In conversation with: our bookers on the lineup of DGTL ADE 2024
As the summer festival season draws to a close in a few weeks, we can now eagerly look ahead to Amsterdam Dance Event! With four days and seven shows, navigating the extensive lineup can be daunting. To help, we sat down with our bookers Welmer and Marco to discuss the highlights, the program’s sounds, and the thoughts behind the different hostings.
Welmer and Marco describe the program as a well-rounded representation of DGTL’s essence. It spans everything from live performances to renowned melodic techno artists and popular electronic acts. Let’s dive in, shall we?
DGTL ADE: CARIBOU
Thursday, October 17
18:00 – 21:30
We’re kicking off our mammoth ADE week with a special concert by Caribou. This show has been on our bookers’ wishlist for a while, and they’re thrilled it finally came together. “This will be his only European show of the fall,” they explained. “Caribou is coming with a full band; so this is a unique and unmissable opportunity. We’ve been working hard to secure this performance, and we couldn’t be happier to finally bring it to our audience.”
Get your tickets to this show here.
DGTL ADE: COLYN, JAN BLOMQVIST, MATHAME, AND MORE
Thursday, October 17
23:00 – 07:00
After Caribou’s show, we dive head-first into our Thursday night event. Marco and Welmer share what makes this night special: “Colyn has been performing at DGTL since the beginning of his career and has steadily gained popularity. He often plays abroad and at major festivals. Some time ago, he played at DGTL during ADE, so you could say our boy is back home,” they said. “Seeing him evolve over the years and return to our stage feels like a homecoming. His growth has been phenomenal, and we are excited for our audience to experience his latest sounds.”
The lineup for the night is diverse, aiming to create a broader palette of sounds. “We’ve included a variety of genres, building from mellow to intense sounds,” Marco elaborated. “Several artists, like Miss Monique, Mathame, and Fideles, are performing at DGTL ADE for the first time. These are artists we’ve been keen on bringing to DGTL, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night.” Welmer added, “Jan Blomqvist will be adding a unique element to his live setup by bringing a drum kit this time. His live show promises to be a highlight of the night.”
The sound of the evening will evolve from deep house and organic house to melodic techno, with Philou Louzolo & Cincity adding Afro elements. “Both artists have performed at DGTL before and will complement the evening beautifully,” they noted. “Their sets are known for their vibrant energy and intricate rhythms, making them a perfect fit.”
Get your tickets to this show here.
DGTL ADE: NILS FRAHM
Friday, October 18
18:00 – 21:30
Continuing our ADE journey on Friday, Nils Frahm will perform a 2.5-hour solo set on the electronic piano. The bookers are excited about this show. “His recent performances were at the Concertgebouw and other grand classical concert halls. Now, he finds it fascinating to play at an industrial location for a change. We believe it’s a fantastic addition to DGTL,” they explained. “Nils Frahm’s ability to blend classical and electronic music in a live setting is unparalleled. This performance will be a mesmerizing journey through his unique soundscapes.”
Get your tickets to this show here.
DGTL ADE: OUTLIER BY BONOBO
Friday, October 18
23:00 – 07:00
Our Friday night program also features many intriguing artists, featuring DJ Tennis, who knows how to set the tone for the evening. The bookers describe the sound of the night as house music in its broadest sense, complemented by some more left field electronica. About Bonobo, they said: “He did the opening night at the last DGTL and the year before that he played the main stage at the festival and delivered an amazing Boiler Room set.
As this is a special Outlier hosting, Bonobo has co-curated this entire evening with us. Bonobo’s eclectic sets span a wide range of styles, from deeper electronica to disco to house. All the artists performing have deep connections to him,” they shared. “Bonobo’s involvement has brought a unique and cohesive vibe to the lineup. His curatorial touch ensures that every set will resonate with the audience in a profound way.”
Another highlight is Young Marco, who will close the night after Bonobo. “His show at the last DGTL drew a full house, creating an electric atmosphere,” Marco said. “We’re eager to have him because of the unique profile he has created, completely different from his previous work. His ability to reinvent his sound and captivate the audience is truly remarkable.”
In Area 2, you’ll dance to the sounds of Sally C. “We’ve been following her career closely,” Welmer mentioned. “She is an excellent house DJ/producer with a beautiful career progression. She performed at DGTL India but not yet at our Amsterdam event, so we’re very excited to have her play. Her sets are known for their infectious energy and impeccable track selection.”
