Armin van Buuren has revealed his most personal project yet, his first acoustic album titled Piano. The full album rolls out exclusively on Apple Music on October 31. Crowned the No.1 Trance DJ in the world, Armin enters a reflective new chapter focused on emotion and stillness. Piano features 15 original self-composed tracks, all performed by Armin van Buuren himself on piano. Tracks are accompanied by a chamber orchestra, giving depth and cinematic warmth. Piano marks a creative turning point for Armin, where melody replaces momentum and silence becomes its own kind of strength.
Inside ‘Piano’: From Heart to Keys to Ears
Armin van Buuren said that creating melodies behind the piano has always been the foundation of his music. “Creating melodies behind the piano has always been the foundation of my music,” he shared. “Together with my teacher Geronimo, sketches grew into fifteen pure pieces, free from beats.” He continued, “This project shows another side of me: intimate, honest, direct.”
Armin explained how his musical roots began in a home filled with classical, rock, and electronic music. “My roots lie in a home filled with classical, rock, and electronic music, shaped by my father, brother, and artists like Vangelis and The Orb,” he said. “After decades of trance and festivals, I longed for music without pressure — just fingers on keys.”
In early 2025, Armin recorded the entire album in a single take at ConcertLab in Utrecht. “In 2025, I recorded everything in one take at ConcertLab. This album is my most personal work: from heart, to keys, to ears.” Recorded and filmed at ConcertLab, the world’s first purpose-built studio for Fine Arts Music, the album was captured over seven days. Each performance was recorded in one continuous take and later mixed in Dolby Atmos.
The album features Armin on piano, both solo and accompanied by a cellist, a chamber orchestra, and violinist Lisa Jacobs. The lead single “Sonic Samba” is out now on Apple Music. In addition to his original compositions, Armin offers a piano interpretation of “Children” by Robert Miles, bridging his electronic roots with classical sensibility. Piano stands as his most vulnerable project to date, merging emotion, craft, and memory into one timeless expression.
Armin From Trance to Tranquility: ‘Sonic Samba’ Leads the Piano Album
On October 24, during Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) 2025, Armin previewed his new direction with a live performance of “Sonic Samba”. The exclusive Apple Store showcase gave us a glimpse of his piano-driven compositions. EDMNOMAD was personally invited to attend and experience the intimate performance firsthand. The atmosphere contrasted sharply with ADE’s high-energy pulse as Armin performed on his custom-wrapped piano. “Sonic Samba” blended classical precision with his familiar warmth, creating a moving fusion of rhythm and serenity. This performance also marked the official announcement of Piano to the world. Armin demonstrated that evolution can come through restraint and self-reflection, not only through volume or tempo.
A Dolby Experience at ADE: Behind the Sound of ‘Piano’
Following the Apple event, Armin joins Dolby and Apple Music for an exclusive listening session at the Dolby Atmos House. The session takes place at TOBACCO Theater from 14:00 to 15:00. Here Armin opens discussions on how Dolby Atmos technology expanded the emotional depth and space of the album’s compositions. This project as deeply human, born from reflection, and rediscovery. Piano is more than a new sound; it is an invitation to experience Armin van Buuren’s quietest and most sincere moments.
Listen to Armin van Buuren, his new album Piano, and discography on Apple Music.
