Halloween Hits Amsterdam
Written by the B&B Crew
Thursday, 13 October 2011 19:59
News - Halloween's not just about scaring the crap out of one another, it's also a great time for high quality party shenanigans...
HALLOWEEN at PAND 14 is organized by Theme Events, which is put together by DJ’s Dauphin, Roman Nicolai, Verdi and Sjeroem. We caught up with them for the lowdown on the Amsterdam scene, their DJing and productions, the history of Halloween events and the forthcoming Halloween At Pand 14.
What is the story behind Theme Events?
Dauphin is hosting a weekly talent show at XT3 techno radio. At the start of this year, Verdi starred on the Wednesday night broadcast. The two guys learned that besides a mutual interest in techhouse destined to damage any dancefloor, they were also very active in the Amsterdam night live and therefore they stayed in touch. They shortly spoke as well about Verdi’s older brother, Sjeroem, who soon after won the Haerlemsche DJ-contest. As a result, he was invited to Dauphin’s show and really impressed the listeners with his spacey melodies laid on top of deep grooves and banging tribals.
Roman Nicolai is having his own studio in Nachtlab, where XT3 techno radio resides. It should therefore be no surprise that Dauphin and Roman met each other here. The underground and inspiring vibe of the Nachtlab building, where also Dauphin recently got his own studio, brought the two together. As Dauphin was really eager to organize his third HALLOWEEN night, he contacted all of us individually asking whether we wanted to be part of something bigger, better and creepier than any Halloween party before. Our first meeting was a blast as chemistry was all over the place; 4 guys from various cities, having different backgrounds, attracting all kinds of crowds, supporting various deephouse/techhouse/techno sounds, but all with one goal: ‘organize some serious underground monsterball mayham!’ Theme Events was born.
You have organized various events in Amsterdam, Haarlem and surrounding areas over the years. What are the key ingredients to a good event?
Verdi, the guy behind ThemeHouse is full of joy talking about his past productions; ‘For me it started all in Noordwijk, where I already captured the hearts of many when I was as teenager already asked to feature as DJ in local bars and clubs. It resulted in me being asked to organize parties in different locations. For me it is all about groovy and fat techhouse/techno. People therefore know what to expect.’ It clearly shows now in his monthly Full Moon parties on the beach in Noordwijk, where after a few hours of the party announcement, hundreds of people are already confirming their presence.
His interim move to the underground club scene in Amsterdam with his ThemeHouse organization is doing nothing less; his bi-monthly parties on the Thursday evening of Club Up’s calendar also show a huge amount of followers, while only a few editions have been organized so far. His older brother Sjeroem adds to that. ‘As a DJ and organizer people identify you with a style. When they go and see you, they want to know what to expect. Although my style cannot be defined as I play all kinds of genres in one set, people do know I go beyond the expected and that gets admired. My first contribution to the scene was with the organization of De Beat Industrie in Haarlem’s de Lichtfabriek.
The DJ’s selected where ones that really make a difference. Boris Werner starred as headliner, closely followed by one of Holland’s best live acts, Camiel Daamen! It was impossible for the crowd not to dance, and the amount of happy people on the floor was stunning. So apart from a quality line-up, an event stands with the music that you as an organization believe in.’ Dauphin highlights as well the importance of the location. ‘I have been organizing many afterparties and parties since the late 90s and I never aspired going to the fancy and mainstream clubs. The most recent productions I have been involved in together with DJ Dexon are taking place in Amsterdam’s club Korsakoff. InDeep’n’Dance Records organizes on Tuesday a weekly techno night named “What Is On Your Mind?” and every Wednesday it is time for “House Generation” hosting the best in underground house music. The choice for this club should be no surprise. It is intimate and allows for a crazy night out.’
Roman concludes answering this question by saying that ‘the upcoming HALLOWEEN at PAND 14 event will be my first real production. Although I have been resident DJ before and played already at quite some clubs in Amsterdam, this is totally different and I am so excited being part of this monster production!’
You have all DJ’ed for many years. Where do you play and please describe your sound?
Dauphin is one of the colourful DJ’s in the Dutch underground tech-house/techno scene to date. His ear for quality releases and sounds are paying off. This hardworking Amsterdam DJ is making the gradual climb to the clubs that matter, always with his eye set on this target. National and international parties such as Sensation Innerspace DeLuxe, All is One, Trammeland, House Generation, The Endless Summer and Plastik Mint have seen this talented individual step it up in 2011.
Verdi is a true music man, a purist, but one who also has his eye firmly on the dance floor. His secret is his style, being “fat groovy party music”; it rocks the dance floor! This talented artist is at home behind the decks and is seen more often these days in many underground clubs all over the country.
