Always looking ahead and pushing the electronic music scene forward, Armin van Buuren continues to spotlight the next generation of talent with his latest release, ‘Heavy’. This time, he teams up with JOA, a 21-year-old rising star from Miami who is quickly making a name for himself in the melodic techno world. Together, they deliver a dark, intense, and vocal-driven mainstage anthem that not only bridges generations but also blends genres, creating a powerful connection on dance floors worldwide. ‘Heavy’ showcases Armin’s ongoing commitment to innovation and his passion for elevating fresh voices in electronic music.
Premiered at Ultra Miami and already firing up crowds at EDC Las Vegas, UPPERGROUND Poland and Tomorrowland Belgium, ‘Heavy’ has proven its weight on the world’s biggest stages. Leaning into championing rising talent, Armin invited JOA to join him on tour, traveling to Poland and Ibiza to perform the track live together unleashing pure energy on thousands of fans. With its razor-sharp synth line and raw emotion, ‘Heavy’ has also earned early support from heavyweights like David Guetta, ARTBAT, Korolova, Kevin de Vries, Kasia, and Adam Sellouk.
“It’s always inspiring to work with rising talent like JOA. He’s got a fresh sound and huge potential, and I love supporting artists like him,” says Armin van Buuren.
“Standing next to Armin and watching thousands of people lose themselves to ‘Heavy’ is something I’ll never forget,” JOA adds. “It’s been incredible to see how the track connects with people everywhere we play it.”
For Armin van Buuren, the release comes off the back of releasing his ninth studio album, ‘Breathe’, his boldest album yet. The 51-track project is shaped by his recent mental and physical transformation. In June, he kicked off his Ushuaïa Ibiza residency with a special six-hour open-to-close set, and will return to the iconic venue for more dates in September. In July, his iconic A State of Trance festival returned to London, where he headlined with a special face-to-face set with HI-LO, the alias of Oliver Heldens.
JOA has been making waves since the release of his debut single ‘Missing Part of Me’ in January 2025. With early support from heavyweights like Kevin de Vries, Cassian, Adam Beyer, and Korolova, he’s quickly gaining attention in the global scene. His discography already features a standout collab with ARTBAT, ‘The Spot’, which he also performed live with the Ukrainian DJ duo at UPPERGROUND Poland.
LyricsApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine gunsTalking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen oneApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine gunsThey can let me lay in buses, never trust any of themTalking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen oneApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine gunsThey can let me lay in buses, never trust any of themApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine gunsThey can let me lay in buses, never trust any of themHeavy like machine gunsHeavy like machine gunsHeavy like machine gunsApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine gunsApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine gunsTalking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen oneYou ain't really about it I can see it through the screen sonThey can let me lay in buses, never trust any of themApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine gunsHeavy like machine gunsTalking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen oneTalking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen oneTalking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen oneApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine gunsThey can let me lay in buses, never trust any of themApoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Armin van Buuren & JOA - Heavy [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Armin van Buuren & JOA's collaboration on "Heavy" presents an exceptional fusion of Melodic House, Techno, and Trance, crafted meticulously to captivate dance floors globally. Clocking in at 128 BPM, the track maintains a driving, energetic tempo that serves as the perfect backbone for its dynamic arrangement. From a technical perspective, "Heavy" showcases expert production techniques. The track opens with a pulsating kick drum, subtly layered with percussive elements that gradually build tension. The razor-sharp synth line is the centerpiece, employing a complex waveform synthesis that cuts through the mix with precision, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The use of sidechain compression against the bass elements ensures that the kick retains its punch, providing a solid groove that underpins the track’s intensity. The vocal elements are strategically integrated, adding an emotive layer that complements the dark and intense mood. Processed with reverb and delay effects, the vocals create depth and spatial dimension, enhancing the immersive quality of the track. The melodic progression is thoughtfully constructed with harmonic layering, balancing minor key motifs that evoke both euphoria and introspection. Production-wise, the mixing and mastering processes are executed flawlessly. The stereo field is utilized effectively, with synth arpeggios and atmospheric pads panned to create a wide, enveloping soundscape. The dynamic range is carefully preserved, ensuring that each element maintains clarity even during the most densely arranged sections. "Heavy" is a testament to the artists’ ability to transcend genre boundaries, appealing to listeners with diverse musical tastes. Its technical proficiency, combined with innovative sound design and masterful production, solidifies it as a mainstage anthem destined to resonate in clubs and festivals alike. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item][item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
About Armin van Buuren
Armin van Buuren has long been a global ambassador for electronic music. He currently has eight full-length artist albums to his name and continues to cultivate a massive worldwide following through his weekly A State of Trance radio show, event series and album series, reaching 44 million listeners from more than 80 different countries on a weekly basis. Armin van Buuren headlines tens to hundreds of shows per year at leading festivals and venues around the world, including Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas, New York), Ultra Music Festival (Miami), Lollapalooza (Chicago) and Tomorrowland (Belgium) plus residencies on Ibiza and in Las Vegas. Last summer alone, he reconnected with fans through over thirty shows, including the ‘Feel Again’ shows in the Ziggo Dome, Ultra Europe, Tomorrowland, Parookaville, Creamfields, Electric Zoo and his summer residencies at Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa. In June 2025, he is releasing his long-awaited ninth studio album, ‘Breathe’.
About JOA
JOA is a 21-year-old Miami-based DJ and producer who’s been making waves with his signature melodic techno sound. With support from industry titans like David Guetta, Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and ARTBAT, JOA is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting new names in electronic music. His recent hit “Everyday” soared to #1 on Beatport Hype, and his debut at Ultra Music Festival in his hometown of Miami this year marked a milestone in his burgeoning career. With “The Spot,” ARTBAT and JOA deliver a high-energy, festival-ready tune that proves exactly why he is a force to be reckoned with.
About Armada Music
Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world. Founded by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron (CEO) and David Lewis, the label manages an ever-growing catalog of over 50,000 tracks built up across twenty-plus years of specialized dance music exploitation.
Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, ARTY, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, THEMBA and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month, airplay on leading radio outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM, and top positions in the world’s most notable charts. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a global appeal to its growing roster. The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats. Producer platform Armada University, which offers educational products and opportunities, shows the label’s sustained effort to nurture the next wave of talent.
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