From Wednesday 17th to Sunday 21st of October the hearts and minds of the most creative, ambitious and imaginative people were beating to ADE's rhythm. At the end of those 5 days I can tell you that time was the biggest problem, as you were entering the main locations in daylight, and you were leaving with moonlight. There were so many opportunities to do something interesting and pass your day with like minded individuals who breathe music exactly like you. ADE was the epicentre of the music industry where the past and present trends were evaluated, and the future possibilities were examined carefully.
ADE was the birth place of many music collaborations at various levels. >From artists who meet each other and set up their collaborations, record companies and distributors from all over the world who strike deals to license their music products to faraway territories, advertisers and big famous brands who search for artists or events to sponsor and promote their product by associating it with EDM culture. Academics, who investigate the latest developments in EDM from various disciplines like Musicology or Sociology, and last but not least, the local media from Holland which increased the coverage of ADE, and respected international media outlets that covered the event with extensive positive reports.
Either behind their computers producing music, behind the decks performing in front of huge crowds, or in their offices working endless hours in an independent or major record company, behind their cameras, microphones and PCs writing features or reviews to disseminate the information as accurately as possible to thousand others, ADE brings them all together as one. At night the festival schedule included the best DJ's performing at the most important venues in Amsterdam, for those who could stay awake until morning and party, away from daytime pressures and meetings. According to the organisers, Buma Cultuur, the official attendance figures for this year proves its growth and shows excellent prospects for the future.
Festival visitors
|
200.000
|
Conference visitors
|
3.800
|
Artists
|
1.700
|
Clubs/venues
|
75
|
Journalists & media
|
350
|
The excellent day programme this year included ‘ADE Pro’ where its main conference part took place at Felix Meritis, European Centre for the Arts Culture and Science, which facilitates the dialogue between different cultures, & The Dylan Hotel which is considered to be the showcase to the richness of Amsterdam culture. In both locations, a wide variety of topics were discussed, either within panels of professionals, or with one to one type of questions/answers sessions, which respected and highly successful figures who were interviewed by very well informed journalists. In both buildings actual business was done by signing tracks or starting collaborations, joint ventures, or just meeting those who you know by email, and you decide it’s time to meet them in person.
Music is art, and should be regarded and treated as such. Art means passion and dedication, and ADE - despite its strong business emphasis – is still all about connecting those who have common interests, and in most part their Art becomes their professional occupation. The rest of the ‘ADE Pro’ conference program was split between Da Ballie, named Music, and Bits that were concerned with the world of music online. ADE University was another excellent addition, and its aim was to inspire and educate students and young music industry professionals. At the famous Leidseplein, the futuristic Smirnoff Cube was the space where famous artists, DJ’s and music industry professionals met the future breeds in the scene, or those who just wanted to have an insider look at the glamorous EDM world.
What is more, on Friday at the famous venue ‘Melkweg’, the Hard Dance Event took place connecting professionals in the harder styles of dance. The brand new addition was ‘ADE Playground’ which made a more visible impact at the conference. There were various events like screenings of EDM related films, DJ contests, hands-on experience of brand new DJ equipment from the big brands, delivering the most cutting edge technology in the field. ADE 2012 was a great success, and definitely an event that you should add to your next year calendar. Check out the official after movie right here:
For old and new members of the industry, protecting the rights of their intellectual property is another key issue, and ADE had plenty of opportunities for them to find out the most beneficial way to do it. I questioned him about the reasons for the establishment of the ADE Playground and University, and the kind of activities that are included. Within a harsh period of economic crisis and governments spending cuts on social welfare, ADE shines as the sign of resistance by mainly young self employed entrepreneurs, who despite the gloomy years, are attempting to sustain and even expand their businesses. I was curious to know if the Dutch government appreciates the contribution by the EDM industry and ADE, to the growth of the Dutch economy, and Mr Ziljma gives his views. Next question was about the Internet and how the newly designed web site acts as the platform to share knowledge and connect like-minded individuals.
A question that should be in the mind of every person that takes part in ADE is who decided the topics that were discussed at the various panels, and Mr Ziljma reveals the process for us. The final question was about the night programme, and who decides which events will be granted status of official ADE events. At the end of this interview I'm sure that you will feel as I felt, more informed and even more enthusiastic about EDM and your involvement in it. If you are an ADE newbie or ADE regular or you are thinking about visiting ADE next year, this interview is a must see...
This interview was filmed, conducted and edited by Dimitri Kechagias, Radio/DJ/Music Journalist
Many thanks to Richard Ziljma for his time dedicated to filming this interview.
The Video interview contains Dimitri Kechagias photos and also some photos from the official ADE photo pack from 2012, including photos by:
Sander Baks
Aico Lind
Rebekka Mell
Tom Doms
Milleke Machiels
Henri Blommers
Nelson Peterson
Koen Peters
Johan Vivie
Mike Breeuwer
Many thanks to Remko Gorter for offering me the ADE press accreditation
Many thanks to Clare Dover & Nikki Wright-McNeill at Global Publicity for their great support throughout the duration of ADE.
Many thanks Jeroen Polak at Black Hole recordings office for his substantial support to be present at ADE.
Many thanks to Paul at 1Mix Radio for publishing the material from ADE and proofing the text which accompanies the interviews
Many thanks to Stelios at Viva 95,3 fm in Greece for his support and encouragement.
You can read this interview on 1mix radio web site too.
Additional info:
www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl