As a seasoned attendee of various music festivals, I must say that Dekmantel stands out as one of the most unique and enriching experiences in the world of electronic music. The way they seamlessly blend history with innovation, tradition with experimentation, is truly commendable.
Photographer Ollie Trenchard, based in London, contributes to TopMob as a visiting author, presenting a photo-story about the Dekmantel festival of 2024.
During this past summer, Dekmantel celebrated its tenth year, and techno music, which formed the foundation of their program, also reached an unofficial 40th anniversary. This significant milestone was highlighted by Juan Atkins’ 1985 track “No UFO’s,” released under his Model 500 alias by Metroplex Records in Detroit, a label renowned for being the first techno track according to music historians. Dekmantel, established in 2012, has rapidly grown into a prominent global figure in electronic music, stemming from its humble beginnings as a local music festival in Amsterdam. The primary event usually takes place during the early August weekend amidst the forest-like surroundings of Amsterdamse Bos, situated south of the city.
As someone who has been attending festivals for over two decades, I can confidently say that this year’s celebration was one of the most memorable ones I have ever experienced. Given that we lost two years due to the pandemic, it was a delightful surprise to see the festival extend over ten days to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The events held at clubs and industrial spaces across Amsterdam were truly unique, offering a diverse range of live performances, talks, and workshops that encouraged me to explore more of this beautiful city. I found myself immersed in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, culture, and camaraderie. It was an unforgettable experience that left me feeling rejuvenated and inspired. I eagerly look forward to the next festival!
Over the span of time, Dekmantel has built relationships with numerous artists, record labels, and cultural entities, one notable example being Boiler Room. This collaboration allowed Dekmantel to broadcast live DJ sets worldwide from its events. The diverse lineups at Dekmantel pay tribute to techno’s heritage while also promoting the fresh, innovative sounds emerging within the genre. Recently, they launched an EP series showcasing tracks by artists closely affiliated with them. Albert Van Abbe, the festival’s creative director and a musician in the electronic scene, explained to TopMob that Dekmantel emphasizes cultural significance over immediate commercial success. Reflecting on his past, which included squatting buildings, organizing underground raves, and traveling Europe with sound equipment, he said, “The DIY spirit runs deep within me.”
“Albert Van Abbe expresses the view that festivals have deep roots in our history, being an ancient practice dating back to our earliest days as communal beings.”
Techno’s roots can be traced back to Detroit in the early 1980s, a city grappling with unemployment and racial disparities. Influenced by the house music coming from nearby Chicago and the industrial and spacey sounds from Germany and Italy, local Black youth embraced this new sound. Pioneers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson (the Belleville Three) repurposed old drum machines and sequencers to create a unique sound that resonated with DJs and producers worldwide. The techno scene in the UK and Europe in the early 1990s played a significant role in its growth, as local musicians adapted American sounds and added their own flavor. Originating in Detroit’s Black communities, techno has become a global phenomenon, continually evolving and remaining a crucial genre within electronic music.
As a devoted fan, I can proudly say that I hail from a country that embraced techno’s sound early on – The Netherlands. Over time, we refined our own unique style, characterized by its harder and faster tempo, which has once again gained popularity on dance floors. Recognizing this deep-rooted heritage, Dekmantel celebrated its 10th anniversary by highlighting Dutch talent. On the opening night of the main weekend, each stage was brought to a close by a local DJ, honoring our rich history in electronic music.
One of the local DJs, Spekki Webu, was the one who played the closing set at the Radar stage on Friday. He shared his thoughts about Dekmantel with TopMob, stating, “Dekmantel just seems to keep expanding and improving, it’s top-notch from the Netherlands.” He further explained, “Black techno represents something almost sacred to me; these artists are truly pioneering a new movement.” Reflecting on his inspirations, he mentioned, “I hail from Delft, which is near Rotterdam. Two significant scenes were happening there: the Gabba scene and Jungle.” Spekki Webu’s unique sound, characterized by cinematic themes, mirrors the Afro-Futuristic vibes initially established by Detroit’s originators.
Carista, a disc jockey hailing from Utrecht and creator of United Identities record label, graced the event with her presence not once but twice this year, while also expressing praise for the festival’s emphasis on fostering local talent. “It was undeniably a powerful move programming-wise,” she shared, “and I feel truly honored to be a part of it.” She went on to explain that they possess a clear vision and an exceptional ability to recognize talent, and it is gratifying for her that they acknowledge her skills.
Veteran deep house artist Ron Trent, known for his techno exploration through the iconic album “Altered States,” expressed an upbeat attitude despite past scheduling conflicts leading up to the event. “Today I’m delivering the power of the RT sound system,” he stated. As a pioneer in the genre, he feels it is his responsibility to inspire upcoming artists. “I work with many young talents back in Chicago. This is how we pass on the legacy and keep this wave of music flowing. We share wisdom and vitality with the upcoming generation.”
The UK has also been at the forefront of the techno scene from early on and British DJ, Actress, played his set at Dekmantel on Thursday night at The Shelter. “Dekmantel always has a great lineup, good vibes,” he says assuredly. And, when asked about his place in techno, he gave us an equally measured response: “The way I look at it is I’m just another [DJ] in the long line of Black musical heritage. There’s a certain sort of discipline I put into my music, which is related to the lineage of Black techno.”
“Black techno means to me something almost sacred.” – Spekki Webu
At Dekmantel Festival, DJ Maaco (also known as Detroit in Effect) displayed his affection for the city. He shared with TopMob that he found the Dutch crowd similar to home, adding, “you’ve got the real heads here.” On Saturday afternoon, Maaco’s performance at the UFO2 stage sent waves of excitement through the festival, as Dekmantel’s lineup paid tribute to Detroit’s influence on techno. Akua, another American artist gracing the stage, is now based in Berlin and tours internationally. She shared with us that she is one of the few Black American women who focus solely on techno performances. Her 2022 Boiler Room set at Dekmantel cemented her presence within the scene. Reflecting on her musical journey, Akua revealed that she was initially drawn to bass music and footwork, with UK labels like Hyperdub. However, it was after a friend recommended ‘Energy Flash’ that her understanding of techno deepened. Discovering the genre’s Black roots was a significant realization for Akua, as she expressed, “learning it was a Black art form truly resonated with me.” She added that there is currently a beautiful resurgence in the US with younger artists who are passionate about old-school techno.
Dekmantel skillfully arranges performances so that techno artists who originate from its roots have an opportunity to play alongside those who add unique layers to their music. On Sunday, Jeff Mills, famously known as “The Wizard,” concluded The Loop stage with flair. As one of Detroit’s early innovators and a founding member of Underground Resistance, a collective established in the late 1980s, his impact continues to resonate powerfully today.
Exploring the well-organized festival grounds, brimming with both covered and open areas, you’re incessantly captivated by the mesmerizing waves of sound emanating from top-notch sound systems. The audience is the main recipient. Van Abbe opines, “Festivals are quite primal,” he says, “it’s an ancient concept, we’ve been practicing it since we were social groups. From that perspective, designing an event to unite people and create a specific atmosphere becomes a kind of secret art.”
Similar to techno’s ongoing evolution while preserving its roots, Dekmantel too will continue to grow and adapt. Worldwide, artists and musicians are expanding the limits of music through technology, using it as a means of empowerment instead of restriction. This underscores the significant role music plays in social justice movements, cultural transformation, and, ultimately, rebellion – much like the pioneers from Detroit. We eagerly await Van Abbe and his team’s creation for Dekmantel’s 11th edition in 2025 – stay tuned for more updates on that!
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2024-08-15 17:26