The Evolution of EDM: The Three Sides of Armin
/
Source: Armin’s FB page
By Ryan Hayes
With the global entertainment industry coming to a grinding stand still and millions around the world undergoing self-quarantine it seemed like the perfect time to reflect on dance music's evolution. More specifically the musical journey of some of the scene's most important icons. From humble beginnings to main stages around the world and legions of fans; each retrospective will fill your ears with hours of live sets spanning decades, continents, and genre changes.
After taking a momentary break to focus on a few must listen quarantine streams—we are back! This time to focus on the storied career of trance deity, and ASOT curator, Armin van Buuren. Over the year's Armin has split his focus between genres, capturing the imagination of a diverse range of dance music lovers around the world in the process.
For this reason we are exploring the evolution of three distinct veins of Armin's persona. First we have Armin Only; the unique live experience that focuses solely on Armin's original productions. For this reason Armin Only is the most direct line to how he has evolved as an artist over the years. Next we have the lesser known, but equally beloved among die-hard fans, Warm-up sets. During ASOT celebrations Armin regularly opens the festivities with a more down tempo set, focusing on the deeper, more progressive, sounds of the day. Warm-up sets allow Armin to stray away from more traditional trance sounds while still skirting around more commercial productions. Finally, mainstream/main-stage Armin—taking on the biggest festivals around the world, this is where Armin really branches out.
Armin Only
The Next Level
The Next Level took place on November 12th 2005. It was a stand alone event, and the inaugural Armin Only. The show was held in a convention centre—Ahoy' Rotterdam—and managed to sell out its 12,000 capacity. Armin's set lasted nine and a half hours presenting fans with a unique atmosphere and upgraded production compared to standard events of the time period. Next Level was such a success that a follow up took place at the same venue a year later.
Imagine
Three years later Armin one-upped Next Level with a set of six shows dedicated to the release of his third studio album, Imagine—this was at the pinnacle of what fans now refer to as the 'classic' trance era. Each set was nine hours long; and much of it was performed with Armin shrouded by a large white stage cover. The event was meant to stimulate all five senses and create an intricate escape back in to ones own imagination. The video below is from the performances DVD release and features just over a quarter of the most theatrical sections of the overall experience.
Intense
Skipping past Armin Only Mirage and straight to his Intense era; here you can truly see the modern rebirth of both Armin's production style, and his live show. Armin Only Intense spanned twenty eight global dates each clocking in at over four hours. This particular iteration of Armin Only was unique because it introduced both a theatre and creative director. The concept had evolved...the touring team expanded...this was an entirely new level of experience for a modern era of dance music.
The Best Of
As of the thirteenth of May 2017, The Best Of Armin Only was Armin's largest show to date. The event was meant to showcase his historic twenty year career with a three hour set spanning two decades of original productions. It was his first time playing ArenA in Amsterdam.
Warm Up Sets
A staple of his ASOT celebrations, Armin has taken to handling the opening ceremonies himself with warm up sets. Showcasing the deeper side of his sonic breadth. These sets start slow/deep, and methodically build gradually drawing attendees in to the ASOT landscape.
ASOT 500 Den Bosch April 9th 2011
ASOT 650 Utrecht February 15th 2014
ASOT 750 Toronto January 30th 2016
ASOT 850 Utrecht February 17th 2018
ASOT 950 Utrecht February 21st 2020
Main Stage Headlining Sets
For well over a decade Armin has been commanding the main stage at the world's biggest festivals. Although his sound has evolved over the years, his presence remains as influential as ever. While trance continues to remain the influence/back-bone of these sets...this is where Armin strays the furthest from his puritanical roots.
Ultra Miami 2012
Tomorrowland 2014 (weekend 2)
EDC Vegas 2017
Electric Zoo New York 2019
EDC Mexico 2020
BONUS (GAIA):
The ever silent GAIA is the pure trance alias of Armin van Buuren and his long time co-producer Benno de Goeji. Ultra 2014 's ASOT 650 celebration was GAIA's first headlining main stage offering. As the hooded duo took the stage and church bells rang out over a packed house classic trance took centre stage. No microphone, no big room interludes...just trance. Pure and simple.