Armin Van Buuren, an exclusive interview by Genix

Hi Armin, its been a long time since you graced the Passion decks… We are all very excited about you returning once more to perform infront of our famous Passion followers….! Thank you for taking time to answer a few questions about the fast approaching event on the 23rd august..!

Since your last appearance at Passion you have climbed the DJ ladder even more to become the ‘Worlds number 1’ .... Has his changed your lifestyle or approach to music?

I wouldn’t say that it changed my lifestyle to much, I have been working on my album Imagine most throughout the first part, of course I noticed that there is a lot more press requests since the DJMag placed me on the number 1 spot, plus I get in more requests to play at certain parties. Like a sheik in the middle east wanted a private performance. Even though he offered a really high fee I refused to do it. I rather play for free in a big club with a lot of crazy party people then to do such a think!

You have had much success with your productions over the years...artist albums, compilations and some of the best dance music ever produced... where did the inspiration come from to create your sounds over the years?
I get inspiration of a lot of things really. Especially when I come back from a tour I cant wait to jump in to the studio again to make tracks to play out again. Besides that other producers like Vangelis, Daft Punk and music from different genres, like Cold play, inspire me when im in the studio. But also younger EDM producers, inspire me to make music!

Do you have any other hobbies aswell as your DJing? Or does that take up most of your time?
Haha, well to be honest I am working on music 24/7 lately. But when I have some free time I love to watch some DVD’s, go running or play on my Wii. I love Mario Kart on it!

We are all looking forward to your return to Passion on 23rd August... You have set your name in stone in the clubs prestigious history... Do you have any suprises in store? Any new productions maybe?
Definitely! I am gathering and trying out tracks for my new compilation “A State of Trance 2008”, so you might expect some really really exclusive tracks in my set!

You launched your UK DJ career at Passion and even filmed a music video there (System F – Exhale).. But does Passion hold any special places in your illustrious career?
It sure has! I have been coming to Passion for a couple of years now and I must say that I always look forward to play here again. The vibe and the clubbers that come here are great.

I was personally lucky enough to hear you perform at your Armada night in Ibiza last week. Your set was the typical Armin sound.... but for those who may be new to Passion can you tell us a little about your sound and the way you play your music?
It really depends the crowd. If I play a longer set I most likely will build my set with a range of music. Besides that I play what I love to play, trance with a capitol T ?

What are the big tunes in your box at the minute?
I made a bootleg of my own “In And Out Of Love” with the melody of “Jochen Miller – Connection” which I really dig and the crowd reacts great on it! Sure shots from me this summer are tracks from 8Wonders, Arnej, Ali Wilson`s track “Shakedown” and a track from the German act “Vengeance” called “Temptation”

Thankyou very much for your time Armin...... the dedicated followers of Passion are looking forward to you joining myself.. Markus Schulz and JFK for yet another huge night on the 23rd August...!