Q&A
Could you start by introducing yourself - who you are and what you do?
My name is Justin. I host a weekly dance show on Dutch national public radio 3FM. It’s called The Beat, every Friday from 22:00 - 01:00. The rest of my week is filled with producing and hosting podcasts about dj and nightlife culture: Bakkie Bakkie, together with Steven van Lummel and Als Muren Konden Praten, about legendary Dutch nightclubs. I also try to dj in clubs and at festivals as much as I can.
Coming from The Hague, what do you feel your background adds to ADE?
I think The Hague shaped me to be both open-minded and grounded. It’s an international city with a creative underground edge, and that mix helps me contribute to ADE with a multicultural perspective, a love for electronic music’s roots, and a practical, no-nonsense way of working.
Is there a distinctive way of thinking or approaching your work that you bring from The Hague’s creative scene?
The Hague has a strong DIY spirit. People build things themselves, experiment, and create space where there is none. That taught me to take initiative, to not wait for permission, and to stay resourceful. Something I carry into every project.
How did your participation at ADE come about - were you invited, or did you actively pursue it?
It’s the busiest week of the year for me. Feels like Christmas, carnaval, New Year’s Eve, kingsday en my birthday back to back. We broadcasted The Beat live from Into The Woods Festival, where we also hosted our own stage for two days. The rest of the week I worked on a TV show about ADE for national television, played two dj shows and have met hundreds of people. And most important: had some great sessions on multiple dance floors ;-)
What excites you most about being part of ADE - the scale, the connections, or the contribution itself?
The scale of ADE is incredible. You feel the whole industry come alive in one place, and being part of that momentum is exciting every single time. It’s that one week of the year that we celebrate nightlife in all it’s forms and show the world that our industry is so much more than “just partying”.
Since ADE started in 1996 to strengthen the Dutch electronic music industry, how do you see it evolving today? How does this year’s ADE compare to your previous experiences?
Every year I see ADE growing. In scale, in energy, in the way the global and Dutch scenes blend together. This year really showed that evolution: the city felt more connected than ever, and events kept going longer, with the final party even ending on Tuesday.
What current trends are you noticing - in sound, space design, line-ups, or visual storytelling?
A lot of clubs and events are switching to no phone policy. That’s the best trend in my opinion, we should get lost in moment.
For emerging artists or professionals hoping to get booked at events like this, what advice would you give?
Hone your craft and believe in yourself.
How does this year’s ADE compare to your previous experiences?
It was exhausting and overwhelming but I can look back and feel very wholesome. The TV show we’ve made is something I’m really proud of, it’s up for playbacks on NPO Start and is called Children Of The Night. I’ve met a lot of great people and got touched in my soul at Raum where Eris Drew played a set that was truly amazing.
As a Dutch creative, how do you see ADE’s role in connecting the local scene to the global network?
ADE connects the Dutch scene to the global network in a way no other event can. It brings together local talent, venues and ideas with international artists, curators, and industry professionals. For creatives it’s a rare moment to collaborate, get inspired, and showcase what the Netherlands has to offer while building relationships that last year-round.
