Once again, another Amsterdam Dance Event has come and gone. The 2019 edition had undoubtedly one of the best show lineups I’ve ever seen before. I have to admit it was very difficult to choose between all of the incredible events, but the choices I made exposed me to some mind blowing new music and allowed me to put the spotlight on some artists I’ve been meaning to see for a while.
Maxximize the energy levels!
When I arrived in Amsterdam at 9pm on Tuesday, October 15th — my mind was set on having an early night in and getting my rest for the week to come. But then I realized that the Maxximize Label Party was going on right around the corner from my hotel. I bet you can guess where the story goes from here! And I’m glad I went because I got to feed my guilty pleasure of listening to some high energy hardstyle and big room beats from the likes of Dannic, Will Sparks, Blasterjaxx, Bassjackers and more. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crowd get so hyped up on Tuesday night.
Tonight we are United in Prog!
After a good night’s rest, day two was upon us and I began the night at United in Prog. I finally got to see some of the artists I wasn’t so familiar with like Sound Quelle, Vintage & Morelli, Enamour and Dezza. Not only did I get a taste of something new, but I got to see some familiar faces as well, like Estiva, Rodg, Matt Fax, and Farius. They all rocked the crowd and set the pace for the night.
Ørjan Nilsen celebrates his 7th artist album!
After some progressive tunes, I was ready to go a bit trancier for the rest of the night, so it was off to Ørjan Nilsen’s Album Release Party! The Norwegian DJ and producer was celebrating his 4th artists album (‘The Devil Is In The Detail’) in the correct fashion with a lineup to die for with none other than Maryn, Dennis Shepard, Exis, Fingerling, Rodg, Ruben de Ronde, Ben Gold, Ashley Wallbridge, KhoMha, Mark Sixma, Fisherman b2b Nifra and of course the man himself, Ørjan Nilsen! That was certainly a night to remember and what a fantastic album to celebrate. If you haven’t already heard it, do it now!
Amsterdam Dance Event was brought into A State Of Trance!
Thursday had me off to a much earlier start as I was off to the Armada office for the ASOT ADE Marathon, which was a spectacular “mini-festival” between the studio room and the club room. Over 30 artists performed throughout the 8-hour mega event and were able to showcase their recent new music as well as some unreleased IDs (which I’ll try to be patient for their release). With performances from the likes of Jorn van Deynhoven, Rub!k, Davey Asprey, BT, Gabriel & Dresden, Andrew Rayel, Maor Levi, Allen Watts, Ilan Bluestone and so many more — we got to hear music across the vast spectrum of trance music. Of course Armin van Buuren took over for the regular portion of the show and showed off a couple of the new tracks from his upcoming 7th artist album ‘BALANCE’. One of the two tracks premiered was ‘Song I Sing’ with Haliene where she gave a live vocal performance in the studio that brought tears to everyone’s eyes. If you want to see what else went down during ASOT 936, you can watch the entire 8-hour stream on YouTube or Facebook.
Time to Shine with Paul van Dyk!
After those magical 8 hours, I head straight to Panama for Luminosity presents Shine with Paul van Dyk. The two-roomed venue was showcasing some of the best names in trance like Alex M.O.R.P.H., Jordan Suckley, Lostly, Asteroid, Billy Gillies and more. The man of the hour, Paul van Dyk Laos down one of the best sets I’ve heard in awhile. He played music ranging from well-known classics like ‘For An Angel’ to remixes that will bring tears to your eyes like Giuseppe Ottaviani’s remix of ‘Lights’. He also brought out his newest hits like ‘Music Rescues Me’ and I’m sure there were some IDs off his upcoming album, ‘Guiding Light’ were sprinkled in there.
Down the rabbit hole with Markus Schulz!
Friday came around and on that day I only had plans for one party and that one party needed all of the energy I had because it was none other than the long-awaited Markus Schulz Open to Close set — a 7 hour journey down the rabbit hole with the Unicorn Slayer himself. Words can’t even describe the magic that happened in Melkweg that night. Beginning with ambient tunes, smoothly moving into progressive, diving deep into some tech heavy tracks, rising up with uplifting trance and sliding into the rabbit hole with unheard remixes of familiar records — this was all a part of that wild night. If you ever have the opportunity to partake in one of these legendary evenings, don’t even think of missing out.
In a daze with Purple Haze on the Dolby Atmos Sound System!
The final day was upon us as the calendar finally read Saturday, October 19th. What better way to begin the end of ADE with some Purple Haze on the critically acclaimed best sound system available, Dolby Atmos. I don’t think I’ve ever heard bass boom like that in my entire life. And the fact that it was Purple Haze (Sander van Doorn’s trance alias) made the sound even sweeter.
The title of this party was 100% accurate because This Is Trance!
From there, I head straight to the finale of Amsterdam Dance Event — Luminosity presents This Is Trance! And let me tell you, that lineup is the literal definition of trance. The main room presented us with acts from the likes of Dim3nsion, Andy Moor, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Aly & Fila, Ferry Corsten, John O’Callaghan, Bryan Kearney, Standerwick and Mark Sherry. The energy levels in the main room went straight through the roof and each artist brought their absolute a-game! In the side room we witnessed some rip-roaring sets from Robert Nickson, Exolight, Nikolauss, Alex Wright and Kaimo K. That my friends, made for a night to remember. If you’re a trance lover and weren’t there, no worries — it was live streamed and can be listened to on Luminosity Events’ Soundcloud… you’re welcome!
My feet are sore all over again just from writing this. If you missed ADE this year, don’t make the mistake again next year because it always seems to get better each and every year. Just make sure to pack your dancing shoes! See you next year, Amsterdam Dance Event!
*Featured image via Amsterdam Dance Event*
