Armin van Buuren was born on December 25, 1976, in Leiden, Netherlands. Deeply influenced by electronic music from an early age, he began DJing and producing tracks as a teenager, which quickly led to his rise in the global trance scene. After studying law at Leiden University, van Buuren pursued music professionally, blending melodic trance with innovative sounds to create a unique style that has defined his career.
He released his debut album, *76*, in 2003, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Each subsequent album—including *Shivers* (2005), *Imagine* (2008), *Intense* (2013), and *Balance* (2019)—showcased his growth as a producer and his ability to captivate audiences worldwide. Van Buuren is widely celebrated for his energetic live sets, headlining major festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival.
A pioneer in the trance genre, he launched his iconic radio show, *A State of Trance* (ASOT), in 2001. The weekly broadcast has since reached millions of listeners in over 80 countries, serving as a platform for emerging and established artists alike. Throughout his career, van Buuren has consistently been ranked among the world’s top DJs, frequently claiming the number one spot on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll.
He has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Sharon den Adel, Trevor Guthrie, and Nadia Ali, and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Beyond music production and performance, van Buuren is known for his philanthropy, supporting charitable causes and using his platform to promote mental health awareness within the music industry. Renowned for his dedication, innovation, and passion for trance music, Armin van Buuren remains one of the most influential figures in electronic dance music, inspiring fans and fellow musicians worldwide.