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Dutch trance producer Armin Van Buuren has no regrets about putting his law studies on hold to pursue his passion for music. It turned out to a sound decision, as 15 years on, he continues to take the world by storm and was recently ranked as the top DJ of 2009 by DJ Mag and Beatport.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in a musical family, Van Buuren can't remember a time when he didn't love music. At 19, he released his big success "Blue Fear" on Cyber Records and this "Euro trance blueprint" made it into the UK Charts.

"Communication" was released on the same label, and had a huge impact on Ibiza in the summer of 1999. Artfully combining progressive, techno and trace, his compilation series "A State of Trance" sold more than 10,000 copies and contains his well known remix of Moogwai, "Viola." He's also released many entries on his own label, Armind, including his sensational collaboration with Tiesto on the Major League project, and with Ferry Corsten on System F.'s track "Exhale" that reached gold status in less than a month.

Van Buuren has toured many major cities, festivals and has played residencies in top clubs. His set can span nine hours and his audiences have reached 10,000 at most festivals where he's performed. For his debut act in Bangkok next week. he'll be joined by electro master Tiga ("Sunglasses at Night", "You Gonna Want Me"), and Italian spinner Alex Gaudino ("Destination Unknown", "Watch Out") who are also in Thailand for the first time.

And, by the way, Van Buuren did complete his law degree via Oxford in 2004. He took time to answer a few questions.

What are you working on now?

Currently I am working on the A State of Trance yearmix and my new album, the follow up to Imagine, which will be out early 2010! Last week there was a DVD release with all my music video's and I am secretly gathering tracks already for a the new A State of Trance 2010 mix compilation. So there is a lot of great things happening!

How's the music game "In The Mix" coming?

It is about to be finished! I have seen the pilot now, and the game play was nearly finished too. I have to say it is becoming a really cool game. It is totally different than anything else out there, so I am looking forward to seeing it finished! Keep an eye out for it!

You've been voted number one DJ. How does it feel and what difference does it make for you as a DJ?

First of all it is a big honor to know that so many people took the time to vote for me. Since it is a popularity poll it means that a lot of people like the music that I play, enjoy my radio show 'A State of Trance' and the music that I make, which makes me feel really proud. The biggest difference is, since I got voted number 1 in the DJ Mag, more people are curious to check out who that guy is that reached that honorable spot in the poll. This way I manage to have a more diverse audience and reach more people with my music.

Does it give you more pressure when performing in front of the crowd?

I think that depends the gig for the most part. I am always a bit nervous before I go on, but I think that is healthy. In the end I am there for the crowd, and I really want to make sure I match their expectations. When I see emails coming in or messages on boards, that people had a great time, I am a happy man.

Who's your number one DJ?

Since he has been so essential in many ways and influental in my sound, I'd have to see Ben Liebrand!

What about trance music that appeals to you?

The whole feeling. When you hear a good trance record, it brings emotions up inside of you. Sometimes a track is filled with so much feeling I have goosebumps everywhere, or tears in my eyes. Music needs to move you, and no matter where you are from, people all over the world share those feelings with certain songs. Dance music, and especially trance, unites people. Like for an example, it happens that I play in Israel one day, and in Lebanon the other day, and no matter the conflicts, they are there to party and the people forget about differences and lose theirselves in the music.

What's the logest set you've ever played?

Thats a good question! When I started out DJ'ing in Club Nexus in Leiden, Holland, I used to play whole nights, so it happened that I was playing 10 hours in a row!

Which song lasts the longest in your collection?

There are a couple of classics that will never leave my record box, some tracks by Oliver Lieb and old classics of myself as well!

What's the plan for the party in Bangkok next month?

I might want to try out some new songs from my album, to see how they work on the floor. So make sure you'll be there!

IN THE GROOVE

- Armin Van Buuren performs on Wednesday with Tiga, Alex Gaudino at the S3quence Festival 2009 in Zen Event Hall at CentralWorld. Entry is Bt1,500.

- On December 10, Gaudino performs in Phuket.

- On December 11, Tiga will be in Pattaya.

- Tickets are available at www.OpWorldwide.com/s3quencebkk.