On March 25, Armin van Buuren joined Apple Music’s Stephen Campbell and Tim Sweeney for a keynote conversation at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, diving into the evolving landscape of dance music. The panel explored the role of DJ mixes, the resurgence of trance, and how immersive formats like Spatial Audio are reshaping how audiences experience music.
Reflecting on his career, Armin van Buuren spoke about the enduring emotional pull of trance and how new technologies are opening fresh creative pathways for both artists and listeners. The discussion highlighted how Spatial Audio is giving DJs more space to build immersive sets, enhancing clarity while deepening the connection between sound and audience.
The conversation also emphasized the growing importance of properly licensed DJ mixes. Apple Music continues to play a key role in preserving archival recordings that might otherwise be lost, while fostering discovery through curators deeply embedded in global club culture. Drawing from his recent projects, Armin pointed to his piano-driven acoustic album and an exclusive classical DJ mix created for the platform as examples of how technology can expand artistic expression across genres.
Speaking on the rapid rise of AI, Armin van Buuren acknowledged both the uncertainty and inevitability of its impact. “At this Winter Music Conference, there have been lots of talks about it, and let’s face it: we’re entering a new era. Nobody can fully predict what it will mean. I know a few things, though. I read a book about AI because I was skeptical—and honestly, a little scared for my own job. Now, with all the tools online, you can prompt, ‘Make me a track like Armin van Buuren,’ and you get outcomes. I understand the fears; I share them with many of you.”
“But let’s look at the facts. One important thing to realize: the AI we’re using right now is the worst AI we will ever use. Think about that—it can only get better. Second, if you ignore it, you’ll fall behind. And third, it reminds me of the discussion back in the late ’80s, when Pro Tools and digital recording started replacing 24-track tape.”
On the renewed cultural relevance of trance, he reflected on the genre’s evolution and staying power. “Trance isn’t a dirty word anymore—techno artists have embraced melodies again. For a long time, we were seen as the ‘EDM whatever,’ not the cool guys. And suddenly, it’s like an old sweater you’ve worn for 25 years becomes fashionable again.”
“I think it proves that if you believe in something, in a sound—whether it’s trance, techno, whatever touches your soul—stick with it. There were really hard times in trance; for a long time, it wasn’t the most popular genre. But when I hear a trance record, I feel it. It’s me.”
Offering advice to aspiring DJs, Armin van Buuren emphasized originality and intention as key to standing out in a crowded scene. “If you make a track that other DJs play, boom—you’re on the map. But also, do something no other DJ has done before. Study the DJs you admire, analyze their sets—but don’t copy them. Find your uniqueness.”
“Why should I go out on a Friday night instead of staying home? Give people a reason to come to your show. If you can answer that in two or three sentences, you’ve got their attention.”
Discussing his experience working with immersive formats, he highlighted the creative possibilities of Spatial Audio. “I was really intrigued about mixing the piano acoustic album in Spatial Audio. And I never knew how difficult that was because I didn’t really understand it. But now I get it… Spatial Audio simply gives you more headroom, so your ears will bleed less, and that sound will sound pretty good.”
He also reflected on creating a classical DJ mix for Apple Music, a project that pushed him into entirely new territory. “I did something really crazy—a midlife thing—and created a piano album… Then Apple asked me to make a classical DJ mix. I remember thinking, ‘Classical DJ mix? How the hell am I supposed to do that?’”
“So I went online, found high-quality files, and opened a Pandora’s box of beautiful classical music. I got completely absorbed… It’s all classical music, mixing keys and flow, and it’s only on Apple Music.”
From the platform perspective, Stephen Campbell underscored the transformative impact of licensing DJ mixes. “When you ask what properly licensing mixes unlocks, the answer is everything. A huge part of what we do is going back into the archives to rescue recordings that were lost to digital obscurity.”
He also emphasized the importance of human curation in an era of endless content. “We have experts around the world who are in the clubs. They are friends with DJs—they are a part of the culture. That’s the only way you can really understand what’s going on.”
The discussion ultimately reinforced Apple Music’s commitment to championing DJ culture while pushing the boundaries of how music is created, curated, and experienced. As technology continues to evolve, conversations like this signal a future where innovation and authenticity coexist—reshaping the global dance music landscape in real time.