AMSTERDAM FRIENDS: THE COLLECTIVES
AMSTERDAM FRIENDS: THE COLLECTIVES
Antidote
Disturbia
Eerste Communie
Kraft und Licht
Orphic
Pax Romana
TGIB
Vulged
Antidote Disturbia Eerste Communie Kraft und Licht Orphic Pax Romana TGIB Vulged
In the past years Amsterdam has grown into one of the most vibrant and diverse scene’s that nightlife has to offer…
Through collaboration, shared vision, and unwavering support among different collectives, we have witnessed the flourishing of a scene that truly embraces the philosophy of techno. When Vault Sessions began, only had a handful of collectives and clubs truly representing the philosophy of Techno existed.
It’s clear that Amsterdam has come a long way since then and we wanted to highlight some of the current taste-makers in our scene. Our upcoming ADE event, Vault Sessions & Friends Outdoor, aims to unite these collectives by curating a lineup that features representative members from each.
We spoke to each of these collectives to discuss their forming and philosophy.
VAULT SESSIONS BLOG SERIES
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE COLLECTIVES SHAPING THE AMSTERDAM SCENE
ANTIDOTE
“Born out of the vibrant creative surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, ANTIDOTE was founded to promote young, local and rising talent. As digital communities thrived, we recognised the need to provide a platform where these voices could shine. We started with our SoundCloud mix series in the summer of 2020, approaching our 100th mix milestone later this year! Since November 2021, we've been spreading more music and vibes by hosting events, ranging from underground raves and club nights in Amsterdam and Berlin to festival stage collaborations and intimate community gatherings.”
When did your collective start?
Can you tell me the vision of your collective and what makes you unique?
“As our slogan says, our aim is to counteract unpleasant feelings or situations: on and off the dance floor, within and outside our scene. We believe that nurturing local and upcoming talent is essential to fostering a healthy music scene that thrives on creativity. That’s why our lineups are curated with a strong focus on emerging local artists. With the launch of our record label in June 2023, our mission has been to exclusively release music from talents of Dutch soil, aiming to lead by example in how we support local artists. We openly communicate our 60/40 split in favor of the artist, ensuring they receive fair compensation—something we hope will inspire other labels to adopt this common-sense approach.
We’re also deeply committed to creating a safer and more inclusive environment in the music industry. That’s why we partnered with a professional psychologist to offer awareness training tailored to the nightlife scene in Amsterdam. This initiative not only helped build our own awareness team but was open to anyone, as we believe this knowledge should be shared to foster a more informed and united community.
In the end we believe that by making a positive impact on the scene we will collectively enrich our dance floor experiences, maximising the fun we have together.”
DISTURBIA
“Disturbia started a bit before Corona with the ambition to create something new in Amsterdam, combining scenography and a more hypnotic/spacey techno. When Corona came, we felt the urge to give people the right to dance, we bought a sound system and started doing raves very frequently. Oh, I miss those times! It was very exciting.
I think that what makes us different from the rest…it’s our sound and all the effort we put in to decorating, making every event unique.”
EERSTE COMMUNIE
“Eerste Communie began as an intimate dance gathering in 2018 and was born out of a need for more consistency in terms of lineups. We felt as though Techno had somewhat died: only very commercial clubs and festivals were playing Techno. We wanted to promote this rolling and rhythmic Techno and felt as though we needed to take a different approach to regular programming which often entails women opening or only headliners playing at prime time.
Eerste Communie, which translates to “First Communion”, is a Sunday ritual in which like-minded people come together to dance. Eerste Communie is consistent in delivering rhythmic Techno all day and night and we aim to build a trust in which our audience does not need to worry about lineups and timetables. Therefore, we never announce line-ups because we aim to deliver a quality story from start to finish. By only using door-sale and having clear house rules, we can attract a music-oriented community who all follow the same credo; If the music is good, you dance!”
Kraft und Licht
“We have been specialising in the organisation, curation, and production of our own events since 2018. We feature outstanding audio-visual shows accompanied by state-of-the-art DJsand producers. Our aim is to create experiences that go beyond the norm. We execute this with our attention to detail and community-focussed approach.
