Episode 1278
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Armin van Buuren marks a monumental milestone in Episode 1278 of A State of Trance, celebrating 25 years of the iconic radio show with a deeply personal reflection on its origins in Amsterdam in 2001. The episode is a vibrant tapestry of nostalgia and forward momentum, blending emotional storytelling from listeners—like Ovidius Sernaz from Lithuania, who shares how 'Headstrong' by Kirsty Hawkshaw transported him to euphoric freedom while snowboarding in Norway—with a high-energy mix of new and unreleased tracks. The centerpiece is a dynamic guest mix from Olly James, the UK-based artist whose recent collab with Medics and Alain has become a standout in the trance scene. James reveals behind-the-scenes details about the creation of that track, emphasizing how rare it is to unite two major artists so seamlessly. The episode also teases a free birthday party in Amsterdam on June 1st, 2026, and previews a wave of new music, including a viral TikTok-fueled guitar remix of a classic track that’s now in development. This is not just a celebration of sound—it’s a testament to how trance music continues to forge deep, lasting emotional connections across continents and generations.
Armin van Buuren will host a free 25th-anniversary birthday party in Amsterdam on June 1, 2026, at the original studio location where he started A State of Trance.
Olly James reveals he successfully coordinated a rare collab between Medics and Alain after navigating complex contractual agreements, calling it one of his proudest tracks.
A listener from Lithuania shared a powerful story of emotional transcendence while snowboarding in Norway, moved to tears by 'Headstrong' by Kirsty Hawkshaw—now a timeless Service for Dreamers moment.
The viral TikTok remix of 'No More Turning Back' has generated significant label interest, prompting Olly James to develop it further despite initial uncertainty.
Olly James is releasing a wave of new music from January through December 2026, with major festival appearances at Luminosity and Beats for Love.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
EDC Las Vegas & New Music Highlights
“This is just to recap the fantastic vibe at EDC Las Vegas with Silver Panda. This is Here in My Arms. Turn it up!”
25 Years of A State of Trance: The Origin Story
“On the 1st of June 2001 I drove down to Amsterdam to this case of vinyls. I think case of vinyl didn't know that that was actually the start of something brand new and still doing that 25 years later.”
New Releases & Tune of the Week
Armin highlights the release of 'Satellite' by David Forbes and Sue McLaren as the Tune of the Week, and previews new tracks from John O'Callaghan, Darren Porter, and Monzilla.
Listener Stories: Service for Dreamers
“I felt something very special like that moment of freedom and just completely enjoying. So, and I am listening to Trans music when I'm snowboarding it I become so emotionally... It gets me so emotional that my tears start to come up, show up and my Google... Don't hit people when you go down then? No, when I'm running.”
Olly James Guest Mix & Career Breakthrough
“This track was one of my best ever collabs because I literally brought this thing together. It's two people that I absolutely love, two of my most favorite artists right now.”
“On the 1st of June 2001 I drove down to Amsterdam to this case of vinyls. I think case of vinyl didn't know that that was actually the start of something brand new and still doing that 25 years later.”
“I felt something very special like that moment of freedom and just completely enjoying. So, and I am listening to Trans music when I'm snowboarding it I become so emotionally... It gets me so emotional that my tears start to come up, show up and my Google... Don't hit people when you go down then? No, when I'm running.”
“This track was one of my best ever collabs because I literally brought this thing together. It's two people that I absolutely love, two of my most favorite artists right now.”
Host
Guest
armin van buuren
person
olli james
person
ovidius sernaz
person
medics
other
sue mclaren
person
kirsty hawkshaw
person
alain
person
depeche mode
other
silver panda
other
david forbes
person
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