Join the Armin trance army
King of the DJs for four straight years, Armin van Buuren returns on Sunday
They did it in 2009, and they’ll do it again. Though the second outing for EditionBangkok has shrunk to just one night, this Sunday, O&P Worldwide has secured Dutch powerhouse Armin van Buuren to rock the dance floor at Moonstar Studio.
The 34-year-old honed his DJ skills in small clubs back home in Leiden, Holland, but soon gained global traction with the addictive trance style he introduced in 2001, via a weekly radio show called “A State of Trance”.
The show claims 15 million listeners in 26 countries, easily making it one of the world’s most-heard broadcasts.
Racking up four studio albums, van Buuren toured extensively in the US and Europe and was named DJ Mag’s “most famous DJ” for four consecutive years starting in 2008 (Frenchman David Guetta has just bumped him into second place).
Last time he was in Bangkok, Armin shared the main stage with other four foreign acts and several local stars. This time around he’s performing alongside aspiring Swedish spinner Avicii, who ranks No 5 in DJ’s 2011 poll.
But let’s stay focused on van Buuren.
What’s in the pipe? In terms of projects, we mean.
I’m touring to promote my new compilation CD, “Universal Religion Chapter 5”, which was mixed live at Space Ibiza. I’ve also started to work on my new artist album, and I need to finish the “A State of Trance Yearmix 2011”.
Are you still based in Holland?
My studio and offices are still in Amsterdam. Schiphol Airport is a really nice airport and it’s very central for getting to the US, Eastern Europe and Asia.
How did you get into this business?
I was given a tape with a mix by Ben Liebrand – I think I was eight years old. I was really interested in how he created a new record out of two existing ones.
Also, my dad used to listen to all kinds of progressive music back in the late ’70s, so I grew up listening to all kinds of weird sounds – which I grew to love. From that came a passion for electronic dance music.
Dad was listening to what, exactly?
Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, the Orb, and I also heard Jean Michel Jarre and Ben Liebrand.
What kinds of partied have you performed at?
I’ve played parties all around the world, from festivals to club events, doing everything from 15-minute sets at the Love Parade in 2008 to nine-hour sets for 20,000 people in my home country with my solo concept “Armin Only”.
Who's your favourite artist or DJ of all time?
Ben Liebrand.
What’s the electronic-music scene like in the Netherlands?
The EDM [electronic-dance music] scene there is one of the best in the world! The big events are especially great.
And your own best party so far?
Armin Only “Mirage” Utrecht Jaarbeurs November 2010 – there’s even a Blu-ray DVD of it!
What’s cued up for Bangkok this time?
I’m really happy to come back to Bangkok. I’ll bring a new crew with lots of visual effects to promote “Universal Religion Chapter 5”.
Of course I’ll also play some tracks from my “Mirage” album, but it all depends on the crowd as to where I go with the set.
2011 BLISS-OUT
See Armin van Buuren and Avicii at EditionBangkok 2011 on Sunday at Moonstar Studio on Lad Phrao Soi 80.
Tickets cost Bt1,490 and Bt2,490. Call (02) 833 5555 or see www.TotalReservation.com.
