Armin van Buuren Opens Up to Zane Lowe About His Journey Into Classical Music
Armin van Buuren has entered a new creative era with the announcement of his first-ever classical album, Piano, arriving October 31 exclusively on Apple Music and Apple Music Classical for one week before its wide release. In a new conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, the trance legend discusses vulnerability, rediscovery, and the power of letting go — marking one of the most personal chapters of his career.
The full interview is available now on Apple Music and YouTube, alongside exclusive behind-the-scenes videos documenting Armin’s piano journey, composing sessions with string ensembles, and a Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos version of the album.
A New Chapter in Armin’s Creative Evolution
After decades of defining the sound of modern trance, Armin began piano lessons in 2018, turning to the instrument as a form of introspection. During the pandemic, that practice became the foundation for what would evolve into Piano. Each track was recorded live in a single take with orchestra — a bold creative shift from the precision of electronic production.
“Every track on the album is a one-taker,” Armin told Lowe. “We had this perfect take with the orchestra — 12 people playing beautiful music — and I made no mistake. Then I heard, ‘Focus error.’ We had to do it again. That’s when I knew this was something different. A radical departure from everything I’ve done before.”
Vulnerability, Breath, and Rediscovery
Speaking openly, Armin reflected on how Piano grew from a period of self-doubt and personal reckoning. “Playing the piano, I feel more naked than on the cover of Men’s Health. If people dislike this, it will hit me harder than any dance track. But I’m looking for that vulnerability right now in my life — that’s exactly where I need to be.”
He also shared how the album taught him to embrace silence and imperfection: “There’s music without any note being played. That’s something I never understood as a DJ. Now I understand how fundamental that is — the power of breathing.”
The Meaning Behind Piano
During the conversation, Armin described Piano as a deeply personal body of work, free from the structure and expectations that often define his electronic projects. “At this point, there’s no plan. It comes straight from the heart and it’s in one take. It’s the most honest music I’ve ever made.”
Fans can listen to the first track, “Sonic Samba,” and explore Armin’s full catalog now on Apple Music. Piano will be available worldwide on October 31, with exclusive content streaming on Apple Music Classical for one week before its general release.