Whether it be independent work or collaborations with like-minded organisations, we offer unique light and sound concepts to various locations and venues. Kraft und Licht has a solid foundation in external production projects, handling stage design, lighting, sound and all the essential elements needed for a successful event. by offering equipment rentals to event organisers and private clients, we have established strong connections within the Dutch event industry. whether working with large organisations or emerging collectives, our goal is to provide high-quality equipment and support to all. Also, our outdoor event venue, 'Hintergarten,' provides a large, versatile space for art, music, and community events.
ORPHIC
“We began our journey in April 2019 as a simple rave, a gathering of like-minded individuals eager to create an unforgettable experience and celebrate life through music and connection. What started as a spontaneous event has blossomed into something much greater.
At ORPHIC we try to be more than just an organization hosting techno events. We are a movement fueled by the power of community. At the core of our events is a deep sense of connection.
We believe in radical inclusion and acceptance, while making space for marginalized communities. Each gathering is an opportunity for people to come together and become part of something greater than just an event, allowing everyone to be fully and authentically themselves, beyond the limits of societal expectations.
We are also deeply committed to uplifting our local talent. By creating a platform for emerging artists and creatives, we shine a light on the diversity of our community and the incredible talent brewing in the Netherlands. Rather than just supporting local culture, we’re actively nurturing it’s growth and paving the way for the next generation of artists.”
PAX ROMANA
“The importance of the dancefloor and the connection between like-minded individuals has become especially clear due to the COVID-19 situation. As part of the queer community, we have felt how vital the dance floor is for expressing ourselves, our creativity, and our connection with one another. With our love and passion for electronic music and the energy to bring people together, we wanted to create something beautiful. That’s why we founded PAX-ROMANA officially in 2021. Before that, we were mostly organizing small capacity illegal raves in Amsterdam and our hometown Leiden.
PAX-ROMANA establishes a sanctuary for diverse individuals, creating a playground free from judgement, with focus towards the LGTBQIA+ community. The dancefloor serves as a powerful way to protest, unite, celebrate and expressing our identities.
Our events consist of multiple layers. We connect an event theme, aligned with the values of our concept, to the production, programming, and exhibition. This creates a playful interaction while highlighting the core values of our concept. At the dancefloor, everyday conventions are broken, and possibilities are explored, creating space for creativity and expression. The nightlife is often a trailblazer, offering lessons that the ‘day’ can still learn from. As an organisation, we find it important to serve as a stimulating environment for (young) talents, and we aim to grow together with artists, creatives, and other partners.”
THE GANG IS BEAUTIFUL
“TGIB began during COVID. Whenever I (founder, Foday a.k.a Prance) was surrounded by my beautiful friends, we would always say “The gang is beautiful”. However, these dark times meant that we couldn’t club or gather together, so I was eager to develop a concept to highlight, empower and bring these people together. At a time when we were only told “You can’t do this”, I felt like it was crucial to take an alternative approach and say: “Let’s look for this.”
TGIB aims to bridge the gap between clubs and sub-cultures both in and outside of the scene. Inspired by nightlife and club culture, TGIB is the connection between music, fashion and art which all trace back to self-expression. Each of these elements allow stories to be told through your body. These are also forms of resistance in which you may identify with an artistic movement and you march.”
VULGED
“Vulged is an event organisation that was born from hosting illegal raves during the pandemic. In recent years we’ve expanded this with organising clubnights, balancing both legal and illegal events. At Vulged, we strongly believe in artistic value. Our concept is built around a specific sound that we are most passionate about, originating from the underground, old-school, and minimal techno.
What makes us unique is that we’re a group of five friends from high school who discovered techno together. We’ve gone from just enjoying clubnights to learning how to DJ and produce. Now we’re active in the scene as both Vulged and individual artists. Our friendship and love for techno is what drives us as a collective.”
FOLLOW THE COLLECTIVES
The global pandemic gave me the time and space to fully dedicate myself to something I had long envisioned: creating a record label like Mutual Rytm. I took my time with this process, carefully planning the concept and strategy to ensure they aligned with my vision. My inspiration came from a deep passion for music, particularly the music I love and play. I wanted the label to be a true reflection of my personal tastes in music and the arts.
