Armin van Buuren returns to Rotterdam for another electrifying edition of the A State Of Trance (ASOT) festival at Ahoy. In the lead-up to this highly anticipated event, Inside Rotterdam Magazine had the unique opportunity to speak exclusively with Armin just before his surprise performance at Rotterdam Central Station. The unannounced one-hour set served as a warm-up for the weekend festivities and provided the perfect backdrop for an in-depth conversation about his connection to Rotterdam, the decision to host ASOT in the city, and more.
Relocation
Following the successful move from the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht to Rotterdam last year, the world-renowned DJ feels increasingly at home in the Maasstad. “Last year was more exciting because we actually moved from the Jaarbeurs to Ahoy,” Armin shares. “It seemed like people didn’t realize that we hadn’t stopped but had just relocated.”
The choice for Ahoy was a logical step. “In the Netherlands, there aren’t many indoor venues, and Ahoy is, of course, close to the city,” Armin explains. “Public transport is good, people can easily park, which allows us to keep ticket prices relatively low in these times.”
Personal Connection
For Armin, Rotterdam holds personal significance. “My family comes from here; my mother was born and raised in Schiedam,” he shares. “I spent a lot of time here as a youngster, at Nighttown, the Nieuwe Binnenweg buying records. I have many friends living in Rotterdam. I just have a connection with Rotterdam; I think it’s the perfect location.”
Performing in his homeland remains a special experience for Armin. “The home games are harder than the away games,” he laughs. “But fortunately, there are a lot of international people and people from all over the world coming to be here.”
Rotterdam in the Trance Scene
Rotterdam has a rich history when it comes to dance music, particularly techno. Armin notes that techno DJs are increasingly embracing trance, and genres are converging. “What you see a lot now is that techno DJs are embracing trance,” he says. “So trance and techno have the same origin, and I’m trying to explore that marriage in this edition of the A State Of Trance festival.”
Line-up
This year’s festival boasts a diverse line-up, featuring both established names and new talent. Armin is looking forward to a special back-to-back set with techno icon Adam Beyer. “I’m secretly a bit nervous about the back-to-back with Adam because he’s really one of my heroes,” Armin admits. “That just proves our hunch that there is indeed a marriage between techno and trance, that it works and resonates with the youth.”
Challenges and the Future
Despite challenges in the events industry, Armin remains determined to keep the festival accessible. “I want to keep the ticket price reasonable,” he emphasizes. “I don’t want to ask 150 euros for a ticket. It has to remain an affordable party; it’s indoors, so it’s nice and warm, but also easily accessible.”
With plans to expand ASOT internationally again, starting with an edition in London in July, Armin remains ambitious. “We’re going global again with the A State of Trance brand,” he says enthusiastically. “Apparently, people aren’t tired of it yet.” This was evident when his surprise performance at Rotterdam Central Station, a few days before the festival, drew over a hundred fans around his DJ booth in no time.
Preparation and pre-party
Last Sunday, the Pre-party of A State Of Trance took place at Toffler. This performance gave Armin the chance to test his new music and feel the energy of the audience. “I’ve had two months off, been in the studio making new music, spent time with my kids, took a break,” he shares. “I wanted to feel that music again. So secretly, I’ve already been able to test that music for a few hundred people; quite a few things came out of it. The worst nervousness is gone because of that.”
Armin emphasizes the importance of live performances to determine if new tracks work. “When I’m alone in the studio with a cup of coffee and daylight, and I play a track in the studio, it’s a completely different setting than in a dark room with an audience in front of you; you just feel it,” he explains. “I can’t fully explain it, but maybe that’s my profession. Otherwise, you could just put Spotify on shuffle, but based on what you see in the audience, you know whether a track works or not.”
With the second edition of A State Of Trance in Rotterdam, it promises to be another unforgettable event for trance enthusiasts worldwide. We, for one, can’t wait for the weekend.
General information
A State of Trance Festival
Rotterdam Ahoy
Friday, 21 February, 2025 | 19:00 – 01:00 SOLD OUT
Saturday, 22 February, 2025 | 22:00 – 06:00 LAST TICKETS
A State of Trance By Day
Mainport Hotel Rotterdam
Saturday, 22 February, 2025 | 10:30 – 18:00
More info can be found here
Ticket sales
Remaining tickets for the event can be found here, including a limited number of VIP tickets.
Author: Kyra Kraaijeveld
