Beatportal Exclusive: Armin van Buuren Discusses ‘Euphoria’ and the Future of Dance Music

Armin van Buuren is back with Euphoria—a genre-blending anthem that merges Beethoven’s timeless melodies with modern dance energy. In this Beatportal exclusive, Armin opens up about the creative process, his reunion with Alok, and the future of electronic music.

Armada Music
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4 min •
Jan 17, 2025
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Few artists have shaped the global landscape of electronic dance music as profoundly as Armin van Buuren. Over two decades into his illustrious career, the Dutch DJ and producer remains a beacon of innovation, continuously exploring new creative horizons while staying true to his roots. In this exclusive Beatportal interview, Armin opens up about the making of his latest single, Euphoria, a collaboration with Alok, Norma Jean-Martine, and LAWRENT, and shares his thoughts on the evolving trends in dance music.

A Reunion of Creative Minds

For fans of Armin and Alok, Euphoria signifies a much-anticipated reunion. Their last collaboration, United, debuted in 2018, and the chemistry between the two artists remains as strong as ever. Originally titled Wanderlust, the track began as a topline crafted with the talents of Norma Jean-Martine and LAWRENT. Reflecting on the journey of the song, Armin shared:
"Alok came up with the idea to change the lyrics to Euphoria, which elevated the song to a whole new level. It was amazing to work with him again after all these years. We’ve been friends for so long, and creating together felt seamless."

This camaraderie was mirrored in his collaboration with Norma Jean-Martine, whose vocal delivery added a layer of emotional depth to the track, and LAWRENT, whose production skills brought polish and flair to the final mix. Armin emphasized the ease of working with such a talented team:
"When collaboration is so effortless, it becomes easy to shape a track together. Norma and LAWRENT brought incredible energy and creativity to this project."

Fusing Classical Elegance with Club Energy

A standout feature of Euphoria is its inventive incorporation of Beethoven’s iconic Für Elise. This classical melody adds an unexpected, timeless element to the high-energy club anthem. Although the idea to include it wasn’t Armin’s, it struck a chord with him:
"‘Für Elise’ was one of the first songs I learned to play as a child. It’s such a joy to pay tribute to Beethoven and blend his genius with electronic music. Classical melodies are timeless, and seeing them embraced in modern productions is inspiring."

This fusion of classical and electronic elements is more than just a creative choice; it’s a statement about the versatility of dance music. By intertwining genres and eras, Euphoria becomes a track that resonates across audiences, from festival-goers seeking adrenaline-pumping beats to club enthusiasts appreciating its nuanced artistry.

Crafting a Crowd-Pleasing Anthem

Euphoria is designed to captivate audiences in any setting, whether under the dazzling lights of a festival stage or within the intimate confines of a club. Armin describes the track as a high-energy anthem that promises to deliver an unforgettable rush to listeners:
"It’s the adrenaline rush people crave during my shows. I can’t wait to see how it resonates with audiences in both festivals and club settings."

Balancing his signature sound with modern influences, Armin approached the production of Euphoria with a focus on authenticity and emotional connection. He explained:
"The key is to listen to your heart. Does it resonate? Being real in the studio is essential. Growth as an artist comes from embracing the new while staying connected to the old."

Reflections on the Dance Music Landscape

The release of Euphoria aligns with an exciting moment in dance music’s evolution. Armin expressed his enthusiasm for the resurgence of trance and the growing trend of classical influences in electronic tracks:
"We’re living in the age of interpolations! Classical music is timeless, and it’s fantastic to see producers reimagining these melodies for a new generation."

As a pioneer of the trance genre, Armin sees this trend as a testament to the enduring appeal of music that transcends time and genre boundaries. With Euphoria, he continues to champion innovation while paying homage to the roots of electronic music.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Over the years, Armin van Buuren’s career has been defined by his ability to evolve while maintaining a strong connection to his musical identity. For him, Euphoria reflects this delicate balance:
"This record feels like the perfect blend of my signature sound and my evolving style. That’s the kind of growth every artist should strive for."

Collaboration has always been a cornerstone of his creative journey, and Armin is drawn to projects that challenge him and foster learning:
"I always seek a personal and musical connection with collaborators. Working with new artists challenges me and helps me grow."

A New Chapter of Inspiration

With Euphoria, Armin van Buuren continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in dance music. By seamlessly blending classical influences with modern electronic beats and embracing collaboration as a source of creative energy, he reaffirms his status as one of the genre’s most visionary artists. As fans across the globe embrace this exhilarating anthem, it’s clear that Armin’s journey is far from over—and the best may still be yet to come.

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