As the leaves of autumn painted Amsterdam in warm hues, we touched down in the Dutch capital for a four-day immersion into the electronic music world. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), one of the world’s largest and most influential gatherings for electronic music professionals and enthusiasts, transforms the city into a pulsating hub of creativity, innovation, and a shared love for music. From October 16th to 19th, we embarked on a journey through panels, showcases, and dance floors that captured the essence of ADE’s global impact.
This year’s edition was marked by standout opening concerts and unique settings that elevated the festival’s immersive appeal. Among the highlights was Nick Verstand’s brand new visual spectacle, a breathtaking convergence of light and sound. Eefje de Visser mesmerized audiences with a special performance at the Van Gogh Museum, blending music and art in a truly inspired setting. Meanwhile, the Metropole Orkest’s tribute to J Dilla at Melkweg paid homage to a legendary figure with orchestral depth. Other captivating moments included KI/KI’s return to De Bajes, the former prison space where last year’s surprise back-to-back with Armin van Buuren made waves. Venues like the Royal Tropical Institute and De Hollandsche Manege added further layers of distinction to this already iconic week.
With the city alive and pulsating with these special events, we dove deep into ADE’s expansive offerings. Here are just some of our many highlights from one of our favorite weeks of the year:
Diving Into ADE’s Panels and Insights
Among the thought-provoking panels we attended, our first one on the list was, of course, our CEO Mattia Franco’s participation in “A Guide for Entrepreneurs: Fundraising in the Cultural Space,” organized by Best Nights VC. Joined by a powerhouse panel featuring Alex Brees (unmusic), Sebastien Westerduin (Woov), and Jesper Theil Thomsen (SOUNDBOKS), the discussion delved into actionable strategies for navigating funding and growth in cultural ventures for a full-house conference room from the iconic Felix Meritis. Moderated by the formidable Georgia Taglietti, this session provided a tangible roadmap for aspiring founders to scale impactful projects.
DJ Babatr‘s session offered a captivating exploration of the Raptor House genre. Originating from the barrios of Caracas, Venezuela, Babatr detailed how this unique sound merged tropical Latin rhythms with the raw pulse of techno, giving voice to economically vulnerable and marginalized communities. He shared personal stories of his journey from his early days in Venezuela’s barrios to becoming a global representative of this powerful cultural movement. The socio-cultural context and evolution of Raptor House resonated deeply, providing a rare glimpse into a genre born of resilience and experimentation.
This one definitely had a lot of hype behind it. The Amelie Lens x Charlotte de Witte panel at the ADE Pro Conference captivated a lot of attendees as the two techno icons opened up about their recent collaborative partnership. Sharing insights into their upcoming b2b sets at Ghent’s Flanders Expo, they provided an exclusive look into their creative synergy and future plans. The duo’s bold vision and pioneering approach to techno reinforced why they remain two of the most influential figures in the scene today.
“Celebrating the UNESCO Status for Berlin Techno” was a tribute to the rich cultural legacy of Berlin’s techno scene. Dimitri Hegemann, founder of the legendary Tresor club, spoke passionately about the scene’s origins, history, and its recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Joined by the iconic Ellen Allien, the discussion highlighted how Berlin techno shaped global electronic music and continues to be a force for cultural and artistic transformation.
Performances That Shaped Our Nights… And Evenings
Among the festival’s musical peaks, Floating Points delivered an audiovisual masterclass early in the first evening of the week. His live performance seamlessly intertwined experimental electronic sounds with a visual spectacle that mesmerized the crowd, crafting an immersive journey that lingered well beyond the final beat. It wasn’t just a set; it was a visceral experience that left us craving more and surely will inspire future generations of producers.
Our first night saw us dancing in two places. The first stop was at Lofi, where the Live From Earth showcase delivered a night of raw energy. The standout set? A Boys Noize B2B MRD performance—a flawless convergence of electro’s grit and stomping beats from Boys Noize, fused with MRD’s trance-tinged productions. The high-BPM spectacle kept the crowd enthralled, setting a galloping pace for what would follow.
Also on the night of the 17th, Polifonic x Love on the Rocks transformed the skatepark-themed venue into a boiling room. The standout of the night was Alex Kassian, whose mastery over minimal deep house rhythms captivated the crowd. With seamless transitions and a magnetic connection to the audience, Kassian and the many other DJs led dancers through a hypnotic journey, blending intricate beats with an irresistible groove. It was a set that turned the space into a sanctuary of movement and connection, elevating the night into a standout memory of ADE.
The second night at Lofi brought a completely different vibe, thanks to VBX’s curation. The night’s groove was driven by a mix of selectors who showcased diverse sounds and exclusive B2Bs. Late in the night, Ogazón stole the spotlight, while the Colorfloor room became a sanctuary of rhythm and ambiance, offering an intimate yet infectious energy that pulsed until morning.
Saturday afternoon at Paradiso marked the pinnacle of mastery with another mesmerizing edition of STOOR by Speedy J. The immersive audiovisual show brought a unique edge to ADE 2024, blending live improvised hardware jams led by Speedy J with powerful inputs from FJAAK, Kink, and Nene H. In an 8-hour symphony of unbridled electronic creativity, every element, from the robotic camera visuals to the meticulously orchestrated LED designs by Karl Klomp, merged image and sound into an experience that pushed the boundaries of electronic music.
Wrapping Up With Perspective and Connection
Beyond the panels and dance floors, ADE was an opportunity to connect with industry professionals, creatives, and some of our favorite artists, many of whom will soon be featured in our CUE Interview series—so stay tuned to our Instagram and TikTok. The conversations, collaborations, and shared passion reaffirmed that ADE is as much about connection as it is about music, making it an essential event for industry players and music lovers alike.
Save the Date for ADE 2025
If ADE 2024 was any indication, next year promises even greater heights. Amsterdam Dance Event’s 30th edition will coincide with the final week of Amsterdam 750, marking the Dutch capital’s 750th anniversary. The milestone celebration will bring new initiatives and city-wide events. Mark your calendars for October 22nd to 26th, 2025—we’ll see you there, ready to once again revel in the magic of ADE.
