Hailed as the ‘god of trance’ by his fans, Armin van Buuren made his Calcutta debut at We Are Connected, in association with t2, organised by Blue Olive Studios and Whats In D Name. The World #3 DJ (according to DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs 2017) chatted with t2 minutes before his gig at Eco Park on December 17.
You first came to India in 2009. Over the years, have you seen any change in the crowd or people’s taste in music?
The fan base is bigger! I am really blessed with a lot of fans in India. If you look at my social media, a big portion of fans comes from India. The knowledge about music has also evolved — there is this whole new generation now and there is still a big following for trance music. My fans have followed me for so many years, so I really feel it’s important to come to India at least once a year to say hi.
“What did you say? the last one... pyaar.. what’s that?” t2: Pyaar means love.
You are the first trance DJ to release a Christmas carol. How did the idea come about to rework Sunny Days?
Actually, it was a simple idea. The track is called Sunny Days and a sunny day can lift your spirits just like Christmas. So we just replaced the word Sunny Days with Christmas Days and it happened!
What are the most memorable gigs in these two decades?
I have to mention my gig in Amsterdam Arena, which was the highlight of my entire career I think! Because I got to play a four-hour set with all the highlights of my tours. All my friends were there, all the artistes I have worked with were there and yeah it was really a very special moment.
The second moment was, I think, when my son was born. Few hours after he was born I gave a special set at Tomorrowland in 2013 and I think I will never forget that. Then A State Of Trance celebrations have always been very special, particularly episode 500, 750, 800…
What would you like to do the next time you’re back in our city?
Next time I am here, I would like to go on a cruise may be. See the landmarks, there was a Dutch settlement here I think so it would be nice to see some of the history.
If you were to mention the best trait of these top DJs, what would it be?
Martin Garrix: He is a super nice guy, extremely talented!
Hardwell: Ummm… very focussed, very talented and a close friend.
Alesso: Really talented with melodies and productions and super nice.
Oliver Heldens: Super funny guy, amazingly lifts the whole genre up.
David Guetta: If it wasn’t for David Guetta, I think it would be a different world because he opened the market in the US.
SNAP CHAT
One thing you would never do on stage: Watch TV!
Your fave headphone brand: Philips.
Any superstition or ritual you follow before a gig: I can’t tell you (laughs).
Genres or songs that have inspired you lately: Umm… so many! Right now, I am a massive fan of pure music... Carbon Based Lifeforms from Sweden.
Three all-time fave music festivals: My own music festival A State Of Trance, Ultra (Music Festival) is always special, EDC, Tomorrowland, of course. There are so many…
If not a DJ, what would you be? Lawyer!
If you were to engrave a message on your headphone, what would it be? Don’t be a prisoner of your own style.
Your spirit animal: Cat! Because I like to sleep (laughs).
An artiste you would love to collab with: That’s just name-dropping… I don’t know, it’s difficult to answer. I mean, of course, I would like to work with Alicia Keys, Beyonce or Ed Sheeran, but it’s not about the artiste, it’s about the song.
Your first earnings from a gig: Oh I played in a local bar in Leiden, Netherlands, when I started DJing and I don’t think it was bigger than this room. I was paid 50 guilder, which was 20 euros and I had to clean the toilet!
AFTER HIS 90-MINUTE GIG AT WE ARE CONNECTED, IN ASSOCIATION WITH T2, AT ECO PARK, ARMIN HEADED TO WHATS IN D NAME FOR THE AFTER-PARTY. SNAPSHOTS...
Pramita Ghosh
Pictures: B. Halder
