The 22nd edition of Amsterdam Dance Event firmly cemented its place as the leading event in the domain of electronic music forums, while also being the biggest club-based festival in the world, treating fans to the whole spectrum of electronic sub-genres. This year the ADE team brought over 2,500 performers from all over the world to Amsterdam, setting a new record for the number of artists participating, while brilliantly executing the move from its traditional Felix Meritis location to the new home of Delamar Theatre. For those seeking to keep a finger on the pulse of electronic music and to engage with all that is to come in the industry, there is no better immersion than ADE and luckily the When We Dip team were in town for the occasion. We’ve selected our five highlights from the Netherlands. Dig in!
When We Dip Top Five Moments from ADE 2017
ADE Green
With the environment truly a crucial topic in today’s world, ADE shone a strong spotlight on the music industry and its impact on planet earth. ADE Green provided a full day of discussion on the issue and offered up conferences to educate players on making the necessary changes to fuel a green wave in electronic music. ADE Green was an introduction to the future of music festivals and a call to arms to the music industry as a vessel for climate action. The talks ranged from addressing our destructive use of plastic and designing it out of festivals, to starting revolutions through art, to mobilizing new audiences in the fight against climate change. It brought together students, promoters, festival organizers, journalists and industry professionals from all around the world and directed the conversation towards the most pressing issue of our time. In the name of electronic music.
The Move to Delamar
The 2017 edition of the conference saw ADE move it’s headquarters from the much loved Felix Meritis to the new home of Delamar Theatre. Delamar provided an apt location to host the central talks. The multi-floor complex provided a well situated and spacious modern set-up, which went down particularly well with attendees. Highlights at the hub including talks ranging from ‘Breaking Your Artist In India’ and ‘Best and Worst of Being a Music Publisher’ to ‘Who’d Want to be a PR in the 21st Century?’. Two thumbs up from the When We Dip team on the new location! What will happen in 2018? We’ll soon find out.
Finding the light with Garden of Babylon
Get our groove on was always going to be a essential element to a great ADE experience and we found ourselves in the ideal place Sunday afternoon at Westerunie. After participating in the illuminating pre-event group meditation at the Gardens Of Babylon presets ‘Seekers Of The Ligh’ with threw down on the dance-floor to a host of top talents including Damian Lazarus, YokoO, Kora, Jan Blomqvist and Behrouz. Being widely tipped as one of the most exciting new parties in Amsterdam, GOB provided all the proof needed during the day-long bonanza. With a global takeover soon on the horizon, make sure to check this one off your bucket list!
Saturdays with Circo Loco
Saturdays at ADE is all about Circoloco. Long celebrated on the White Isle, in recent years the Circoloco crew have made a distinct effort to branch out of their traditional stronghold and their budding relationship with Dutch promoters Loveland is starting to bear fruit. In front of a soldout crowd at the Mediahaven, revellers were treated to a plethora of DJ talent. Long time residents Seth Troxler rocked a particularly funky brand of house early on before long time residents Davide Squillace and Matthias Tanzmann turned out a tour de force of tech house in the mainroom. While in Room 2, rising Circoloco stars Rampa and &Me showcased a melodic masterpiece that will no doubt move them up the pecking order come summertime at DC10 this year.
Evening Beats with Chapter 24
We can’t close out another year without giving a shoutout to our friends at Chapter 24 Records. Joining forces with the UK tastemaker When We Dip celebrated the 2nd year of our Amsterdam collaboration with a stellar ensemble of label artists including Vverses, Kiern Apter, Malbetreib, Rancido and many more. It was a splendid evening of music and connection at Feijoa, bringing industry from all around the world together in true ADE fashion. Check out Stevie R’s eclectic set from the evening below.
More info: https://www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl/