Armin van Buuren News
Ushuaïa Ibiza Reveal First Acts For 2024 Season
Ushuaïa Ibiza reasserts its status as a world-leading open-air entertainment experience, with another scene-leading series of weekly residencies for 2024. This summer, Ushuaïa Ibiza welcomes the biggest artists and club brands on the planet, including scintillating debuts and returning favourites. Full information and tickets are available now at theushuaiaexperience.com.
Yann Pissenem, Founder, CEO & Owner of Ushuaïa Entertainment, Ushuaïa & Hï Ibiza said: “I’m thrilled to reveal many of the incredible residencies at Ushuaïa Ibiza this season. Get ready for a summer of unforgettable performances from the world’s biggest and best DJs, as we welcome back our longtime and much-loved residencies ANTS, Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Martin Garrix and Tomorrowland present Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. It’s also an honour to welcome Defected to Ushuaïa Ibiza for their first residency with us, and with more events still to be announced, it’s going to be an extraordinary summer!”
Famed for its unrivalled atmosphere, Ushuaïa Ibiza seamlessly blends hedonism and escapism, to create an unparalleled club experience. With awe-inspiring production and exceptional performances from superstar DJs, Ushuaïa Ibiza is a musical wonderland without limits.
Following the official Ushuaïa Ibiza Opening Party on Saturday 27th April, here’s what’s coming up this summer:
F*** ME I’M FAMOUS! BY DAVID GUETTA
MONDAYS | 3 JUN – 7 OCT
Ibiza simply would not be the institution it is without David Guetta’s iconic F***Me I’m Famous! residency. One of the longest-running parties in the island’s history, its winning formula of upfront music, immersive production and a glamorous crowd has made it a cornerstone of Ibiza.
As David Guetta kicked off the year by securing his fourth World’s #1 DJ award, 2024 is looking to be his biggest season to date. David Guetta has handpicked a selection of his friends, peers and rising talent that embody the ethos of the international icon to join him throughout the summer.
DEFECTED
TUESDAYS | 7 MAY – 1 OCT
Defected marks its 25th anniversary in style this summer, with an all-new weekly residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza. One of the most influential labels in dance music history, this residency will celebrate Defected’s history of house heavyweights and more underground names, while championing the new talent and sounds that have kept the brand at the forefront of the scene for so long.
Defected’s signature programming has seen the brand build a global community of dedicated music fans. Their 2024 residency at Ibiza’s best open-air club is the ultimate way to showcase their legacy at the forefront of house music.
TOMORROWLAND PRESENTS DIMITRI VEGAS & LIKE MIKE
WEDNESDAYS | 15 MAY – 02 OCT (EXCL. 24/7, 14/8, 4/9)
Widely revered as one of the most visually spectacular events in the scene, the iconic Belgian festival Tomorrowland teams up with Ushuaïa Ibiza for another very special run of events this summer. The Grammy-winning, legendary DJ duo Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike will headline the famous poolside stage once again.
Tomorrowland’s 2024 theme ‘LIFE’ will be retooled for a spectacular club show. Guests will enter a world of lush nature and explore the origin of Mother Tree, brought to life by Tomorrowlan’s signature jaw-dropping production. Get ready for another extraordinary series of Wednesdays!
MARTIN GARRIX
THURSDAYS | 20 JUN – 26 SEP
Martin Garrix stands as one of dance music’s most remarkable talents. Rising to international acclaim at an exceptionally young age, he secured the top spot on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list an astonishing four times, and his Ushuaïa Ibiza residency continues to draw in crowds from all over the world. The Dutch selector captivates audiences with his distinctive sound and DJ style, often with an array of his own chart-topping hits.
A relationship honed over many years, Martin Garrix’s connection with the Ushuaïa Ibiza dancefloor is unparalleled. Witnessing his command of the audience in an outdoor setting is always a unique and cherished experience.
CALVIN HARRIS
FRIDAYS | 31 MAY – 13 SEP (EXCL. 7/6) | SUNDAY 9 JUNE
After another huge season at Ushuaïa Ibiza in 2023, the biggest party on the island is back this summer, as Calvin Harris will make a momentous return to the iconic poolside stage with an extended run of headline shows. From multiple Brit Award, Billboard Music Award and GRAMMY wins, to chart-topping singles, record-breaking music sales and streaming numbers in their billions, the hugely talented producer, DJ and hitmaker has done it all, and never fails to leave a lasting impact on his devoted Ushuaïa Ibiza audience.
Along with a string of Friday events, on the second weekend in June, Calvin Harris will switch things up with a move to Sunday for a one-off show on 9 June.
ANTS
SATURDAYS | 4 MAY – 5 OCT
ANTS enters 2024 focused firmly on the future. Kicking off with two day-into-night events across Ushuaïa & Hï Ibiza. A diverse, forward-thinking music program featuring cutting-edge artists, stars of tomorrow and scene innovators will showcase the most credible club sounds each week at Ushuaïa Ibiza.