Beyond that, I wanted to create a space where artists could release their music and develop their craft with true creative freedom. After nearly a decade in the music industry, I felt it was important to support young and emerging producers who often need it most. At the same time, I aimed to provide a platform to industry veterans and icons who share our musical vision. My goal is to work closely with every artist on each release, making sure their music gets the attention it deserves. Above all, I want them to know I genuinely care about their work - not just for one release, but for their journey ahead, involving them in future plans and projects as well.
At the heart of this vision is building a community of like-minded individuals from different generations, all united by a 'mutual rhythm' and a shared focus on the music.
What is your musical vision for Mutual Rytm?
My vision for Mutual Rytm is to release timeless electronic dance music, primarily focusing on techno, from producers across all generations, reflecting my deepest musical inspirations. I am not interested in chasing trends or hype. My priority is authenticity - music with a strong character, a distinctive sound, and a high standard of production quality and aesthetics. I want our discography to always sound fresh and inspiring, even decades from now, with each record telling a cohesive story and showcasing the diverse spectrum of the genre.
Marco Bläsi (mutual rytm): the interview
Marco Bläsi (mutual rytm): the interview
VAULT SESSIONS BLOG SERIES
MUTUAL RYTM
As we prepare for our September Weekender, we're thrilled to be hosting Mutual Rytm on September 29 at BRET. Mutual Rytm is one of the most exciting techno labels shaping the scene today. Ahead of the event, we sat down with Marco Bläsi, A.K.A. SHDW, founder of Mutual Rytm, to dive into the story behind the label's creation and what it takes to keep it running at full speed.
You founded Mutual Rytm in 2022, what inspired the creation of the label?
You seem to put out records at a faster pace than many labels; is there a reason why you do this?
Yes, we do release records more frequently than many other labels, and that’s because of the incredible music I get from talented producers. I’d never put out a new 12" just to stick to a schedule if it doesn’t meet my standards or resonate with me. I work closely with the artists on each release, which takes a lot of time and effort, so I plan our releases well in advance to keep things running smoothly.
I believe that great music with real character will always be recognized and appreciated, no matter how often we release. By putting out high-quality music regularly, we boost the chances that our new releases will catch people’s attention and continue to sell and be streamed over time. Most importantly, this approach has also helped the artists build awareness for their music and support their personal growth, which is the true success for me.
How are you looking for new releases?
Most of the time, I reach out to artists whose music I’ve recently discovered or whose work I’ve admired for a while. I ask them if they have any unreleased tracks and if they’d be interested in working together. This method works best for me because I spend a lot of time digging for new music for my gigs. I’m not actively looking for new talents, as I mentioned earlier, I trust that good music will naturally come to light.
I also aim to build long-term relationships with the artists I work with, joining them on their musical journey and collaborating on new projects. I value keeping a respectful and supportive atmosphere as we create and release music together.
Your records have beautiful graphics...can you tell us about the artwork used?
When working on the logo with my graphic designer, Daniel, I wanted to capture the spirit of the early 2000s. My goal was to create a logo that reflects our timeless music style, while also being versatile and having a strong visual identity. The main logo features "MR", with the "R"designed to look like a tonearm on a record, highlighting my focus on music and love for vinyl. Just like with the music I sign, I have high standards for our visuals and designs because I believe they are an important part of the overall expression of the music.
LATEST MUTUAL RYTM RELEASE: ‘DELTA HYVE’ by regent
UPCOMING EVENTS…
SOCIALS
vault sessions blog series
An interview with CHAMI and OPH:
THE f2F PRoject
Together with Undisclosed, we invited CHAMI and OPH for an interview about their face-to-face project. They will be performing at our collaboration on 22 June 2024 in HAL25 in Alkmaar.
How does being face-to-face with the crowd affect the vibe of your show, and what sets it apart from other gigs in terms of connecting with the audience?
The setup creates a feeling resembling more to a concert or live show. It is very interesting for the crowd to witness our interaction during the show and our non-verbal communication. We developed a particular sign language over the years to communicate and understand each other’s intentions and needs.
The setup also perfectly transcribes our synergy and our special connection, which makes it more captivating. When we face each other, we are more focused on the flow and each other. Of course, we do throw regular quick looks to the side to observe the effect of our set on the audience.
From our experience we also see that the crowd is captivated by the face to face format, and is often trying to understand what we are doing and how we manage to play with such a setup.
