I can't wait to bring in Christmas in style, says Armin van Buuren

 

THINGS couldn't really get much better for Armin van Buuren, as the past 11 months have seen him celebrate over 400 episodes of his global radio show A State Of Trance, while his annual ASOT mix CD was launched to worldwide acclaim.

 

He's regularly sold out arenas in every corner of the globe and to cap it all off he's just been voted the world's number one DJ for the third year in a row.

 

In fact it's all fallen into place so sweetly that the Dutch superstar was even on his honeymoon when he received the call to say that he'd won.

 

"I'm quite simply the happiest man on earth," said Armin."Every day I get to do what I love and to get so much back from the fans makes me feel very humble.

 

"It's like winning the Oscars.The best thing about winning the award again is that it's an award from the people, so it feels amazing.

 

"It's crazy to think there are people who like what I do."

 

With no artist album released this year to help his cause, Armin didn't expect to win the award - especially after he watched David Guetta dominate the music world this Armin summer.

 

He said: "I thought he would win as he has been everywhere this year. But the fans still love their trance music, which is nice."

 

The annual Top 100 list saw the trance contingent dominate the higher reaches, with Armin, Tiesto, Above & Beyond, Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz, Gareth Emery and Sander van Doorn occupying eight of the top 10 places.

 

If these results are anything to go by, it would seem the trance world is in a better place than ever right now, with Armin their undisputed king.

 

"I think contrary to what the British press say, trance music is still huge," said Armin. "If you read dance music magazines, they normally talk about house or techno, but it isn't actually representative of what music is the most popular.

 

"If you go to the big events you always see trance DJs headlining. I understand for people who write it's maybe more cool to like house music, but for the clubbers it's very much about trance. However, I do think trance fans are more inclined to vote than house and techno fans."

 

Whether or not the awards are a true reflection of DJ talent or just an over-hyped popularity contest, there is no doubt the 32-year-old Dutchman has the ability to connect with crowds.

 

His A State Of Trance radio show is syndicated to 40 FM radio stations in three different languages, as well as being transmitted online and via satellite.

 

His main room Ibiza residency at Amnesia was again a success story over the summer, and any gig with his name on sells out in a matter of days.

 

Armin said: "I don't think it matters how technically skilled you are as a DJ.What does matter is that you are able to please a crowd. It's no big deal if you DJ with a laptop, CDs, vinyl or make excellent scratches, it's about entertaining the clubbers.

 

"My heart is with euphoric, uplifting, energetic sets and I try to have a good time behind the decks.

 

"I find it hard to understand why some people like me better than anyone else. In my opinion you are only as good as your last set, which is why I put everything I have into every set I play."

 

Scottish crowds won't have to wait long to see Armin put everything he has into another roadblock set north of the border.

 

After celebrating Christmas and his 33rd birthday - he was born on December 25 - at home with family and friends, Armin will then head to Glasgow to headline the annual Colours Boxing Day bash at The Arches.

 

"Scottish crowds are always one of the best," said Armin. "They are a very rewarding crowd to play for, which is why I always make an effort to get there.

 

"I once did three gigs in one night a year ago. It was unbelievable and I can't wait to get back and stretch out my birthday for another night."

 

Armin van Buuren plays the Colours Winter Party at The Arches, Glasgow, on December 26.

 

ARMIN'S FAVOURITES

 

Fav tune of 2009? Neptune Project - Aztec

 

Fav gig of 2009? Armin Only NYE - Los Angeles Sports Arena

 

Fav moment of 2009? Getting married to my beautiful girlfriend.

 

ROUND OF RANDOMNESS

 

Q When was the last time you bought a record?

A Yesterday. I still buy a lot of music online.

 

Q When can we expect your next artist album?

A I'm working on one at the moment and I've taken the whole of January off so I can get into the studio. Hopefully it will be ready in June, but I'm not going to promise anything, as it has to be perfect.

(by Andy Everett  Nov. 2009)