It’s October, and that can only mean one thing in the dance music calendar — it’s ADE time! I’ve been going to the Amsterdam Dance Event for many years now, and it really is a crucial part of the machinations for our industry. Meetings, networking, panels, random encounters, partying... and all in the beautiful surroundings of the Dutch capital, which always seems to throw up some new unexpected delights on every single visit.
As devotees of underground sounds will know, the Dutch scene — and Amsterdam in particular — isn’t all about EDM. Techno, many shades of house music, firin’ drum
& bass, Afrobeats... Amsterdam covers all bases right across the electronic music spectrum. This month’s cover star Chris Stussy is somebody who’s emerged from
the Amsterdam underground in recent years to pop off internationally, big-time. The success of the discerning Dutchman, whose groove-based house sound has won
him plaudits far and wide, is testimony to the fact that you don’t simply have to chase the commercial dollar to succeed. Read his foundational story, expertly written by DJ Mag’s Anna Wall, from page 22 onwards.
Elsewhere this issue, check out Chal Ravens’ excellent essay on the future of sampling from page 42. Get outraged at how Uganda’s recent discriminatory legislation is adversely affecting the country’s LGBTQ community and music scene (page 52). Travel with DJ Mag’s Declan McGlynn as he opens the door to explore the future of the DAW (sorry!) from page 57. Meet the team behind Awakenings, The Netherlands’ leading techno party (page 77). And lots more besides. There’s loads to read again this issue — hope you enjoy it.
Carl Loben
Editor