[divider]1. ARMIN VAN BUUREN[/divider]
Is it the unexpected choice? Definitely not. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the 3-time winner of DJ Mag’s coveted #1 spot won that honor for a reason. As his genre has evolved, he’s taken it straight out of the vocal/house-y kick it’s been on back to its roots in 138 bpm. His set at Ultra under his “pure trance” moniker GAIA was proof positive that it doesn’t matter what sub-genre he’s in, Armin is a true master of his craft.
A man of many hats, Armin’s Armada Records label features an incredible stable of talent, including his protege and heir apparent Andrew Rayel. His presence as a tastemaker both on Armada and his radio show A State of Trance makes him an indispensable piece of the dance music scene as we know it, and a comfortable choice atop our list.
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
