Producer/DJ Armin van Buuren, along with the Dutch independent record label he co-founded, Armada Music, are the latest winners of independent label organisation IMPALA’s Outstanding Contribution Award. They join prestigious recipients such as Martin Mills, Mario Pacheco and Charles Caldas. IMPALA’s annual award recognises the exceptional efforts of an individual or organisation to promote and develop European independent music and the sector’s diversity.

In 20 years as an industry leading DJ and producer, Armin van Buuren rapidly grew from local DJ to global stardom, developing his very own, successful brand of music. He co-founded Armada Music in 2003 with Maykel Piron and David Lewis. Armin himself has claimed multiple accolades, including no less than 5 No. 1 spots in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs fan poll and, more recently, a Grammy nomination and an IMPALA platinum Award for his hit single, “This Is What Feels Like”.

Armada has accumulated multiple hits and has developed many sub-labels in various music genres; Trance, Progressive- and DeepHouse. The rich Armada roster includes household names such as Dash Berlin, Paul Oakenfold, W&W, Max Graham and Gosmic Gate. Armada Music has become a household name in the world of electronic dance music (EDM).

On receiving the Award during his special radio show live from “A State of Trance” #650 in Utrecht, The Netherlands, van Buuren commented: ‘What an honor to receive this award! 400,000 sales of ‘This Is What It Feels Like’ in Europe! It is truly amazing and I’m so proud of what we have achieved as an independent label in this genre over the past ten years. I believe that a healthy independent music scene in Europe will guarantee a constant flow of variety in musical culture.’

Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA added: “This award underlines the exceptional achievements of Armada Music and Armin. Armada’s essence as an independent record label: dynamic, creative, flexible and innovative, was recognised as outstanding. This awards is unique as the jury is made up of other independent label leaders across Europe.”

Kees van Weijen, Chairman of IMPALA and President of STOMP said: “The IMPALA Outstanding Contribution Award” presented to Armada Music and Armin van Buuren is in recognition of the way Armada as an independent dance label achieved the number 1 position in its field, and their vision in this fast growing genre worldwide.”

The Outstanding Contribution Award is one of two annual awards launched by IMPALA in 2011, to showcase European independent music and those who drive it. It aims to give recognition to the people and the initiatives that have promoted the interests of independent music in Europe.