Armin van Buuren & Ben Hemsley blend classic and modern trance in ‘Is It Beautiful?’: Listen
Armin van Buuren and Ben Hemsley join forces for debut collaboration, showcasing trance’s timeless appeal. ‘Is It Beautiful?’ arrives ahead of their first-ever back-to-back set at A State of Trance Festival, blending classic and modern trance elements.
Trance legend Armin van Buuren has teamed up with rising star Ben Hemsley for their first collaboration, ‘Is It Beautiful?’, featuring the renowned vocals of Lucy Pullin. Created during a live-streamed session in 2024, the track highlights their shared vision for the genre’s future while honoring its roots. Their creative chemistry has been building for some time, and this release marks a defining moment in their artistic partnership.
The Official Anthem of A State of Trance Rotterdam 2025
Serving as the official anthem for A State of Trance Rotterdam 2025, the track continues the tradition of launching alongside the festival’s annual event in February. This year’s theme, Transformation, emphasizes innovation and progress, making ‘Is It Beautiful?’ a perfect embodiment of that spirit. Moreover, its fusion of uplifting melodies, nostalgic synths, and Lucy Pullin’s evocative vocals creates an emotionally charged listening experience. Furthermore, after its teaser appearance on the ‘A State of Trance Year Mix 2024’, anticipation has surged, with fans eagerly awaiting the full release.
A Fusion of Classic and Modern Trance
As they prepare for their highly anticipated back-to-back set at A State of Trance Festival in Rotterdam’s Ahoy arena, Ben Hemsley expressed his excitement: “Working with Armin has been surreal. He’s had such a huge impact on my journey, and having his support means everything. From the start, I envisioned Lucy Pullin’s voice on this track—her vocals bring out the raw emotion that makes trance music so special.”
Recognized for her work on trance anthems like Simon Patterson’s ‘Blink’ and ‘Now I Can Breathe Again’, Lucy Pullin delivers a moving performance that takes ‘Is It Beautiful?’ to soaring new heights.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Armin van Buuren praised Hemsley’s growing influence: “Ben is carrying trance into a new era while staying true to its essence. It’s inspiring to see his passion and creativity bringing fresh energy to the genre. That’s exactly what A State of Trance represents—celebrating innovation while honoring the music we love.”
Stream the track on Spotify below or via your preferred platform here.