Sjeroem was bitten by the house music bug in the early 90’s. He has a perchant for deep grooves, hypnotic melodies and tribal rhythms. His unique choice of records resulted in a win last April in the Haerlemsche DJ contest. Now Sjeroem is rapidly making name in clubs around Haarlem and Amsterdam with the amount of followers growing by the hour. Apart from De Beat Industrie, he is as well one of the driving forces behind Zolderkolder in Club Stalker, where he is often seen behind the decks, and this ambitious guy stars quite frequently as well on the line-up of parties organized by ThemeHouse.
Roman Nicolai’s energetic techhouse and techno sound already saw him play in Ibiza and recently resulted in a prestigious booking at the Heineken stage at Mysteryland. This was much deserved, with Roman rocking the Amsterdam underground scene for some time. His successful podcasts on Dance Tunes Radio for Nachtlab Radio proof this. He looks forward to performing at Pand 14 with raging enthusiasm.
You were responsible for a number of HALLOWEEN parties in the city, including one at the legendary Stubnitz motorship. How did that come about?
Dauphin, who was the main driver behind these productions, takes on this question. ‘Actually, the first and second editions were scheduled to take place at the Stubnitz, as the first edition was such a success. It was sold out and even months after this edition, people were screaming for the second HALLOWEEN event to happen. Unfortunately the Stubnitz suddenly was forced to continue its route, and therefore HALLOWEEN rocked the FlexBar instead. A selection of photos from these parties can be found on our Theme Event page to give you an impression of these two crazy nights’: https://www.facebook.com/theme.events?sk=photos.
Please explain about the decision to hold an event at the rather unique Pand 14 location?
‘Pand 14 is already known for some time in the underground scene. Recently they officially opened their doors and the real party animals already know what a great and underground location this is. You wouldn’t expect an old Chinese restaurant to be transformed into a club and cultural platform at the same time, but it really all comes together at Pand 14. It just breathes creativity and the very diverse line-up makes sure that it attracts the attention of those who know.
The fact that it is slightly out of Amsterdam’s city centre will make it more special for people to visit this club. When coming by car, it is easily accessible as it is next to the A9 highway in Amsterdam Zuidoost. There is a huge and free of charge parking in front of the entrance so there is no need to get yourself by car into the city heart and look for a scarce and costly parking spot,’ Sjeroem explains. He continuous by saying that ‘Pand 14 is also accessible by public transport. A bit more difficult then by car, but therefore we arranged for a shuttle service, leaving in front of Amsterdam Central Station and bringing you directly to Pand 14. I mean, really, those present will be come for the people, atmosphere and the music.’
You have booked a diverse line-up for the event. Why did you pick the DJs that you did?
The guys look very proud to each other and Roman starts off. ‘We wanted to have a line-up full of DJ’s who are known all over the Netherlands, but also abroad, mixed with up-and-coming artists, as well as established producers and people who contribute in various other ways to the scene. ’
Herewith a list of who features on the line-up:
Olene Kadar (Mo's Ferry) is a real talent, someone who has unquestionably achieved his breakthrough in the Amsterdam scene and beyond in the past few years. He has a unique talent to read a room perfectly, carving shimmering sounds that will shake any floor, and with a strong persona that will fit perfectly into this Halloween event; this man is truly awe-inspiring. He has created a real following in the scene, a mixture of music purists as well as party people. Olene is crossing borders with ease and bucketfuls of talent. With productions gaining support from some of the leading figures in house and techno and with Dapayk signing him to Mo’s Ferry in 2008. Olene has a futuristic techno sound, even playing live, and is one of Holland’s nu-breed of talents. Expect a scary full-on session from this talented artist through the subgenres of sound.
Mike Ravelli (GZG) With nearly 6 years of DJing behind him, Mike has quickly become a force to be reckoned within the Dutch scene. He has landed prestigious residencies for organisations such as Gasten Zonder Grenzen (GZG), Stalker and others, garnering support from the crowds that matter. Mike’s short career span has already seen him play at numerous big festivals and venues around the Netherlands and Europe, rocking events such as Mysteryland, LoveParade, Rockit Festival and clubs such as Ministry of Sound. Expect a journey into the deep at Halloween at Pand 14 on the night.
Ille Bitch & Dauphin (Click/XT3 techno radio)
Ille Bitch has swapped his native Haarlem underground scene for Amsterdam and is one of Holland’s most popular DJ’s of this moment. With a strong following garnered from many late night sets at afterparties and those clubs where only the bravest dare to venture, his contagious enthusiasm and never ending attention for his fans has made him irreplaceable in the Dutch party scene. Although Ille Bitch & Dauphin normally perform individually, they recently played together at The Endless Summer boat party and at an illegal Park Rave. For this very special and scary Halloween gathering, they will put up a show together once again. Expect some terrifying floor-filling action on the night when these musical maniacs will start challenging each other with their own unique sound!
