RS: How is the radio show different from one of your live sets?
Armin Van Buuren: With the radio show I don't have a crowd in front
of me, so that makes a whole difference. I basically test out a lot of
new tracks that I pick to see what the crowd says on the forums, and
with the crowds you can see the set more clearly. Then I search for
more records, in a logical order.
RS: You just toured the U.S. in November, and you're coming back
in March. How do you notice the U.S. crowd changing over time?
Armin Van Buuren: They've become more educated. Dance music isn't the
newest thing anymore, but people are definitely interested in it and
it's becoming bigger and bigger in the U.S.
RS: You're a Dutch DJ. Why do you think there are so many
superstar Dutch DJs right now?
Armin Van Buuren: Ah, I can't tell you, it's a big secret.
RS: Nice. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
Armin Van Buuren: New Year's resolutions, yes – take it easy a little
bit more. I've been working too hard.
RS: I can tell. I keep reading that you do these massive six to
seven hour sets when you spin out.
Armin Van Buuren: Yes, well I enjoy those the most, though.
RS: What's your secret for the stamina to play so long?
Armin Van Buuren: The music.
RS: Speaking of the music, what do you think your big record of 2007 was?
Armin Van Buuren: John O'Callaghan, "Big Sky"
RS: In 2007, what new producer really rocked your world?
Armin Van Buuren: John O'Callaghan and deadmau5.
RS: Who do you see as the next big producer in 2008?
Armin Van Buuren: Blake Jarrell
RS: Nice. Is there going to be a new artist album coming from you soon?
Armin Van Buuren: Yes.
RS: What kind of direction are you going to go with it?
Armin Van Buuren: Trance.
RS: Your record label, Amada – who are some of the up-coming
signings we should look forward to?
Armin Van Buuren: Blake Jarrell and Jennifer René. There's a lot of
new stuff from Stonebridge, M.I.K.E, and Markus Schulz. Matthew Dekay
is working on an album.
RS: With Stonebridge on there, that seems like a real diverse
lineup – having a house guy mixed in with all the trance.
Armin Van Buuren: We're not a trance label by far. I think we
actually release more albums, electro and minimal, right now than
trance. We've never really focused on trance. It is an important part
of what we do, but it's never been our main goal.
RS: What do you want to say to all your fans out there?
Armin Van Buuren: Thank you very much for your support in 2007. Being
awarded number one DJ in the world is a very special feeling.
Originally posted - January 14, 2007
