If ever there was a testament to the ever-growing love for electronic music, the recent Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) was it. The historic city of canals and cobblestones was transformed into a pulsating hub of electronic beats, drawing an unprecedented 500,000 attendees. The wave of excitement is undeniable, and the countdown has already begun for our next rendezvous from October 16—20, 2024.

The 28th edition of ADE was not just an event – it was a phenomenon. Over 2,900 artists from the techno underground to the mainstage EDM, spread their magic across 200 venues, captivating the hearts of many, with a record-breaking 650,000 tickets sold. It’s clear that ADE has evolved from being a mere event to becoming the heartbeat of the global electronic music scene.

What set this year apart was the sheer breadth and depth of the program. From the ethereal sonic landscapes of upsammy at the iconic Rijksmuseum, to the unexpected yet electric b2b session between KI/KI and Armin van Buuren, each event was a narrative in itself. Mainstay events like Speedy J’s STOOR showcase returned once again, much to the delight of longtime fans, while endless collaborations between brands and events are becoming the norm with this ADE edition further pushing the electronic music culture further. 

The extended four-day ADE Pro Conference was a mecca for industry professionals. Nestled within the historic walls of Felix Meritis, it became a crucible for innovative ideas and future trends. Global artists mingled with titans of the industry from Google, Spotify, and more, engaging in profound dialogues about the music's future, the transformative influence of AI, and the ever-shifting paradigms of our industry. Not to mention, the amount of great meetings we had with agencies, partners, artists, labels, and industry peers all will for sure give us the inspiration and leverage to push on our journey here in Los Angeles!

Photo Credit: Jasper ten Tusscher

But, of course, ADE would be incomplete without its legendary parties, each painting a sonic picture of the electronic spectrum. The relentless techno of the 999999999 Awakenings showcase at Gashouder which saw Charlie Sparks, Paula Temple b2b SNTS, AnD, and Cynthia Spiering rocking the dome! The crazy vibes of KI/KI at De Bajes (a space that juxtaposes its past as a prison with its present as a venue) was certainly a highlight, and the relentless, untamed energy of the RAW party at NDSM Noord Ijland which saw Antigone and Chlar deliver top notch sets, each held stories and memories that attendees will cherish. And who could forget the underground vibrations of DeSchool with its stellar lineup that saw the likes of Oscar Mulero, DJ Nobu, Jesse G and the likes all delivering impeccabl sets for the final ADE edition of the historic venue and we were glad to be there for it! The grand sunday finale @ CODA at Lo-Fi, which left us all yearning for more after DVS1, Dasha Rush, DJ Nobu, Sandrie, and JakoJako took us on a sonic journey that can only be explained as the perfect way to finish our ADE. 

ADE, an initiative birthed by Buma, is no longer just an event. It is a movement. It's where the world congregates, not just to listen, but to feel and live every beat, every note, and every moment of electronic music. It’s a celebration, a discourse, a platform, and most importantly, a shared dream.

Until the beats draw us back together in 2024, let the memories of ADE resonate in every corner of our world.

Photo credit: Enrique Meesters