It wouldn’t be ANTS without their signature awe-inspiring production levels. In 2024, ANTS will pull out all the stops with a boundary-pushing new theme. An unprecedented new build featuring the largest structure in ANTS history will tower over the dancefloor. Innovative audio-visuals with a darker edge will fully immerse audiences in an exhilarating new era of ANTS.
ARMIN VAN BUUREN
SUNDAYS | 1 SEP – 29 SEP
Dance music pioneer Armin van Buuren remains a titan of the global electronic music scene after more than two decades at the top. The Armada Music label founder is a constant innovator, whose radio show ‘A State of Trance’ resonates with 44 million listeners across 80 countries and boasts well over 1000 episodes.
A cornerstone of the trance genre, and a prolific producer, Armin completed his three-part ‘Feel Again’ project last year and has just released ‘Breathe In’, his ninth studio album. Returning for a month-long residency in September, Van Buuren’s Ushuaïa Ibiza shows are always amongst the most hotly-tipped events of the summer!
MORE ACTS / EVENTS TBA!
With more still to be announced, there is nowhere on the planet that is better to dance under the sun and stars than Ushuaïa Ibiza, and the countdown is now on to the beginning of another historic summer season. Get your ticket now before they sell out at theushuaiaexperience.com.
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A State of Trance returns to London on November 14th 2026 at Drumsheds, marking the brand’s first indoor UK festival edition and 25th anniversary.
Following two successful outdoor editions at Silverworks Island, A State of Trance will return to London in 2026, this time moving indoors to Drumsheds. Taking place on 14 November 2026, the event will be part of ASOT’s 25th anniversary celebrations, marking the brand’s first indoor festival edition in the UK.
Set at one of London’s premier rave venues, ASOT London will bring a festival-sized production, delivering the ASOT experience at full scale. While the full line-up is yet to be announced, the brand’s icon, Armin van Buuren has been confirmed as the first name to join the celebration.
The Drumsheds edition will also mark another major UK appearance for Armin in 2026, following his recent show at Barking Park and a performance in Bristol.
Looking back at ASOT’s two previous instalments in the British capital, the event has welcomed some of the biggest names in trance, including Ben Hemsley, Nifra, Gareth Emery and Cosmic Gate.
The move to Drumsheds will allow organisers to take the event to the next level. Given the brand’s famous large-scale indoor shows at its home in Rotterdam, the venue feels like a natural fit for a more immersive visual and stage design experience.
Following an almost sold-out debut in 2023 and a second show that welcomed up to 20,000 ravers in 2025, demand is high for the Drumsheds edition. Pre-sale access goes live at 10am on Tuesday 9 June. Fans can sign up for the ticket sales via the official ASOT London website.
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Ultra Europe 2026 Drops Phase 2 Lineup with Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, DJ Snake and more confirmed for Split this July
Ultra Europe 2026 has dropped its Phase 2 lineup, adding more names to its return to Split, Croatia from July 10 to 12, 2026 at Park Mladeži. Now heading into its 12th edition, the festival’s latest announcement brings in Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, DJ Snake, AFROJACK, and Subtronics, joining a Phase 1 lineup that already included Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, FISHER, John Summit, and Amelie Lens. The update gives the 2026 edition a much fuller look across the Ultra Main Stage and RESISTANCE, while keeping more names saved for the next announcement.
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Phase 2 Adds Trance, Big-Room, Bass, Techno and House to Ultra Europe 2026
The Ultra Europe 2026 Phase 2 lineup strengthens both sides of the festival. The new additions bring more mainstage names into the July weekend, while RESISTANCE also gets a heavier presence through techno and house bookings. With Phase 1 already led by names such as Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, FISHER, John Summit, and Amelie Lens, this second announcement gives the 2026 edition a fuller lineup across its main festival stages.
Phase 2 additions:
- Adam Beyer
- AFROJACK
- Armin van Buuren
- CamelPhat
- DJ Snake
- Hardwell
- Jamie Jones
- Nico Moreno
- Oliver Heldens
- Subtronics
- HALO
- Maddix
Subtronics Stands Out Among Returning Ultra Europe Regulars
While several Phase 2 additions are familiar names for Ultra Europe, Subtronics still gives the 2026 announcement one of its more interesting talking points. He played Ultra Europe 2024, appearing on the same day as AFROJACK and DJ Snake, so his 2026 booking is not a debut. What makes it worth noting is the context around the booking. Ultra Europe has long been associated with mainstage EDM, house, techno, and its RESISTANCE programming, while large-scale bass bookings have not been as constant in the festival’s Croatia lineup. Bringing Subtronics back after 2024 keeps that part of the lineup visible and gives the July weekend a different pull next to the festival’s more established returning names.
