From iconic radio moments to building global dance communities, Ruben de Ronde opens up about his career, Ibiza 2025, and the evolving future of trance music.

Dutch DJ, producer, and Twitch streamer Ruben de Ronde is no stranger to the spotlight—or the underground. Known for his long-standing role with A State of Trance Radio and his pioneering presence on Twitch, de Ronde has played a defining role in shaping the future of trance music over the past two decades. In an exclusive chat with Adam K and Amy Farina on 10 Days in Dance, he dives deep into genre fluidity, streaming culture, and what lies ahead for the global dance scene.

From Broadcast Booths to Global Stages

Ruben’s journey into electronic music began with humble, almost hidden roots—literally broadcasting from a container at Tomorrowland. That experience blossomed into a long-term media collaboration and a significant role at A State of Trance, where he has co-hosted with Armin van Buuren for over 18 years.

“The biggest shift has been seeing how fans connect to music,” Ruben explains. “It used to be about getting on air or in a club. Now, it’s about community and access.”

Ibiza 2025: The Scene is Shifting

Reflecting on a packed 2025 schedule, Ruben highlights how Ibiza’s club culture is mirroring broader trends in the future of trance music. Having already performed at Eden and Ushuaïa before summer officially kicked off, he sees a longer, more inclusive season evolving.

“Ibiza used to start in June and end by September,” he says. “Now, it’s becoming a year-round destination. That changes how we approach shows and sound.”

Ruben’s recent performance alongside Armin van Buuren, Cosmic Gate, and Billy Gillies at Ushuaïa showcases how trance is still a dominant force—even as musical borders become blurrier.

The Power of Streaming and Community

A standout theme in Ruben’s career—and one reshaping the future of trance music—is the rise of artist-driven communities through platforms like Twitch. His “Statemates” community grew from streaming music sessions into real-life friendships, even relationships.

“Streaming lets fans watch a track come to life in real time,” he says. “By the time it’s released, people already love it because they were part of its journey. That’s where the future of trance music lies—in shared creative experience.”

Reimagining Trance Through Collaboration

De Ronde’s new alias, Energy 2000, leans into old-school trance vibes with a modern twist. Collaborations with legends like Ferry Corsten, Mauro Picotto, and York are part of a bigger movement to reshape the sound for a new era.

“I’m not just playing classics—I’m making new music that honors that era. It’s a way to celebrate where trance came from while pushing it forward,” he says.

Projects like Ebenezer (with Steven Bahn) show his commitment to innovation. The project fuses trance and techno, expanding what’s possible within the evolving definition of the genre.

Are Genres Even Relevant Anymore?

Perhaps the most compelling insight Ruben offers is his take on the future of trance music as genre lines dissolve.

“I don’t think more genres are being added—I think genres are disappearing,” he says. “Trance today includes everything from melodic techno to acid to hard trance. It’s all under one big emotional umbrella.”

De Ronde argues that DJs now have a responsibility to introduce fresh sounds that fall outside of listeners’ algorithms. He’s championing a generation of artists like Kiki, Mau P, and Heartstrings, who blend high-BPM intensity with trance’s emotional core.

“The new generation doesn’t care about genre boxes. They want to feel something—and that’s always been the heart of trance.”

Armada, ADE, and What’s Next

Ruben continues to work closely with Armada Music, including a major Statement label relaunch and new artist signings. He also hinted at behind-the-scenes collaborations tied to Q-dance and genre fusion efforts across dance music’s harder and faster edges.

With Amsterdam Dance Event approaching, Ruben expects more spontaneous pop-ups than formal events. “Every year I say I’ll do less, and every year I end up doing more,” he laughs. “That’s the beauty of the scene—it’s alive, evolving, and always unexpected.”