Latest news with #DJMag
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Grammy-nominated DJ Armin van Buuren releases two new albums like we've never heard him before
FOR over two decades, Armin van Buuren has stood as one of the towering figures in electronic music, a Trance titan, global festival headliner and relentless creator. With a Grammy nomination and as 5-time No. 1 DJ on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs list, behind the scenes, Armin has undergone a personal transformation that goes far beyond his music. 3 Armin has undergone a personal transformation that goes far beyond his music Credit: supplied That story comes to life on Breathe, his most expansive and genre-defying project to date. Spanning 51 tracks across two companion albums, Breathe In and Breathe Out, the body of work is both a celebration of artistic freedom and a snapshot of transformation. From mainstage-ready collaborations with David Guetta, Bon Jovi and Moby to experimental detours with Pendulum and deep club workouts tested in late-night sets, Breathe is Armin like we've never heard him before. 'Albums are like time capsules,' he says. 'Even in the age of playlists, I still believe in crafting something that tells a story from start to finish.' With Breathe In released first, followed by the sprawling Breathe Out, the complete project paints a picture of an artist who has broken free from creative constraints and personal ones, too. Behind the scenes, Armin has undergone a dramatic shift. After years of nonstop touring, he found himself on the brink of burnout. 'I had a press release ready to announce I was taking a sabbatical,' he admits. 'Then COVID happened and suddenly I had space to breathe literally.' What followed was a total lifestyle overhaul. Armin quit drinking, embraced mindfulness and breathwork, and began a journey inward that would reshape not only his health and mindset, but also his music. 'I used to think meditation was nonsense,' he laughs. 'But if so many high-functioning people are doing it, maybe it's not so stupid after all.' Most read in Showbiz His new routine includes daily journaling, gratitude lists and breathing exercises. The results have been powerful. 'I'm more productive than ever thanks to the sobriety, thanks to looking after my diet, thanks to my sleeping pattern, thanks to finally being able to say no to big shows and big offers' he says. 3 Spanning 51 tracks across two companion albums, Breathe In and Breathe Out, the body of work is both a celebration of artistic freedom and a snapshot of transformation Credit: supplied 3 He's performed at venues across the globe Credit: supplied This personal evolution has poured directly into his creative process. 'DJing still fuels a lot of the music,' he says, explaining how many of the tracks on Breathe were road-tested live before being finalised in the studio. 'You don't even have to fully finish a track or master it to play it out. If I have a short snippet, I can already tease it in my sets. I don't have to finish the tracks immediately, but I can sculpt them, which is different from the vinyl days where you had to cut an acetate.' Collaboration, too, remains central. Whether working with icons like Guetta or the genre-blurring Pendulum, there's no fixed formula. 'Sometimes it starts with a loop, sometimes a vocal or a chord progression. Every session is different and that's what makes it exciting.' But perhaps the biggest shift is Armin's relationship with success. 'There was a time when I took gigs purely for the money,' he confesses. 'But now, success is being present, going to my son's football game instead of chasing another big show.' That doesn't mean he's lost the fire. Armin's still innovating, still pushing boundaries. At his A State of Trance festivals, which continue to sell out worldwide, he's introduced new formats like 'face-to-face' DJ sets, where two artists perform from separate decks, locked in a kind of sonic duel. 'You can't touch each other's mixer. You use hand signals like boxers,' he says. 'It's nerve-wracking, but it brings a real human element to the performance.' The face-to-face sets are just one of many ways he's reinventing the live experience. At this year's A State of Trance Festival in London recently, his second in the UK capital, Armin brought a more diverse lineup with more underground names sitting comfortably alongside traditional heavyweights. 'There's a real resurgence of Trance right now,' he says, noting how classic Gatecrasher-era records are finding their way back into sets sometimes even in their original, unedited forms. 'All the tracks we played in 1999, 2000, 2001, they're all coming back in different shapes or form. I mean, obviously, the sound quality is a lot better. You know, the kick hits harder, the drop hits harder, but the melodies are still the same. It was funny because I remember at the time, we didn't have a clue what we were doing. I guess the groundwork was done by people in 1999, 2000, 2001. And there was something golden in that time, but then after that, for a while Trance became a bit of a dirty word. It definitely feels to me now that Trance is not a dirty word anymore.' Ibiza also still holds a special magic for him. 'It goes back to the Balearic spirit of '88 with Oakenfold, Sasha, Digweed. Ibiza is unique. There's something in the air there.' Armin continues his residency at Ushuaïa this summer but, that said, he's taking a break this August in line with his new approach to looking after himself. 