Lastly, as we are both constantly active on stage, instead of taking turns between mixing and waiting moments, we are always in the mix.
What sparked the idea for you both to team up for a F2F performance, and how does this format offer a unique experience compared to solo gigs?
As very long time friends (over 12 years) we started digging music and practicing playing vinyl together. Shortly after moving to Berlin 10 years ago, we started to become more serious about our respective solo careers. As newcomers with similar style and crowd, it was easier for promoters that knew us to book us back to back because they did not have two slots to offer us separately. Our b2b journey started there.
After playing many back to backs together, we often realized after our shows that there were many moments where two layered tracks were perfectly matching and creating the ideal blend. We felt frustrated by the fact that as we play strictly vinyl we had to remove one of the tracks to give the booth back to the other DJ which was killing the moment.
First we thought of adding a third turntable when the Xone96 came out, because it allows us to have two different cues for two different headphones. While trying, we noticed it was inconvenient for us to be using the same mixer. We then got inspired by the old versus from Underground Resistance, the digital double setup and the side by side vinyl only setup from Sunil Sharpe and Hector Oaks.
During covid we had time to think about our setup. The idea of facing each other made sense for us to have a constant look on the other mixer. This forced us to communicate non verbally to avoid talking to each other in the booth and rely more on our feelings and eye contact.
We got asked to do a five hour live stream from our living room, which was the perfect opportunity to try this new format. We then recorded another set, that lead to our first booking for a festival in France.
What makes this format really unique is that it offers the opportunity to layer grooves and textures and merge our sound together even though playing strictly vinyl.
The dynamic of the sets and the intensity is never lost, even if we want to play certain tracks that would sound low energy in solo sets. We create a certain continuity in the storytelling hard to achieve with only two hands and one brain.
How do you prepare for a F2F set compared to going solo or doing a more 'traditional' B2B?
When going solo it is usually just about preparing your record bag to know where all the records are and having an intention of what you want to do artistically speaking.
As we are constantly layering tracks on top of each other to keep the dynamic, we have to align on the progression of the set so that the next tracks are matching in terms of intensity or artistic direction. We don’t want to break the moment by going too hard or too different in terms of style.
During the selection, we like to play loopy tracks, with mostly bleeps or drums, that allow us to create interesting blends. They bring a solid foundation to the set. From that, we then can bring more interesting textures and explore different atmospheres to elevate the set and make the show more diverse sonically speaking.
The preparation is much more intense than a regular B2B. This show requires more precision and consistency.
The most important aspect of a successful F2F is a coherent and well prepared selection that fits and creates the expected result. The record selection is the key before the show starts.
During the show it is very important to avoid any ego feeling as we are constantly shifting the leadership. Some moments Chami has the lead and OPH follows and other moments it's the other way around. When one of us has the lead and decides the direction to give, the other can adapt and enrich the sound with additional layers. This performance is based on trust so to ensure that the synergy and the flow is maintained during the whole performance. We need to constantly trust each other no matter what is happening in the moment. Our long time friendship combined with our special relationship makes it easy for us to do so. We know each other perfectly so we are able to react in the best way possible to any of our actions.
Something that is important to understand is that the main point of this show is not about showcasing our skills. We are not constantly layering 4 tracks at the same time as it is important to let some tracks breathe during some moments and not overwhelm the audience with too much sound information. We then alternate between intense and more minimalistic moments. The goal is to make people dance and dream at the same time.
What do you think makes a successful F2F set, and how do you ensure that synergy and flow are maintained throughout the performance?
When playing F2F the first time live, we both did a fader cut on each of our mixers at the same time, which first of all made us laugh but also showed we were really connected during this live experience.
Of course we have to mention the first time we played with this project in Berghain, which is a place where we both evolved a lot musically and as persons.
A more recent moment is our 11 hours closing at Bassiani, that pushed this project a next level. This challenge taught us a lot.
Any standout moments from past F2F gigs that really stick with you?
CHAMI F2F OPH: THE INTERVIEW
CHAMI F2F OPH: THE INTERVIEW
vault sessions blog series
Back to the Warehouse
Back in 2018, Vault Sessions started their anniversary warehouse series in Elementenstraat (called Warehouse Elementenstraat back then), with the event Vault III. A concept focused on bringing cutting edge techno to the Warehouse.
