The day you start appreciating and anticipating autumn, is the day you move to Amsterdam. Because as soon as the first bunch of events start filling up on the Facebook timelines, you know the best is about to come… Amsterdam Dance Event. A week of the electronic dance music family, old legends, new-comers, the outcasts (subgenres) – all coming together to showcase the state-of-art electronic dance music.
It’s easy to lose track (or even head) with well over 450 events already scheduled, in around 100 clubs and venues all over Amsterdam welcoming over 2000 performers (no, really)! Thus as every year, we dive into the full agenda and cherry pick our top selections day by day, in attempt to provide a comprehensive guide on what not to miss out on.
While, saving up for the nights to come, most of the big underground dance music labels and event organisers start off their programme on Thursday, which, in my opinion, holds the week’s best choice of events.
Marcel Dettmann DJ-Kicks Release presented by LET | OT301 | Tickets
The torch-bearer and gatekeeper of the techno genre, Marcel Dettman on his first DJ-Kicks Release party at Amsterdam’s probably most authentically underground venue OT301. Accompanied by a talented local visual artist Lennart and an opening act by Dekmantel’s founder Thomas Martojo. For the release, Berghain’s veteran collected his whole personal music history, representative of Berlin, Berghain and Hard Wax. Expected to hear is “mixture of of all the music that shaped me over the years and of all the things that still move me today, aesthetically and acoustically.” – states Dettman about the mix.
Line-up: Thomas Martojo | Marcel Dettman
Afterlife @ Loveland ADE | Mediahaven | Tickets
Tale of Us’ odyssey through the realm of consciousness has already taken Ibiza by storm and now touches down in Amsterdam’s massive Mediahaven venue courtesy of Loveland. For their special ADE edition, the Italian duo bring a powerhouse lineup featuring the likes of Âme b2b Rødhåd, Dixon, Matthew Jonson, and, of course, Tale of Us, themselves. Afterlife is event concept characterised by mesmerizing soundscapes and lush rhythms designed for the senses. A rebellion from convention into a dimension where music guides the resurgence. From hypnotic bass lines to energetic crescendos, the nuance of an immersive experience is there for the exploring. If by any chance you are unable to catch this event in Amsterdam, don’t fret because it will also debut in London on November 11-12.
Line-up: Tale of Us / Dixon / Mind Against / Âme b2b Rødhåd / Gerd Janson / Matthew Jonson / Vaal / Kettenkarussell
DGTL x Mosaic by Maceo | Scheepsbouwloods | Tickets
Its weekly Pacha nights in Ibiza have set Maceo Plex’ brand new event concept Mosaic on the international dance map. During its residency some of the electronic music scene’s most valued gems have come along. Now for DGTL x Mosaic, Maceo is treating Amsterdam to the same pleasure with a varied selection of artists with Modeselektor as a special guest.
Line-up: Maceo Plex / Stephan Bodzin / Kink / Jennifer Cardini / Shall Ocin / Gardens of God
ADE: Global Underground ‘Twenty’ | Q Factory | Tickets
To celebrate 20 Years of Global Underground, the world renowned indie brand is throwing the party to end all parties at ADE. Spread across 2 rooms at Q-Factory Amsterdam, with their amazing sound system and venue, GU will be presenting the biggest ever line up of DJs past and present.
Line-up: James Lavelle / Darren Emerson / Dave Seaman / Sander Kleinenberg / Eelke Kleijn / Habischman
Tresor Berlin 25 Years ADE | H7 Warehouse | Tickets
The 25 years of Tresor celebration continues in ADE as the famed Berlin techno institution hosts their Amsterdam celebration in partnership with Intercell & Vault Sessions. Not for the faint of heart, this one brings some of the true pioneers of the techno sound so closely associated with the German capital.
Line-up: Regis & James Ruskin present: O/V/R Live / Sleeparchive & DJ Pete present: TR-101 Live / Sterac / Zadig / VSC
ZeeZout ADE 2016 – Dimensions | Undercurrent | Tickets
After 3 unforgettable ADE’s, ZeeZout is back for round 4. This year, they’ll be hosting another 4-day extravaganza at the Undercurrent. Bringing over the artists we’ve grown to love – both established and upcoming, both international and local. Day 1 features a collboaration between top tier Croatian festival, Dimensions binging the likes of Ben UFO, Hunee, prosumer, and more to Amsterdam.
Line-up: Ben UFO / Hunee / Prosumer / Dimensions Soundsystem / Daan Donk / Hashman Deejay / PLO man
Fest x XXX | Radion | Ticket
This year’s ADE Thursday sees FEST – the guys behind FESTIFEST, Amsterdam’s smallest festival of summer – making their debut in RADION with their first serious ADE shindig. By teaming up with XXX – the record label of local heroes SHMLSS – they were able to invite a stellar selection of some of their favourite artists out there.
Line-up: Prins Thomas / Solar / Honey Soundsystem / Massimiliano Pagliara / SHMLSS / Discodromo / Afrobot
Groove & Project Sugar present: We Are Not Alone | Sugar Factory | Tickets
This will be the ADE special of Ellen Allien’s “We Are Not Alone” series. For the event, the acclaimed DJ, producer and Bpitch Control label founder has invited Cassy, Johanna Schneider and Magda to share the decks with her at Amsterdam’s Sugarfactory. Additionally, a panel discussion on the changes within Berlin’s vibrant club scene is currently being planned with more information to be announced soon.
Line-up: Cassy / Ellen Allien / Johanna Schneider / Magda