'No decks, no phone, just family. That's my summer plan.' In an industry that has too often glamorised excess and punished vulnerability, Armin's honesty is refreshing. He's not just talking about mental health, he's demonstrating what a healthier version of success looks like. 'Take care of your balance,' he advises younger artists. 'Once the train gets going, it's easy to say yes to everything. But it's okay to say no. It's okay to rest. You're no good to anyone if you lose yourself in the process. We've only got to see the downsides recently, you know, particularly since the passing of Tim (Avicii). There was a dramatic shift in the electronic music world.' Read more on the Irish Sun For Armin van Buuren, this isn't a detour, it's the destination. The music is still euphoric, still anthemic, still packed with the uplifting energy that made him a global force. But now, it's grounded in something deeper. He's breathing. And in doing so, he's showing others how to do the same. Read the full interview with The Night Bazaar
Scottish Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Grammy-nominated DJ Armin van Buuren releases two new albums like we've never heard him before
TRANCE TITAN Grammy-nominated DJ Armin van Buuren releases two new albums like we've never heard him before FOR over two decades, Armin van Buuren has stood as one of the towering figures in electronic music, a Trance titan, global festival headliner and relentless creator. With a Grammy nomination and as 5-time No. 1 DJ on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs list, behind the scenes, Armin has undergone a personal transformation that goes far beyond his music. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Armin has undergone a personal transformation that goes far beyond his music Credit: supplied That story comes to life on Breathe, his most expansive and genre-defying project to date. Spanning 51 tracks across two companion albums, Breathe In and Breathe Out, the body of work is both a celebration of artistic freedom and a snapshot of transformation. From mainstage-ready collaborations with David Guetta, Bon Jovi and Moby to experimental detours with Pendulum and deep club workouts tested in late-night sets, Breathe is Armin like we've never heard him before. 'Albums are like time capsules,' he says. 'Even in the age of playlists, I still believe in crafting something that tells a story from start to finish.' With Breathe In released first, followed by the sprawling Breathe Out, the complete project paints a picture of an artist who has broken free from creative constraints and personal ones, too. Behind the scenes, Armin has undergone a dramatic shift. After years of nonstop touring, he found himself on the brink of burnout. 'I had a press release ready to announce I was taking a sabbatical,' he admits. 'Then COVID happened and suddenly I had space to breathe literally.' What followed was a total lifestyle overhaul. Armin quit drinking, embraced mindfulness and breathwork, and began a journey inward that would reshape not only his health and mindset, but also his music. 'I used to think meditation was nonsense,' he laughs. 'But if so many high-functioning people are doing it, maybe it's not so stupid after all.' His new routine includes daily journaling, gratitude lists and breathing exercises. The results have been powerful. 'I'm more productive than ever thanks to the sobriety, thanks to looking after my diet, thanks to my sleeping pattern, thanks to finally being able to say no to big shows and big offers' he says. 3 Spanning 51 tracks across two companion albums, Breathe In and Breathe Out, the body of work is both a celebration of artistic freedom and a snapshot of transformation Credit: supplied 3 He's performed at venues across the globe Credit: supplied This personal evolution has poured directly into his creative process. 'DJing still fuels a lot of the music,' he says, explaining how many of the tracks on Breathe were road-tested live before being finalised in the studio. 'You don't even have to fully finish a track or master it to play it out. If I have a short snippet, I can already tease it in my sets. I don't have to finish the tracks immediately, but I can sculpt them, which is different from the vinyl days where you had to cut an acetate.' Collaboration, too, remains central. Whether working with icons like Guetta or the genre-blurring Pendulum, there's no fixed formula. 'Sometimes it starts with a loop, sometimes a vocal or a chord progression. Every session is different and that's what makes it exciting.' But perhaps the biggest shift is Armin's relationship with success. 'There was a time when I took gigs purely for the money,' he confesses. 'But now, success is being present, going to my son's football game instead of chasing another big show.' That doesn't mean he's lost the fire. Armin's still innovating, still pushing boundaries. At his A State of Trance festivals, which continue to sell out worldwide, he's introduced new formats like 'face-to-face' DJ sets, where two artists perform from separate decks, locked in a kind of sonic duel. 'You can't touch each other's mixer. You use hand signals like boxers,' he says. 