The 28th edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) took place from October 18th to October 21st in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, Netherlands. As an electronic music enthusiast, this event is a must-visit, offering a diverse range of activities for artists, industry professionals, DJs, producers, and fans.
Getting There & Getting Around
If you’re traveling from The Hague, getting to Amsterdam is a breeze, thanks to efficient tram and train services. I chose to stay in Amsterdam Noord, just a short metro ride from the city center, making it easy to explore during the day. However, navigating the city at night can be challenging, with numerous parties ending simultaneously. Hailing an Uber in the early hours amid the post-party crowd is an adventure in itself.
Favorite Moments from ADE 2023
Here are some of the highlights from my experience at ADE:
Wednesday
- Scantraxx Pop-up Shop: Kicking off ADE, the Scantraxx pop-up shop delighted hardstyle enthusiasts with exclusive merchandise and even free tattoos. I didn’t get inked, but I enjoyed watching others take the plunge. The pop-up shop also featured a charitable rare vinyl auction, supporting the Dutch organization Stichting Wensambulance.
- EDM.com Insider Access: The EDM.com mixer was a hotspot for networking at ADE, offering free drinks, food, and even cotton candy. It was a great chance to connect with industry professionals and like-minded individuals.
- We Rave You x Bootshaus’ ‘Meet Me At The Hotel’: This invite-only event hosted by We Rave You and Bootshaus brought together industry professionals, with music from artists like Dillon Francis, Topic, and Joel Corry setting the mood for an unforgettable evening.
- Timmy Trumpet presents ‘SINPHONY’ Label Night: Timmy Trumpet’s label night at Amsterdam AIR was a sold-out, genre-blending extravaganza. The energy was electric, and highlights included singing along to ‘Forever Young’ and his collaboration with Tony Junior.
Thursday
- Don Diablo’s Masterclass on Creativity: Don Diablo’s masterclass delved into staying unique and creative in a world powered by AI. He emphasized the importance of being true to oneself in a changing scene.
- 1001Tracklist’s Top 101 Producers Showcase: This intimate gathering at the Room Mate Aitana Hotel featured artists from the Top 101 Producers rankings, creating networking opportunities for attendees.
Friday
- How this Remix was Made: Doris, Yoshiko & Da Mouth of Madness: A deeper look into the track ‘Bitch I Can’ (Yoshiko & Doris Remix) explored the challenges that female DJs face and highlighted the importance of talent and love for music.
- How Jayda G Inspires Climate Action: Grammy-nominated DJ Jayda G and director Nicolas Brown discussed the significance of Blue Carbon ecosystems in combating climate change.
- Martin Garrix presents IDEM 2023: Martin Garrix’s return to ADE after a four-year absence was a highlight, with two exceptional 3-hour sets and a stunning production setup.
- Markus Schulz Open to Close: Markus Schulz’s open-to-close set at the Melkweg showcased his passion and energy, taking the crowd on an unforgettable journey through techno and trance.
aturday
- Aazar’s Bakery Sessions: A unique concept where a bakery transforms into a party venue after closing, with DJs providing the soundtrack and freshly baked bread. Aazar and Yellow Claw stood out during this edition.
- Amsterdam Music Festival: AMF 2023 at the Amsterdam Arena featured top electronic music names, an impressive light show, and synchronized wristbands that enhanced the experience.
General Impressions
ADE 2023 was a whirlwind of events, offering a fantastic lineup and a diverse range of experiences. It could get crowded at times, especially during ADE Green, and entering or exiting venues was occasionally challenging due to the large crowds. Nevertheless, ADE remains an unforgettable experience, and plans for the next year are already underway.
ON/OFF: Amsterdam, ADE, 2023, EDM Music
