wordplay: DJ Elroy
For Armin Van Buuren, 2007 was a great year; it saw the release of two successful mix albums, several hot singles, and his weekly A State of Trance radio show hit its 300th episode. Oh, and 2007 is also the year Armin Van Buuren finally achieved the pinnacle of popularity in dance music. Image was fortunate to catch up to him for a few words:
So you’ve been in the DJ MAG top 5 since 2002, and this year you’ve finally grabbed the crown of the dance music world! Let’s start the interview with a question that I’m sure you’ve started every interview with the past few months – How does being at the Top feel?
Well, it’s definitely a dream come true, let me tell you. It’s one of those things that every DJ would like to achieve one day; not a goal really, but a dream. I’m very fortunate to have the support of so many wonderful people.
How important is the DJ MAG poll to you, anyway?
I don’t think I’d call it important but it certainly does feel good to go home at the end of the day and see the award there. But listen, I’ve still got both feet on the ground and being on top hasn’t really changed me; sure I’ve got the top spot but it’s back to business as usual.
Who do you feel deserves to be in the top 10 that hasn’t yet made it? Any predictions for next year?
Oh, there are so many great and deserving DJs out there! I hope to see Markus Schulz break into the Top 10 during his career. He’s a great person, a great DJ, his Coldharbour sound is brilliant.
What or who are your musical influences?
I take my influences from everywhere – from Amy Winehouse to Alan Clark to A Tribe Called Quest… The Chili Peppers… Prodigy… Everything… I like to listen to where each artist is coming from, and I try to find their vision in the music. My advice to DJs and producers: “Don’t be a prisoner of your own style.”
What makes a good track? What gives music staying power?
There isn’t really a rule for “good tracks” but there are two things I look for: First, it has to give me goose-bumps when I hear it… Second, it has to work with the crowd. I’ve played tracks that I’ve loved and only gotten a warm response from the crowd, and vice versa.
How do you prepare for you’re ‘A State of Trance’ radio shows?
Well, it’s a weekly show so I’m constantly doing my homework – looking for new angles, listening to new tracks, everything… I get new promos and mp3s sent to me daily and spend literally hours digging through the music. I’m expected to play the newest and hottest music, but because it’s a two hour show I get a chance to showcase a few classics and obscure things as well.
I noticed your website has a request section for the show…
Yes, the internet is very important for me to find out what other people want to hear. The show is not just about me, it’s about my listeners. I do it for everyone.
You seem to toss in a little bit of everything for the ASOT shows – has anyone commented negatively about branching out too much or even selling out?
Well, even though I’m billed as a trance DJ I love everything! I enjoy mixing up trance, house, electro, whatever… I might even throw in some minimal or techno or experiment with completely new sounds.
Trance was huge in its ‘Golden Days’ during the late '90s but dropped off a bit after that. Lately it’s been getting more and more respect. Is it coming full circle?
Well, it’s a mistake to try holding trance to that standard because back then everything was new, everything was fresh… Nowadays everyone is familiar with dance music in some form or another, and while the music itself is still innovative, the culture has accepted it and it isn’t the “new thing” anymore.
But trance is here and it is not going anywhere.
What gear do you play with for live shows? Your radio show?
Well, for the radio show I do everything in Ableton Live because I’m usually on the road and it makes it so much easier to put together. For my shows I use Pioneer CDJ 1000s… Using a laptop for live shows just doesn’t look convincing…
Are there any clubs or countries that you HAVE NOT played in that you would like to go for a show?
Well, France is one… Strange because it’s so close… And Australia, although I do have plans to visit there this year… I’m looking forward to it!
What’s in store for 2008? Word is you have a new CD coming out soon…
Yes, I just got out of the studio actually, before you called. I’m working on a new artist album called Imagine to be released later this spring… I’ve also got a few tracks in the works which I’m excited about. I have an “Armin Only” show in a few months. Add that to my regular tour schedule and weekly radio shows and there isn’t much time for anything else (laughs)…
What direction will dance music take this year?
I’ve been noticing dance music has been getting more diverse and at the same time crossing over into other genres. Trance, for instance, might have an electro bass line, or a progressive track might have elements of techno.
I’m also seeing dance music influencing the pop culture and Top 40… Bands like U2 and others are working towards more dance music sounding productions…
2007 was a great year for you... Have you made any New Year resolutions for '08?
Well, I'm happy with where I’m at but spending more time with family and friends is always important. I’ve told myself that I need to be out of the studio by 11:30 every night because I’ve got a girlfriend waiting on the sofa that needs my attention as well…
Any final thoughts before you go?
I’d just like to thank you and Image for the interest, and I’d like to thank all my listeners for the love and support they’ve shown over the years. I’m trying hard to keep everyone into the music and I’m expecting big things for 2008!
May 15th @ Beta
ArminVanBuuren.com