For many of the other additions, Ultra Europe 2026 reads as a return to artists with a longer history in Split. Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, AFROJACK, and DJ Snake have all appeared at past editions, while Adam Beyer, CamelPhat, Jamie Jones, and Oliver Heldens have also been part of previous Ultra Europe lineups in recent years. That matters because Phase 2 is not relying only on newness. It brings back names already tied to the festival’s mainstage and RESISTANCE identity, then places Subtronics inside that structure as one of the less typical bookings for the Croatia edition. For a lineup that already had Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, FISHER, John Summit, and Amelie Lens in Phase 1, this second announcement makes the 2026 edition feel more complete without giving away the full final lineup yet.
Ultra Europe 2026 Still Has More Names To Come Before July
With Phase 2 now out, Ultra Europe 2026 has a much clearer outline, but the lineup is still not complete. The festival has already confirmed a strong mix of mainstage names, RESISTANCE artists, and newer additions across the first two announcements, while the poster also confirms that Phase 3 is still on the way. That next update will likely help fill out the remaining stage programming, daily structure, and support acts as the festival moves closer to its July return to Split.
For now, the 2026 edition already has enough confirmed names to show how Ultra Europe is building its 12th edition. Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, DJ Snake, Amelie Lens, Sara Landry, Adam Beyer, FISHER, John Summit, and Subtronics give the lineup both familiar Ultra names and bookings that widen the festival’s appeal. More artists are still expected to be announced before Ultra Europe 2026 takes over Park Mladeži from July 10 to 12, with tickets and updates available through the festival’s official channels.
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Why Armin Van Buuren Nearly Quit Music in 2011 Despite Reaching a Peak in Trance
At the Winter Music Conference 2026 in Miami on March 25, Armin Van Buuren joined Stephen Campbell and Tim Sweeney for a keynote discussion on the future of electronic dance music. During that conversation, he opened up about a period in his career that did not match how things looked from the outside, explaining that 2011 was the year he came close to walking away from music altogether. That detail gives more weight to the story because 2011 was not a low point in public terms. By then, Armin Van Buuren was already operating at a high level across trance, radio, and international touring, which makes the idea of nearly stepping away during that period far more striking.
Why Armin Van Buuren Considered Walking Away at His Peak
When Armin Van Buuren reflected on that period, the reasoning was not tied to visibility or output. He stated, “I almost quit music in 2011,” referring to a point where the connection to the music no longer felt as direct as it had before. That distinction matters because the surrounding context was stable. His presence in trance was already established through years of releases, radio broadcasts, and festival performances, and his role within the genre had been reinforced repeatedly through that consistency. The uncertainty came from within the process itself, where repetition and structure began to change how the music was felt rather than how it was received.
The conditions around that period also show how a fixed routine can begin to limit creative space at that level. Touring cycles, radio commitments, and production schedules continued without interruption, which left little room to step back and engage with music outside of expectation. At the same time, trance was moving through a phase where its position in the wider electronic scene was being questioned, which added another layer to how the genre was being experienced from within. He addressed that directly when he said, “Trance isn’t a dirty word anymore,” pointing to a shift in how the genre was perceived and discussed. That combination of internal disconnect and external pressure created a point where continuing was no longer assumed, even at a stage where everything externally remained intact.
What Brought Armin Van Buuren Back to Music
What brought him back was not a change in schedule or a reduction in expectations. It came from recognising what had shifted in his relationship with the music. He explained, “I felt like I lost the connection with the music,” which clarifies that the issue was not fatigue alone, but distance from the core reason he started. That moment reframes the entire situation, because it places the turning point inside the music itself, not in the surrounding structure. Reconnecting with that feeling allowed him to continue, not as a response to external demand, but as a decision grounded in whether the music still held meaning.
That return is closely tied to trance as a genre and to the role it has played across his career. A State Of Trance continued to expand beyond a radio format into large-scale events and stages, maintaining its position as a central platform for trance globally. His sets across festivals and ASOT-branded shows remained consistent, but what changed was the basis on which that consistency was maintained. Instead of operating through routine, the continuation came from restoring a direct connection to the sound, structure, and progression that define trance. That shift explains why the period did not result in withdrawal, but in a continuation that carried more clarity, where the music itself remained the point of reference rather than the system around it.
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Why This Moment Still Matters in Electronic Music
The significance of that period is not limited to one artist. It highlights how continuation in electronic music is not determined solely by visibility, output, or position within a genre. Even at a stage where everything appears stable, the decision to continue can shift if the connection to the music changes. In Armin Van Buuren’s case, the moment came after years of sustained involvement in trance, which makes it a reflection of how long-term careers develop rather than a reaction to short-term conditions. The question was not whether he could continue, but whether continuing still held the same meaning.
Looking at what followed, his ongoing presence across global festivals, releases, and A State Of Trance shows how that connection translated into continuity over time. The period in 2011 did not interrupt his trajectory, but it did redefine the basis on which it continued. That is what gives the moment weight. It shows that staying active in electronic music is not only about maintaining a position, but about maintaining a relationship with the music that remains consistent across different stages of a career.
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