The 23rd edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has come and gone. For some time now, the event and conference have defined the month of October for the Dip team and much of the electronic music industry worldwide. It affords a rare opportunity to connect with audiophiles from across the globe, be it in the comfortable confines of the conference or on the sweaty dance-floors of some of Europe’s standout clubs and venues. The folks behind ADE have cultivated the ultimate experience for work and play.
This year, ADE welcomed over 400,000 visitors from more than 100 countries for an extensive day and night program featuring over 1000 events and leading artists and speakers from around the world. From 17 to 21 October there were more than 450 night and 600 daytime events spread over 200 locations, with over 2500 performing artists and around 600 speakers participating in keynotes, workshops and master classes on a variety of topics.
Some of the diverse and exciting speakers involved in this year’s conference program included; Albert van Abbe, Bonobo, Bruce Carbone, David Guetta, Headhunterz, Imogen Heap, Jayda G, Jean Michel Jarre, Jillionaire, Kerry Trainor, Lena Willikens, Nile Rodgers, Orbital, Paula Temple, Ralph Echemendia a.k.a. The Ethical Hacker, Yann Pissenem, Xosar, Zoe Margolis, and more. That said, it wasn’t business-only, there was plenty of fun to be had for the party animals out there. Although an insurmountable task, we’ve selected our five top moments from the week. Drum roll please…
When We Dip’s Top Five Moments from ADE 2018
Afterlife Go 24hrs with Legendary ADE Throwdown
Alongside Awakenings, CircoLoco and Loveland, Afterlife always promises one of the most immersive techno experiences at ADE. This year, in a new venue, for their first 24 hour event, Tale of Us curated a two stage exhibition like few others. Framed by a first class visual production, the ‘Warehouse’ room saw Afterlife’s powerhouse regulars like Patrice Baumel, Mind Against, Recondite, Matthew Jonson and Vaal share the decks with juggernauts like Adriatique, Solomon and Dixon. All the while, the ‘Club’ room pumping high energy techno into the open minds of hundreds of dancers from a finely curated line up including the likes of Bambounou, Vril, Kobosil, Antigone and more.
Bossmen, Tale of Us, delivered one of the most powerful sets of the night venturing between familiar and experimental sound design, filling the room with their dark, signature Afterlife sound. One of the most promising acts on the line up, Woo York took control from there and performed a set that will echo in the ears and feet of those present for some time to come.
Mariel Ito AKA Maceo Plex With a Breaks Masterclass
ADE 2018 kicked off with a bang on Wednesday evening. The city brimming with energy, top class events and thousands of music lovers at the ready, the options were limitless. The Dip team made an early call to get down with the DJ Mag crew and the one and only Mariel Ito (better known to many as Maceo Plex). The American, needs little introduction, and his 60 minute set at Club Nova showed just why. Going vinyl-only, he transition seamless from jam to jam making for a heated dance-floor and a sweaty start to the week’s activities.
Last Night on Earth Boat Party
As the clock neared 11pm, streams of people lined the dock at Centraal 14, brimming with anticipation of the night to come. Brooklyn’s, BAILE, welcomed the eager crowd aboard the ship with his unmistakable, texturally rich, ambient yet driving sound. By the time Heidi took over, the ship was packed with Last Night on Earth fans of all ages and from every corner of Europe. Her contagiously groovy and diverse breed of tech house had the ship pumping before the ropes were thrown and the ship sailed and bossman, Sasha took over. With the cityscape of Amsterdam as the backdrop, Sasha delivered a powerhouse performance to satisfy even the most demanding expectations of his loyal fans. With the ship back on the dock, Henry Saiz rounded out one of the highlight parties of ADE with a tastefully dark energy carried by compelling melodies.
Do Not Sit Surprise With Raucous Rave in Old Church
Behrouz and the Do Not Sit family made for an ADE night to remember on Saturday night / Sunday morning. In collaboration with the top notch Multiversum team and the Motek crew, they took over an incredible location known as Ruigoord, 20 minutes outside of the city centre. At the core of the countryside commune was an old Church that played host to a killer party with top sets from Onur Özman & vocalist The LazarusMan, Watergate legend Matthias Meyer, veteran Martin Buttrich and the bossman himself Behrouz.
Keinemusik Keep The Vibe Alive with Unforgettable ADE Special
Set beneath 20 rusted bird cages and nestled between foliage, the Keinemusik crew spent the night on an 8 hour rotation, fully immersed in a room rammed with eager fans. Seamlessly moving between and merging nu disco, indie dance, old school house, big room afro and their signature Keinemusik sound, the team comprised of &ME, Rampa, Adam Port and Reznik showcased exactly why they continue to gain such wide recognition as one of the most exciting acts/labels on the scene today.
[Photo Credit: Laura Jacobs]
More info: amsterdam-dance-event.nl