CP NEWS: The Armin van Buuren Interview

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-Navani Otero

If you're one of the highest ranking DJs worldwide, have won every award there is to win, and have your own international radio show, what do you do next? If you're Armin van Buuren, you tour America, of course. On the wings of his latest album release, A State of Trance 2006, Armin renewed his visa, bringing his show back to the states in a big way.

Highlighting his tour--and perhaps his entire year--will be his two-day show in New York July 7 and 8 at the Tobacco Warehouse. (Click here for more on the show.) Clubplanet caught up with Armin to talk about the evolution of DJing, his backup career choice, and where he spends his free time.

Clubplanet: I know you're busy touring and promoting your latest album A State of Trance 2006. Tell me a little bit about that project.

Armin van Buuren: It’s the third installment in the “State of Trance” Series. It’s a mixed, double CD and the difference between this CD and previous ones is this has two different themes.

How did you come up with the two themes for the album?

I thought, summer 2006 is approaching and people will be going on holiday. I wanted to make a CD that is a trance CD that you can also listen to at home. CD one is called On the Beach, basically it refers to people on the beach. It’s a lot more down tempo, has a slow bpm and more guitars. CD two is called In the Club and it’s perfect for getting ready to go out to the club. It has all the latest tunes I’ve tested over the last couple of months. I am still playing every single one of them and have gotten the best reaction from people dancing on the dance floor. CD two is much more uplifting.

How has your life change now that you are a recognizable, successful DJ?

Am I? (Laughs). I think I am pretty much the same guy, just much busier then before. At the end of the day I am doing nothing more than passing on this music to the people, music that needs to be shared.

There's that line in Spiderman where Uncle Ben says “With great power comes great responsibility.” Is that true in your position now?

Yes. I am on the forefront and a lot labels send me their stuff exclusively. I am happy with that but I also think it’s a big responsibility as a DJ. A lot people go out every weekend after working hard all week, and they want to have fun. They come to me to enjoy their weekend. I see it as a big responsibility and a great honor.

What would you like to see different in the industry?

I think people’s awareness of the whole downloading situation. We have copyright laws to promote the spreading of art. If writers wouldn’t get paid for what they do, there simply wouldn’t be any more music. I see artists quitting everyday because they can’t make a living from what they do, yet their music is very popular. People download it illegally so they don’t get paid for it. People have to realize that downloading music illegally is killing the industry.

What's the next step in the evolution of DJing?

I quit playing vinyl, which was painful. I couldn’t help it because it took too long for a track to come out on vinyl, so I’ve switched to CD’s. I see DJs DJing from a laptop which is interesting but you can’t really believe the DJ when he is playing from a laptop. Playing with CD’s allows you to be more creative and still be playing live. I hope I never have to switch to a laptop let’s put it that way.

What do you love about life that is not related to music?

I am a fan of the simple things in life. Hanging out with friends. Last night we were hanging out watching Holland play Argentina, drinking some brews, doing nothing and it was nice. I really appreciate that.

What else do you like to do when you are not working?

I love movies; I wish I had more time to see movies.

If someone you knew wanted to become a DJ and came to you for advice, what would you tell them?

The most important advice is to start producing your own tunes. Apart from that, in order to be an artist you need to be a unique personality. Something about you has to stand out – whether it’s your music, the technical side of it, or even your hair. You have to entertain a crowd. It’s important to be a unique person and not copy what’s already out there because that won’t get you anywhere.

What is on your top five playlist right now?

Ironically I play the tracks from the CD, they get the best reaction.

Being as successful as you are, what motivates you now?

The music. The only good reason to do this is the love of the music.

Do you listen to any bands? What do you have in your iPod?

It’s a very weird collection of music. Anything from rock, hip-hop, synthesizer, old school stuff, a lot of weird stuff. To name a few: David Gilmore, Pink Floyd, Dido, Eminem, Frank Sinatra, Gangstarr, George Michael, Jeff Buckley, Lord of the Rings Original Soundtrack, Mile Davis, Paul Van Dyk, Radiohead, Madonna, Sting, The Police, A Tribe Called Quest….

So tell us about the epic show on July 7th and 8th at the Tobacco Warehouse. What can we expect?

Well it’s the middle of the summer, a unique location; it’s a daytime party where I’ll be performing for two days in a row. I’ve been playing in NY for the past five years and each year the crowd gets larger and larger. The guy I work with said I am ready to do something big now. So I am really excited to do this, it is the highlight of my tour. Expect a good selection of the newest tunes and an ultimate party for a big crowd.

How did you become so knowledgeable in copyright laws? Did you ever study law?

Yes I did. I have a law degree. I just enjoyed studying law, guess that’s a little nerdy. I am very happy because I studied copyright law, so I know a lot about my own contracts. That’s why I set up my own company as well.

What made you decide that music is what you wanted to do?

Well, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. I finished my law degree and I told my parents I was going to try DJing for a year and then the whole thing kind of blew up. There was never a moment where I decided I was going to make a living in the music industry; there was never really a plan. I am just a lucky guy and I am very aware of that.

Where else can your fans hear you?

Thanks for the support from my fans. I hope to see them in New York. Tune in to my XM radio show “State of Trance” every Thursday.

Armin van Buuren US Tour Dates



June 28 Atlanta - Eleven50

June 29 Newport Beach- Temptation

June 30 Chicago - Congress Theatre

July 01 Los Angeles - Circus

July 02 Miami - Club Space

July 03 San Francisco - Ruby Skye

July 07 New York – Made Event presents Armin van Buuren at the Tobacco Warehouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park (Click here for tickets)

For more on van Buurin, check out his MySpace page.

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