Get your tickets to this show here.
DGTL ADE: WE STILL BELIEVE
Saturday, October 19
12:00 – 22:00
Returning to DGTL ADE again is the wonderful We Still Believe. The concept by The Blessed Madonna celebrates the rich history of house music in all its facets. “It’s about diversity and inclusivity, where everyone can be themselves,” Marco explained. “This is our third time hosting this event, and the previous two were both highly enjoyable and well-received. The Blessed Madonna’s vision of creating a space that celebrates the roots and diversity of house music aligns perfectly with our values.”
The lineup includes many talented artists from diverse corners of the scene. “Avalon Emerson has a longstanding presence, and we were eager to invite her back after the festival,” Welmer shared. “The same goes for Patrick Mason; we really wanted him back after the last DGTL. We’re also super excited to have legendary artist Kenny Dope on the lineup. He’s a true living legend and forms one half of Masters at Work. His influence on house music is immeasurable, and having him on our lineup is a dream come true.”
Marie Davidson will also join the celebration with a live set in Area 2. “She has released fantastic new tracks. Her live show is urgent and full of energy,” Marco added. “We Still Believe is a celebration of dance, queerness, and love, resonating deeply with the broad history of dance music.”
Get your tickets to this show here.
DGTL ADE: BRUTALISMUS 3000 INVITES
Saturday, October 19
23:30 – 07:00
After We Still Believe, we’ll turn it up a nudge in the NDSM Warehouse with our dedicated techno night. Brutalismus 3000 has evolved into a highly popular ‘gabber punk act,’ aligning perfectly with the current scene’s spirit. “Boys Noize delivered an excellent Boiler Room set at the last DGTL. He’s a fantastic DJ who has reinvented himself. The older audience will know him as an electro veteran. You can tell he’s an experienced DJ in every aspect,” Marco explained.
Twiena, a local artist, will open the night. “She performed at the last festival and did a great job,” Welmer said. “She has several exciting shows this summer, such as Wildeburg and Draaimolen, and is a resident DJ at the very cool new queer club in Amsterdam: Club Raum. Her sound fits perfectly with the show. Supporting local talent like Twiena, who brings a unique energy and connection to the scene, is very important to us.”
The sound of this event is described as gabber post-techno punk. “It’s remarkable that we’ve been able to get Brutalismus 3000 to collaborate with us on curating this lineup, an act we’ve been eyeing for a long time,” Marco noted. “Their sound is raw, energetic, and resonates with the current wave of techno enthusiasts. This night will be an exhilarating experience.”
Get your tickets to this show here.
DGTL ADE: GOU TALK BY PEGGY GOU
Sunday, October 20
16:00 – 01:00
As the week of ADE comes to a close, we hope you’ll sleep in, have a hearty brunch with friends, and then make your way to the NDSM Warehouse for the perfect way to round up this special week.
Peggy Gou returns to DGTL ADE for a second time, and we reflected on her memorable performance last year. “Last year, Peggy Gou had a great time at DGTL ADE,” Marco recalled. “As a popular artist, she was eager to return to DGTL again. She’s a very big name who could choose to perform at much larger festivals, so we’re thrilled that she decided to join us again. Her musical versatility makes her sets truly unforgettable.”
In consultation with Peggy, we’ve selected interesting artists for the ADE closing event. “Bambounou is making a return, and Anz is back this year as well,” Welmer explained. “Anz is an artist who has experienced tremendous growth and has released many amazing productions. Her dynamic sets have garnered a lot of attention, and we’re excited to see her back.”
In Area 2, we have great names behind the decks. “Spray, a fantastic progressive house producer and DJ, will be performing there. Salamanda, the duo live act from South Korea, will warm up the second room on Sunday afternoon, creating ‘the musical blanket for the rest of the afternoon,'” Marco said. “Their music will provide a soothing yet engaging atmosphere, setting the perfect tone for the evening.”
Get your tickets to this show here.
DGTL ADE promises an unforgettable experience with its diverse lineup. From Caribou’s exclusive live performance to the eclectic sounds of Bonobo’s Outlier and the celebratory spirit of We Still Believe, each event promises to captivate and inspire. Secure your tickets for DGTL ADE through this link and join us for a unique celebration of music and culture.