Armin Van Buuren
Four times DJ MAG Top 100 winner, Armin van Buuren is one of the world’s most prolific DJs/Producers. Meeting him [during his ASOT500 tour in South Africa] I soon realise that the driving force behind what he does is his overriding passion for dance music.
He walks in wearing sneakers, blue denim jeans and a branded t-shirt looking like your average Joe. As our press conference starts Armin chuckles “I would just like to thank my ancestors for building this castle so many years ago so we can do the interview here today.”
Hailed as the ‘Beethoven of Trance Music’ by ardent fans, he quickly lets us know that this is a title he is honoured to have and is humbled by as he eases effortlessly through the barrage of questions. After the conference I grab a chance for a little one on one chat. Here’s what I asked him…
BPM: What is your take on the Progressive Trance music culture in South Africa?
Armin: The scene here is small but healthy and seems to be growing. I really like the talents of Protoculture; he is doing big internationally and I had featured him on my show before I knew he was from here. He is definitely one to look out for!
BPM: Do you think you have reached the pinnacles set for ASOT500 when you started out with it?
Armin: At the start not really but I followed my passion and instinct. People were saying, wow you’re doing a two hour radio show on trance every week. Who is going to listen to that? Now the same people who criticised me also have their own radio shows. It just shows you the power of radio and of the internet. Back in 2001 the internet and radio was still up and coming. At episode 100 we did a small party on the beach and it was a huge success. We did another one at episode 250 and it was at a club. The funny thing is that my show starts at eight pm [CET] on a Thursday and who goes clubbing at eight on a Thursday? But the club was full and the fans were there.
BPM: What three things does a DJ need to do in order to prepare for a nine hour long set like you have done before?
Armin: Well, change your clothes, eat something and most importantly go to the toilet! Mine is actually a funny story. You see in the two minutes I get to change and go to the toilet I’m always backstage and this is right before I come on. At this point the announcer goes “Ladies and gentlemen welcome Armin van Buuren…” the crowd’s going crazy and I’m peeing, it’s really funny but that’s what happens.
BPM: You revealed on Twitter that you and your wife are expecting your first child. How would you feel about your son or daughter taking on a DJ-ing career such as you have?
Armin: Just as I have I will encourage my child to follow his or her passion and work hard. I believe that this is important, but hey it’s my first kid so ask me again in ten years!
‘A State of Trance 500’ is a Global tour spanning five continents that kicked off as a pre-party in Cape Town, SA on Thursday 17 March airing the 500th episode of the radio show. Over one thousand fans were treated to the event which included a live broadcast of the show and all enjoyed VIP access as no tickets were allowed to be bought. The event was strictly by invite only. The official kick off of the tour took place the following Saturday 19 March in Johannesburg, SA. I went to the Cape Town event and enjoyed one of the most historic parties of a lifetime. Can anyone say bucket list?
Written By: Mary Honeychild
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