have been following him since I was a kid and I still listen to him. Because he still makes great music, no matter what genre it is and because he is still original.
@@wolterzz3267 Dude, things are given specific names and labels for a reason-it’s about giving identity and purpose to something, just like how you have a name. Without names and labels, there would be no way to distinguish or understand the value and meaning behind things. It’s not about limiting creativity but about recognizing and appreciating what makes something unique.
@@wolterzz3267 Sophie Ellis-Bextor - "Not Giving Up on Love" (2010)
Nadia Ali - "Feels So Good" (2011) Steve Aioki and David Guetta he has collaborated with as well.
Trevor Guthrie - "This Is What It Feels Like" (2013)
Ron Jeremy (YES the porn star appeared as a cameo in his music video Blah Blah and these are all of the other artists too he is going after the commercial crowd.
Laura V - "Drowning" (2011)
Adam Young (Owl City) - "Youtopia" (2011)
Gavin DeGraw - "Looking for Your Name" (2015)
Kensington - "Heading Up High" (2015)
Conrad Sewell - "Sex, Love & Water" (2018)
Josh Cumbee - "Sunny Days" (2017)
James Newman - "Therapy" (2018)
Ne-Yo - "Unlove You" (2019)
Sam Martin - "Wild Wild Son" (2018)
David Hodges - "Waking Up With You" (2019)
Rudimental - "Something Real" (2020)
Luke Bond & KARRA - "Revolution" (2020)
Brennan Heart - "All On Me" (2020)
Jake Reese - "Need You Now" (2020)
MaWayy - "White Lies" (2020)
RBVLN - "Weight Of The World" (2021)
Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano - "You Are" (2018)
hristian Burns - "This Light Between Us" (2010)
Cindy Alma - "Beautiful Life" (2013)
Miri Ben-Ari - "Intense" (2013)
Mr. Probz - "Another You" (2015)
Rock Mafia - "Hands to Heaven" (2016)
Angel Taylor - "Make It Right" (2016)
Olaf Blackwood - "I Need You" (2017)
Conor Maynard - "Hold On" (2020)
Inner City - "It Could Be" (2021)
Susana - "Shivers" (2005) (While this is slightly over 15 years, it's a significant collaboration worth mentioning.)
Ellie Goulding - "Be Your Sound" (with Cosmic Gate) (2011)
Jan Vayne - "Serenity" (2005)
BT - "These Silent Hearts" (2010)
Above & Beyond - "Show Me Love" (2019)
Markus Schulz - "The Expedition" (A State of Trance 600 Anthem) (2013)
Paul Oakenfold - "Love We Lost" (with R3HAB) (2022)
Garibay - "Phone Down" (2019)
The bald guy just won’t let Armin talk ffs
Yep...seems like he was seeking validation from armin. Seemed a bit desperate and cringey from the interviewer.
it was house because it was made at a home studio, not because it was the bpm and features of the house genre.
Hes done hair transplant hasn't he
yes, and good for him it looks great.
Can not confirm, seems Will has still no hairs on his head.
AVB 1999-2011 was the best. Since 2012 till now his music and set has been garbage. Everyone has their opinion lol
No, you just don't have a good musical ear.
Armin van Buuren only releases good music. His music from 2012 and onward is just as good his 1999-2011 music, if not better. Armin is a modern version of Johann Sebastian Bach. Someone like that doesn't make bad music.
Next to that, you should be glad he talks about the dark side of success as a DJ.
@@wolterzz3267 lmao ok kid...
@@junkies1111 Do you always use 'kid' as a name for someone who points out that you're wrong?
I'm an adult man, just so you know.
@wolterzz3267 lmao go to sleep kid...
@@junkies1111 I take that as a yes.
But just to inform you: you are only a kid until you're 10 years of age. Until the age of 18, you're a teenager. After that, you're a grown man. I've passed that stadium years ago, so I'm not a kid anymore.
And it also doesn't make me one because I'm being objective about Armin's music still being good.
Amazing and brave interview ! Thanks for share your feelings Armin :)