'It's nerve-wracking, but it brings a real human element to the performance.' The face-to-face sets are just one of many ways he's reinventing the live experience. At this year's A State of Trance Festival in London recently, his second in the UK capital, Armin brought a more diverse lineup with more underground names sitting comfortably alongside traditional heavyweights. 'There's a real resurgence of Trance right now,' he says, noting how classic Gatecrasher-era records are finding their way back into sets sometimes even in their original, unedited forms. 'All the tracks we played in 1999, 2000, 2001, they're all coming back in different shapes or form. I mean, obviously, the sound quality is a lot better. You know, the kick hits harder, the drop hits harder, but the melodies are still the same. It was funny because I remember at the time, we didn't have a clue what we were doing. I guess the groundwork was done by people in 1999, 2000, 2001. And there was something golden in that time, but then after that, for a while Trance became a bit of a dirty word. It definitely feels to me now that Trance is not a dirty word anymore.' Ibiza also still holds a special magic for him. 'It goes back to the Balearic spirit of '88 with Oakenfold, Sasha, Digweed. Ibiza is unique. There's something in the air there.' Armin continues his residency at Ushuaïa this summer but, that said, he's taking a break this August in line with his new approach to looking after himself. 'No decks, no phone, just family. That's my summer plan.' In an industry that has too often glamorised excess and punished vulnerability, Armin's honesty is refreshing. He's not just talking about mental health, he's demonstrating what a healthier version of success looks like. 'Take care of your balance,' he advises younger artists. 'Once the train gets going, it's easy to say yes to everything. But it's okay to say no. It's okay to rest. You're no good to anyone if you lose yourself in the process. We've only got to see the downsides recently, you know, particularly since the passing of Tim (Avicii). There was a dramatic shift in the electronic music world.' For Armin van Buuren, this isn't a detour, it's the destination. The music is still euphoric, still anthemic, still packed with the uplifting energy that made him a global force. But now, it's grounded in something deeper. He's breathing. And in doing so, he's showing others how to do the same. Read the full interview with The Night Bazaar HERE. Stream or buy Armin van Buuren's Breathe HERE.
Time Out
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Vintage Culture to headline a new indoor rave experience in Singapore during the F1 week
Singapore, get ready to turn the volume all the way up. This October, your Formula 1 week is getting a massive energy boost with ENL1GHT – a brand-new, one-night-only indoor rave experience taking over the iconic Pasir Panjang Power Station on October 3. Powered by RaveDAO, the brains behind globally minded music experiences, ENL1GHT promises to be the biggest nightlife moment of the season. And the headliner? None other than Brazilian dance music titan Vintage Culture, who's finally making his Singapore debut. Who's on the music lineup at ENL1GHT? If you've got even a toe dipped in the EDM scene, you'll know Vintage Culture is a very big deal. Currently ranked #9 on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs list and clocking over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify, he's headlined mega festivals like Tomorrowland and Coachella, and locked in coveted residencies at Hï Ibiza and Wynn Las Vegas. His euphoric yet emotive sound has made him one of the most sought-after acts in the world. And now, for the first time ever, Singapore gets to experience the Vintage Culture effect live. Joining him on the decks is Jiayou, music director and resident DJ at RaveDAO. With serious global cred, she has played everywhere from Seoul and Brussels to Dubai and Singapore – even electrifying crowds of over 20,000 in 2024 alone with her signature blend of deep house, progressive house and techno. ENL1GHT marks her return to home turf. When is ENL1GHT? Mark your calendars – it all goes down on Thursday, October 3, 2025, during the F1 week. Where is ENL1GHT held? The rave is set to transform the colossal Pasir Panjang Power Station into a full-blown bass-heavy bash. Once a vital cog in Singapore's industrial grid, the heritage venue now sets the stage for a night of music, movement and meaning. Expect immersive visuals and a high-octane production experience that leans into the festival's theme: 'Be the spark that lights a thousand.' What else to expect? More than just a party, ENL1GHT is also a festival with a purpose. A portion of ticket proceeds supports Rave for Light, RaveDAO's global impact initiative. Past editions have funded sight-restoring surgeries for over 400 patients in Nepal and delivered mindfulness training to 150 participants in the US. To sweeten the deal, DeCard by DCS is throwing in exclusive perks for cardholders. A Web3-native card that lets you spend stablecoins IRL, DeCard users can enjoy up to 50 percent off early bird tickets, fast-lane entry, and priority queues for drinks throughout the event. Pre-registration opens on July 23. Early bird tickets drop on August 4 at 12pm, starting from $188. VIP table packages are also available upon request, if you're going big for F1 week.
