Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has transformed over the past three decades from underground clubs into the global phenomenon it is today. At the heart of this journey stands Armin van Buuren, a Dutch DJ and producer whose career has shaped not just trance but the entire electronic music scene. On the other side of the spectrum, a wave of new-generation DJs has emerged—riding the power of viral hits, social media, and rapidly shifting trends.
The comparison between a legend like Armin van Buuren and younger DJs is not just about age or experience—it reflects a deeper discussion about how EDM is evolving, what fans expect, and how influence is built in today’s fast-paced digital world.
Armin van Buuren’s Career Path vs. Young DJs’ Rise
Armin van Buuren is the classic story of dedication and longevity. Originally studying law before diving headfirst into music, Armin spent decades refining his sound, building his brand, and cultivating a loyal fanbase. His breakthrough tracks like Communication and This Is What It Feels Like didn’t just top charts—they defined eras.
Meanwhile, the new generation of DJs often doesn’t follow the same trajectory. Platforms like TikTok, SoundCloud, and YouTube have created shortcuts to fame. A single viral track can turn a bedroom producer into a festival headliner in months.
| ARMIN VAN BUUREN: “It’s not about a hit—it’s about a journey. Music is something you take people through, not just something you drop for quick attention.” |
This highlights the contrast: Armin’s slow, steady climb built on consistency vs. young DJs’ explosive, trend-driven rise.
Musical Style: Trance vs. Trend-Driven EDM
Armin van Buuren is synonymous with trance. His music is emotional, euphoric, and designed to create a journey on the dancefloor. A trance set by Armin isn’t about sudden drops—it’s about storytelling through layers of melody, tension, and release.
By contrast, younger DJs often focus on genres like Big Room, Future Bass, Tech House, and Bass-heavy festival bangers. Their sound is more aggressive, short-form, and designed for quick crowd reactions.
| ARMIN VAN BUUREN: “I want people to close their eyes and feel the music, not just wait for the drop.” |
This is where the real difference lies: Armin is about immersion, while young DJs often chase intensity and “viral moments.”
Stage Presence and Performance Style
For decades, Armin van Buuren has been known for marathon sets—sometimes lasting 5–6 hours. He takes fans on a carefully curated journey, gradually shifting from uplifting trance to progressive, then back to euphoric peaks.
The new generation, however, leans heavily on stage visuals, pyrotechnics, and quick-fire sets. With sets often capped at 60–90 minutes, younger DJs prioritize impact over patience.
| ARMIN VAN BUUREN: “I don’t just play tracks, I build a story with my set. That’s why people come back again and again.” |
In contrast, younger DJs like Martin Garrix, Illenium, or Fisher often craft shorter, explosive performances that thrive on big festival crowds and viral clips.
Global Influence: Community vs. Social Media
One of Armin van Buuren’s greatest achievements is A State of Trance (ASOT)—a weekly radio show that started in 2001 and has since attracted millions of listeners worldwide. ASOT isn’t just a show; it’s a global community, with events hosted on every continent and fans uniting under the trance flag.
Younger DJs build influence differently. Instead of radio, they use TikTok dances, Instagram reels, and YouTube Shorts to spread their tracks quickly. A remix trending on TikTok can generate more streams in weeks than a radio show might in months.
| ARMIN VAN BUUREN: “I believe in building a family, not just chasing numbers.” |
This shows the contrast: Armin builds long-lasting loyalty, while younger DJs rely on viral attention.
Fan Relationships: Loyalty vs. Instant Gratification
Fans of Armin van Buuren often describe him as approachable, humble, and deeply connected to his community. Many have followed him for over two decades, attending ASOT events and festivals year after year.
Young DJs, meanwhile, benefit from rapid fanbase growth thanks to social media. However, this fanbase can be fickle—today’s viral star can easily be tomorrow’s forgotten name.
| ARMIN VAN BUUREN: “I don’t want fans for a moment, I want fans for life.” |
This is the difference between cultivating loyalty and chasing quick bursts of fame.
Longevity vs. Short-Lived Stardom
Armin van Buuren has been voted the world’s #1 DJ five times by DJ Mag. More importantly, he has stayed relevant across decades of changing trends. His ability to adapt—incorporating house, techno, and even pop influences—has ensured his career longevity.
Young DJs often struggle to maintain the same staying power. Some achieve superstardom with one viral hit but fail to replicate success. This isn’t due to lack of talent—it’s the nature of an industry that moves at lightning speed.
| ARMIN VAN BUUREN: “Trends come and go, but passion is forever.” |
Bridging the Generational Gap
Interestingly, Armin van Buuren has embraced collaborations with younger artists, bridging the gap between trance and modern EDM. From working with W&W to experimenting with house and techno flavors, Armin shows that legends don’t have to resist change—they can lead it.
At the same time, younger DJs look to him for inspiration, studying how he built a brand, a loyal fanbase, and a career that withstands time. Instead of rivalry, there’s synergy.
Conclusion
The difference between Armin van Buuren and the new generation of DJs is not simply about sound or age—it’s about philosophy. Armin represents depth, loyalty, and storytelling, while young DJs embody freshness, speed, and impact.
Both are necessary. Armin provides the backbone and history of EDM, while young DJs ensure the genre keeps evolving and attracting new listeners. Together, they form the past, present, and future of electronic dance music.
In the end, EDM thrives not because of one generation but because both coexist—Armin van Buuren with his timeless trance journeys, and young DJs with their daring experiments.