Paul Sparkes (UK) (Floorplay) is at the top of his game in recent years, celebrating 15 years behind the decks in 2010 and going from strength to strength in 2011. His Floorplay parties at Amsterdam’s most chic Club NL have seen the likes of Danny Howells, Omid 16B and many more take control over the turntables. With over ten years of touring the US (including a three week upcoming tour early October) and gigs in Finland, Russia, UK and Israel all crammed into this year (including Ministry of Sound in London) it has been hectic for sure.
Verdi (ThemeHouse)
Dexon (InDeep'n'Dance Records) has established himself as a solid DJ/producer over the years. Over a decade of playing in the clubs, Dexon has held residencies in Amsterdam and toured the world playing major clubs in the US, Sweden, Austria, UK, Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, Spain, Israel, Czech Republic, Turkey, Malta and Belgium. Dexon also finds time to run InDeep'n'Dance Records’ store and is the founder of three labels, namely Indeep, Molecule Recordings and Subsequent Records. Dexon has also remained true to his roots, still playing vinyl in the clubs and also giving the audience value for money.
Sjeroem (De Beat Industrie)
Analog Effect (Studio 80) is the new moniker of Dutch DJ / production duo Jan Boom and Branko van Hilten. As Schaamteloos-DJ’s, they have played almost all dance events in the Netherlands, playing at festivals such as Isla Electronica, We Love Stagefestival and Lief Festival and residencies at Amsterdam’s Panama club and Club NL have ensured this Dutch duo have played alongside many international names. With also tracks released on Pure Substance Records and LuPS Records the guys solidified their name in the scene, and will rock Pand 14 on the night.
Ici Sans Merci (Lazy Sundays) Carving a spot out for yourself in the Amsterdam dance scene is not easy – however, this talent is rapidly making a name to watch out for. He is booked to perform at many of the city’s great underground parties, and his reputation is growing. Chateau Techno and Lazy Sundays are two recent events where Ici Sans Merci has performed, and we look forward to a special show full of energy at Pand 14.
Tom Verstappen (The Endless Summer) The journey of this upcoming DJ keeps on continuing. Tom is a hardworking DJ and promoter, who has given Amsterdam some creative and inspiring boat parties with his The Endless Summer events. As a DJ, his melodic and energetic grooves set many floors on fire. Tom really is known for his love for the music and is a name to watch out for in 2012.
Roman Nicolai (Mysteryland)
Thomas Robson (Remote Area Records) is a real hard-working Amsterdam DJ. Thomas is an innovative and creative performer. He is one of those performers who is firmly rooted in the underground while also having the ability to crossover when required, due to his energetic but groovy tech-house. He already performed in various clubs such as Canvas at the 7th, Club NL, Odeon and Supperclub. He has shown great promise in the studio also, releasing a stunning record entitled Starstruck on 2000 and One’s Remote Area label. Pand 14, are you ready for Thomas Robson’s terrifying tech-house?
Delicatesse (Chateau Techno) The same is true of every delicacy – you either love or hate it – there can be nothing in between. These ladies create a unique vibe with their deep and sexy blend of techno and tech-house. With a recent booking on Chateau Techno's line-up, these talented newcomers are showing a real growth in the underground scene of Amsterdam. Seeing is believing, tasting is believing, and these girls want you to experience them on Halloween on 28th October.
Will there be any dresscode?
Dauphin: ‘Hell yeah: IT’S HALLOWEEN! SO DRESS LIKE IT…’ Nothing more and nothing less. Seriously, a theme like Halloween asks for a strict dresscode policy! We as Theme Events will make sure that Pand 14 will look terrifying as hell! The crowd can go either to the Bloody Hello Room or the Spinnin’ Ghost Room, so the Halloween vibe is therefore guaranteed! This dresscode also applied to the previous 2 HALLOWEEN parties and I do think this will make the difference!’
What can we expect on Friday 28th Oct during HALLOWEEN at PAND 14?
‘You should come and experience it yourself, as it is hard to describe! It will definitely be a party that you will not easily forget,’ says Dauphin, whose excitement is growing the more we talk about it. Roman gets louder too and shouts that ‘Theme Events is doing everything possible to make this event something you will still talk about in 2012! We have as well permission to party until 7:00hrs in the morning and the timetable of the DJ’s is constructed in such a way that you will have no chance to fall asleep, as we will be building towards an epic and rocking climax!’ The brothers heavily nod and the high-fives are flying across the table.
We think it is clear to everybody: Be afraid. Be very afraid. Something truly evil is stirring in the depths of the Amsterdam underground. Bloodsuckers, you have been warned…
Thanks to the HALLOWEEN at PAND 14 crew for speaking to us today!
Halloween At Pand 14 takes place on Friday 28th October. https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263930073637239
Tickets can be purchased from the site https://www.facebook.com/theme.events?sk=app_172604052767988
