ADE 2018 - Artists explain how to make the most of this year's festival
We asked a host of the biggest names playing this year's festival for their advice on how to make the most of (and ultimately survive) your time at ADE...
Bradley Zero
The Rhythm Section boss (pictured above) takes over Disco Dolly with his crew – Maurice Fulton, Chaos In The CBD, Duke Hugh & Planty Herbs — on Friday 19th...
“Move like a local — hire a bicycle well ahead of time and be the envy of fellow ravers. It’s not only quicker and cheaper, but you’ll get to discover hidden bits of the city that can easily be missed on public transport. Take care of yourself! It’s a marathon, not a sprint – so be careful to pace yourself. Why not swap a 10am finish at De School for an early night followed by a bit of yoga in the morning, a museum visit and a walk in the woods?”
Octave One
The legendary Detroit siblings talk through their impressive tech setup at DeLaMar Theater on Thursday 18th and perform live for Dave Clarke Presents at Melkweg on Friday 20th...
“Ah...The excitement of going to the ADE! You’ve waited an entire year to see what's going to be happening, what's going to be new, and to see and catch up with people that you haven’t saw since the previous year. So, as this week approaches you’re just a ball of energy comprised and driven by your own mental excitement for the week ahead! As you move forward, you realize that you’re gonna need a plan for this grueling week ahead if you’re gonna survive.
"Well, here is Octave One’s best tip for survival. When you enter any event that requires stamina for your survival you gotta start with a well rested body, which starts with a goodnight’s sleep prior to the event. Rest before you start is the key to survival, unless you want to hit a party or gotta gig the night before and run into friends that you haven’t seen in ages...we did last year, left us delirious and knackered (as our British mates would say) from lack of sleep for the week. Hmm...wait a minute...not quite proven, as a tip for survival is it? But, if you apply it, it should properly work... or at least, we think so... maybe, possibly?! Go on, give it a try it might work!”
ANNA
Brazil’s finest hits De Kromhouthal on Friday 19th when STRAF_WERK and Kölsch’s IPSO label team up to present Tiga, Recondite, Eli Iwasa and more...
“Attending the conference during the day is really nice. There are always a lot of interesting panels focused on different subjects. Regardless of whether or not you’re involved in the industry, if you’re passionate about the music, it’s a rich experience. And of course attend the parties of your favourite artists and labels. They have a special atmosphere as everyone who works in and loves dance music is in town.”
Axel Boman
Catch the Swede at behind the decks with Gerd Janson, Leon Vynehall and DJ Tennis for Life And Death ADE at Thuishaven on Friday 19th October...
“Stop drinking water altogether, focus on the perfectly sized dutch ‘biertjes’ (small beers) and once you start drinking don't stop! Check out tech presentations and panels, any panel featuring San Proper is usually more entertaining than any club experience you could have! [I like] just floating around in Amsterdam between label showcases, tech talks, headphone parties and high-fiving DJs is outstanding fun!”
Dax J
The Monnom Black boss and DJ Mag’s April UK cover star joins his techno peers at Dockyards Festival/Mystic Garden Festival on Saturday 20th and Awakenings x Klockworks the next day...
"I think there are more missed meetings during ADE week in Amsterdam than anywhere else in the world at any other time of the year! To avoid this, try to schedule meetings as late in the day as possible, to give yourself a good chance of making them, rather than organising one in the morning knowing full well you’ll likely still be at the after-party! I’ve definitely missed more than I’ve attended, whoops! "
La Fleur
A revered resident selector in Berlin, the Swede is at WesterUnie on Friday 19th for Berlin: Watergate x Club Feierei with Anja Schneider, Kiasmos, Jan Blomqvist and Adana Twins...
“It’s really easy to get carried away and burn all your energy in one night; my best advice is to start slow and save some energy for the rest of the week. I haven’t always taken my own advice of course! One time I took the train home on Saturday when I had a flight booked for Sunday, just because I had hit my limit! [laughs] If you can, I recommend mixing up meetings and parties with time enjoying the city. Provided you’re not too hungover, rent a bike and ride along the canals. It’s the best way to enjoy Amsterdam.”
Alex NIggemann
The idiosyncratic DJ plays alongside DJ Sprinkles, DJ Boring and Detroit Swindle in an 18th Century chapel on Thursday 18th October...
“Go to the smaller events to explore new artists, music and labels. There’s so much new and good stuff out of there. If you've got business, get it out of the way during the day (with the people that always go to the same events anyway). [I enjoy] going to the networking events, as you always end up bumping into a lot of people you maybe weren’t supposed to meet. In the past a lot of opportunities opened up because of those. But I also really like the workshops, and to explore things I might not know about yet; listening to the experiences of other professionals, their knowledge and different views of the scene.”
Lee Burridge
From New York to Amsterdam’s WesterUnie, Burridge brings his psychedelic All Day I Dream party to ADE on Saturday 20th, with Yokoo, Sebastien Leger and more...
“If you visit ADE this year obviously the parties are numerous. Don’t forget, though, that you’re in a cultural hub. Perhaps take a moment to go appreciate some art. Rembrandt, Vermeer or Van Gogh are a great start. There are some great restaurants in the city. Why not check out Café de Prins for a typical Dutch meal or IZAKAYA for an incredible Japanese feast. If you are planning to go see some of your favourite artists perhaps throw in a wild card and arrive early. Hear someone you might not have heard of and show some love to the smaller artists on the bill. Finally, agents, perhaps consider taking less meetings as we love seeing you there at the parties too.”
FJAAK
The techno boyband join Modeselektor, Redshape and Solid Blake for Monkeytown x SSPB at Sugar Factory on Thursday 18th and headline Intercell x Basic on H7 Warehouse on Sunday 21st...
“Get lots of weed, hash, rolling papers, some filter tips and last but not least do not forget the grinder! [We like to] see a lot of international friends and have a f*cking good time together!”
