Armin van Buuren and Ben Hemsley Unite For Debut Collab Signalling Trance’s Enduring Influence
‘Is It Beautiful?’, which fuses classic and modern trance elements, drops ahead of the pair’s debut back-to-back set at A State of Trance Festival
Doubling as the A State of Trance Rotterdam 2025 anthem, ‘Is It Beautiful?’ continues a long-standing tradition that began in 2010, with each February bringing a new anthem to commemorate the festival’s latest edition. This year’s theme, Transformation, celebrates innovation in trance music—a concept the track embodies through its melodic nostalgia, soaring synths, and Lucy Pullin’s deeply emotive vocal performance.
After a teaser feature on the ‘A State of Trance Year Mix 2024’, anticipation for the full release has skyrocketed among fans, further cementing its status as a standout track of the year.
As Armin van Buuren and Ben Hemsley prepare for their debut back-to-back set at A State of Trance Festival in Ahoy, Rotterdam, Hemsley expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
“Working with Armin has been a dream come true. He’s been a massive influence on me, and his support has meant the world. When we started this track, I had Lucy Pullin’s voice in mind from the beginning. Vocals are such an essential part of trance music, and Lucy captured the heart and soul of this track perfectly.”
A respected name in the trance world, Lucy Pullin has previously delivered stunning vocal performances on classics like Simon Patterson’s ‘Blink’ and ‘Now I Can Breathe Again’. Her contribution to ‘Is It Beautiful?’ elevates the track to anthemic status, solidifying its place as a modern trance masterpiece.
For Armin van Buuren, this collaboration is more than just a release—it’s a reflection of trance music’s ever-growing legacy:
“Ben is bringing trance to the forefront for a new generation. It’s inspiring to see how he’s breathing new life into the genre while staying true to its core. We should celebrate and appreciate these fresh takes on the music we love, which is what A State of Trance is all about.”
With its timeless melodies, powerful vocals, and forward-thinking production, ‘Is It Beautiful?’ is set to dominate festival stages and dance floors worldwide—a must-listen for any trance enthusiast in 2025.