Warehouse events usually were left to the big players in the game, while club events were for the smaller, more underground, promoters. So seeing a club event taking over a warehouse was not that common.
For most people, the boundary between club nights and warehouse events also exists. While club nights often are perceived as personal and intimate, where nights can be experienced as a journey, warehouse events are more focused on the production and show, and on the so-called headliner artists playing, giving you peak time energy in a shorter timespan.
Vault Sessions, being a club event by heart, is seeking to blur the boundaries between the club nights and warehouse events, bringing club-like line-ups and intimacy to a space that allows more audiovisual creativity. At Vault V, the last event at E25, feverish visuals matched the raw music played back then. Although our sound differed from what you know of us today, the aim has always been to promote forward thinking techno and help push music originating from artistic vision.
As time has passed and we have matured, we feel ready to bring Vault Sessions to the warehouse again. A space allowing us more creative freedom, while staying true to our club values. We are ready.
BACK TO THE WAREHOUSE
BACK TO THE WAREHOUSE
ABOUT VINYL
In the dynamic realm of music, where melodies weave emotions and rhythms pulse with energy, a momentous shift occurred hand in hand with the rise of vinyl records and Thomas Edison's groundbreaking phonography magic.
Journeying back to the late 1800s, when Edison orchestrated the creation of the first-ever playable sound recording on a groovy disc; this was a turning point that didn't just remix the sound scene but left a massive mark on the entertainment history playlist. It set the stage for the mesmerizing vinyl symphonies that'd become our ear candy in the years to come. Those carefully carved grooves turned the invisible into touchable, making these records the ultimate groove foundation.
And the groove train didn't stop there. In 1943, DJ Jimmy Savile threw the planet's very first live DJ dance bash. Picture this: jazz records spinning, and Savile playing musical matchmaker just like our modern-day DJs. He even rocked the twin turntables, a trick that became a DJ superstar move.
Meanwhile, across the world in the Kingston neighborhoods of Jamaica in the 1950s, things were getting wild. DJs cranked up street parties with monster sound systems, becoming the party VIPs. They owned the show, battling to drop the freshest jams on the loudest systems. And get this – they'd rhythmically chant over the music, a little technique they called "toasting." Little did they know, they were planting the seeds for an impeccable musical transformation in history.
As these sonic seeds of change began to take root, a couple of bustling metropolises – Detroit and Berlin – were gearing up for an extraordinary collaborative journey. Just as the rhythm of the past set the foundation, a new tempo was about to take over. Picture this: techno music took center stage, harmonizing seamlessly with the surge of vinyl records, resulting in an exhilarating fusion. Brace yourself, for these vibrant urban hubs were on the cusp of reshaping the musical landscape, introducing fresh beats to groove to and an entirely novel auditory encounter. It was a symphony of change that would make waves in the world of sound.
Picture Detroit as this futuristic playground back in the 80s, where techno masterminds like Juan Atkins, and Kevin Saunderson were cooking up a musical storm. With the rise of a new technological age, they had this wild and spontaneous idea to blend machines and music, and alas, Techno was born. It's almost like the robots decided to throw a dance party, and those relentless grooves they came up with? So catchy, that people couldn't stop tapping their feet and moving their heads to the beat.
Hold up, though! Berlin wasn't about to miss out on the fun. The image that we have today about Berlin would have not been the same without the force of techno. Over in the German capital, techno spread like wildfire in underground clubs and secret warehouse spots. DJs and producers were like sonic explorers, spinning vinyl records like magical compasses that guided us on mind-blowing trips through soundscapes that felt like a ride through a cosmic roller coaster.
And guess what? Vinyl records were the superstar sidekicks in this adventure. They weren't just ordinary discs; they were like passports to a sonic wonderland. DJs stacked them on turntables, whipping up seamless transitions that had everyone on the dancefloor going absolutely ballistic.
So why all the fuss about vinyl? Well, think of it as the ultimate dancefloor delivery system. Vinyl records were like the trusty messengers, carrying those thumping techno beats straight to our eager ears. You could touch them, feel their weight, and when that needle hit the groove, bam! A symphony of beats and melodies exploded into the air.
