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Whether you went out last weekend to check out an uber-geeky beat magician or a depressingly awesome indie rock band, we all know there’s always some serious musical talents rocking around the Dam. You might not recognize them all yet, but don’t worry, you will soon. In this series of interviews we talk to remarkable artists about their music and their inspirations.
ADE 2015 is in full swing. Apart from an abundance of parties, lectures and other events this year’s 20th edition is all about a tribute to the influential Dutch club scene, which obviously plays a big role in our culture. That’s exactly why Red Bull Playrooms is bringing the past, present and future of club culture together. Prunk already shared his thoughts on this, and now it’s De Sluwe Vos’ turn. Aggressive kicks, resonating strings and hi-hats that cut through your eardrums are the main characteristics of his sound. His highly energetic style, which already brought him to places like Sziget, FORMAT and Studio 80, makes us curious about his views on the matter.
DJ and producer Robert Vosmeijer (aka De Sluwe Vos) thinks he was born a little too late, which annoys him: “What I wouldn’t give to be able to be around when the RoXY was at its peak,” he states when asked about his personal moment in dance history. “The possibilities were endless back then. The experience itself was key, and upon entering the club you’d enter another world. Just to escape reality, which is the essence of clubbing: to forget how fucked up your week was, even if it was just for one night.”
De Sluwe Vos vs. the audience
That’s exactly what the current club scene lacks: “It’s all about having a good night out, but nowadays people just don’t dance anymore.” The fact that we play a leading role in the club circuit has spoiled us, and that’s what Vosmeijer aims to change. He wants to create an evening where music makes you drift away, just like the RoXY did back in the days. How? By playing monster spinning sessions up to nine hours, where he slowly works from ambient and classical music towards a euphoric end to bring down the house.
The audience doesn’t always have the patience for this though: “People sometimes ask me when the beat will kick in. I simply answer that it’s for their own good; listen to this and get into the vibe. Fistpumping is great, but there’s so much more than that!” He tries to get that message across, not just by his DJ sets but through his Kontra show as well. It’s a 3D spectacle that brings house, techno, drum ‘n bass, jack and rave together with percussion and guest performances.
De Sluwe Vos vs. the future
Lose yourself in music and escape from reality, albeit just for a moment. That’s what Vosmeijer thinks should be the future: “We should never lose touch with the club culture, but we could use some improvements. I’d like us to be more into music in 2040, and really listen to it. Quality will prevail quantity, and visuals and the overall experience will be major factors: “3D holograms and 4D sounds are the future, it won’t be just the auditory sense that will be tickled.”
A decent night of clubbing will always be around though, even in 2040: “Being around like-minded people is a prime instinct. Going out will be more personal. People just like to influence what the night will be like. Not sure how exactly, maybe having some input on the visuals. Having a say is alright, but the most important thing is that an act will always surprise the audience.”
That being said, we’re sure that De Sluwe Vos will make the best out of it, as one of the artists that will celebrate club culture. We suggest you attend, so check out Red Bull Playrooms!
Feature image by Darryl Adelaar.
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