What's On
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Martin Garrix confirmed as first headliner for UNTOLD Dubai 2025
Get ready, Dubai! The first artist reveal for upcoming UNTOLD Dubai, taking place from November 6 to 9 2025 at Dubai Parks & Resorts, promises fireworks, starting with none other than superstar DJ Martin Garrix Martin Garrix to kick off the lineup Martin Garrix has been announced as the first headliner to perform at the sprawling Dubai Parks & Resorts. Ranked number 1 in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs, he's a global phenomenon—known for chart-toppers like Animals and breathtaking collaborations with the likes of Dua Lipa and Usher. E xpect high energy sets and world class production as the festival builds its electrifying atmosphere. Dates & venue confirmed When: Thursday, November 6 to Sunday, November 9, 2025 Where: Dubai Parks & Resorts, a 25 million sq‑ft entertainment area. Last year, the inaugural four-day festival was a success, with a whopping 185,000 festival-goers in attendance, where the last day of the festival saw 45,000 visitors. Tickets & early bird sales Early-bird tickets launched on 28 March 2025, with limited slots available for this first wave. If you missed the initial release, now's the time to register at UNTOLD and secure your spot before they sell out. Why this one's special A vastly expanded venue, 20+ million sq ft of theme park stages and immersive zones. Hailed as 'Best Festival – Middle East' after its debut in Dubai last year. Expect epic production, pop-up activations, and a mix of high-energy and family-friendly entertainment. What to do now Tickets for UNTOLD Dubai 2025 are on sale, with options to suit every kind of festival goer. Grab your general access pass for full 4-day entry to the festival grounds, or elevate your experience with a VIP ticket, offering exclusive stage views, faster entry, and premium comfort. Coming with a crew? Check out the group packages and table options for the ultimate party setup. For those who don't want to miss a moment, the Backstage Experience gets you right into the heart of the action. Explore all ticket tiers and secure your ticket now, this is one party you don't want to sleep on. Stay tuned to for updated on full artist lineup announcements and travel tips as the UNTOLD magic unfolds this November > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Time Out Dubai
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Martin Garrix announced as first UNTOLD Dubai 2025 headliner
One of the world's most popular DJs is coming back to Dubai to headline the huge UNTOLD Dubai 2025 music festival. Dutch DJ and producer Martin Garrix is bringing his decks to the Dubai Parks and Resorts-based festival this November. The festival was a massive success back in 2024, with more than 185,000 music fans attending across the weekend. And, with Martin Garrix being the first name on the line-up, it looks set to be one of the biggest parties of the year. Martin Garrix is no stranger to Dubai, having performed twice at Atlantis The Palm last year, but now fans will be able to enjoy him and at least 100 other artists between Thursday November 6 and Sunday November 9. (Credit: Supplied) The Dutch star has topped the charts globally with several collaborations including In the Name of Love feat. Bebe Rexha, Scared to Be Lonely feat. Dua Lipa and There for You feat. Troye Sivan. The man from Amstelveen rose to international fame with his 2013 hit Animals, which has been played more than 1.8 billion times on YouTube. Martin Garrix has been named the top DJ in the world by readers of the prestigious DJ Mag five times, with the most recent ranking placing him at number one. If previous appearances are anything to go by, you can expect a high-octane show featuring lasers and moving light fixtures. In 2024, UNTOLD was a great mix of stars from the worlds of dance music, pop and K-pop, with the likes of Armin van Buuren, Ellie Goulding and PSY headlining last year. We can expect more big names to be added to the line-up in the coming months. For this year's festival, fans were asked to provide artists and genres that they'd like to see perform in Dubai, so expect some of your favourites to be involved. Tickets start from Dhs420 for a four-day pass, with single-day options likely to be released at a later date. Bundles include theme park passes, friendship packs, VIP tickets and accommodations. From Dhs420 (four-day pass). Thu Nov 6 – Sun Nov 9. Dubai Parks and Resorts. Looking for things to do in Dubai? 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list 50 free things to do in Dubai Feeling the pinch? Enter free things to do Here's how to eat at 10 expensive Dubai restaurants for less Early bird dinners, lunch specials and more