Fast forward a bit, and yeah, we got all this digital goodness now too. But guess what? Techno and vinyl didn't vanish into thin air. Vinyl records became these treasured relics that serious music fans and DJs hunted down like treasures, keeping that analog spirit alive.
There's something special about that scratchy sound and that whole ritual of setting the needle just right. It's like a secret handshake between you and the music, making every spin a bit of an adventure. Vinyl's not just a blast from the past – it's still a big deal in the underground scene. Most labels and artists are all about those vinyl releases, keeping that old-school vibe alive and kicking, for good reason.
And today? The party's still going strong. Techno is still pumping, and vinyl records are still spinning, bringing generations together on dancefloors around the globe. So whether you're a tech-savvy robot or a human with a serious beat addiction, the techno-vinyl saga is a true timeless experience.
So there you have it, the scoop on how techno music and vinyl records joined forces to shake up the electronic music world. It's a story of beats, vinyl grooves, and a whole lot of good parties that'll keep you moving and grooving for years to come.
To appreciate this pivotal point in electronic music’s history, the All Vinyl Weekender is our way of paying an ode to the records that still keep our beloved dancefloor moving. We’ll keep dancing for as long as the vinyl spins.
ABOUT VINYL
ABOUT VINYL
vault sessions blog series
BLASHA & ALLATT
The anticipation leading up to the Meat Free Weekender can be both thrilling and a test of patience. As we count down the days between each Vault Sessions we've decided to pull back the curtain and share some 'behind the scenes' stories. Launching our inaugural blog series for Vault Sessions, we're diving into the lives and stories of Blasha & Allatt. This UK-based duo exemplifies the narrative of collaboration, shared experiences, and a mutual love for music.
"Oi oi! So many memories," Steffi (Allatt) reminisces when asked about their favourite time playing together, "but one that stands out was playing at the DBA for the MF x Vault Sessions party in March - I promise we haven’t been bribed to say this - just pure f***ing vibes!" Tasha (Blasha) mirrors this sentiment, "a memory that comes to mind is when we played at FOLD... the funniest part of the night was when we went b2b2 with Tasha & Anabel, we were all a bit cooked, ended up playing at 155bpm and couldn't figure out how we'd started playing so fast!"
When they discuss their shared quirks, it's clear that their strong bond stems from friendship and a shared love of music. Steffi playfully pokes fun at Tasha's focus on her mixing, "Tash watches me the entire time while I’m mixing! After 11 years of playing together, she’s still making sure I can beat match, I guess!" Tasha counters, "Steffi sometimes plays curveballs that throw me off track! I call it Eurodance and it really annoys her!"
Regarding their shared love for discovering music? "That's what keeps things fun for us," they agree. "We're both actively discovering music we love playing. We've always influenced and inspired each other’s musical direction, which keeps us on this shared musical journey." The most special part? They love to wind each other up, teasing, “Ahhh yeah, I’ve had this one for a few months now,” if one is playing a new record, even if they don’t own it.
But what challenges do they face as a female DJ duo? Steffi shares, "Finding a decent sports bra that offers support and comfort while you’re playing," while Tasha suggests, "We focus on our craft, and if you’re good enough you’ll stand out, regardless of your gender." They both concur that their role as promoters offers the chance to platform other talented women in the scene.
As for advice to other duos, "Remember, the common goal is to create a cohesive body of music that compliments each other. Channel your individual creativity in the way you mix, and pick the right time to drop your tracks."
When asked to assign corporate titles to each other, they jokingly propose that Tasha would serve as the Logistics Manager, given her impeccable time management, while Steffi would be a slightly less predictable assistant, thanks to her rather relaxed attitude towards flight times and itineraries. But let's face it - isn't that unpredictability part of the fun? Their yin-yang dynamic might just be the secret sauce to their electrifying sets.
We’re thrilled to hear from Blasha & Allatt about how passionate they are about their connection with Vault Sessions. "Vault Sessions feels like home. Every time we play is amazing, and you can’t help but smile when you’re behind the decks!"
So there you have it - Blasha & Allatt. Humour, dedication, unity, and talent, all coming together to form a dynamic force. This is their story. Their sound. Their success. This is Blasha & Allatt, as genuine and forthright as they come. So thank you both for your time and for all the lovely vibes you bring to Vault Sessions!
written by Seif Farag