Camiel

“As a kid I loved early gabber and house music, but when I got older my passion for electronic music grew stronger. I became interested in making my own playlist. When I was searching for tracks, I stumbled upon a track from Jeff Mils. I instantly fell in love with the tempo and the groove: a whole new world opened up for me. At that time, I didn’t know who he was or what type of music. Now techno is part of my life. Since I listen to techno, I became a more openminded person and it helped me to find my true self. 

I like the diversity of techno. The tension I feel when I listen to a hard techno track for example or feeling euphoric when listening to a groovy up-tempo track. It’s another thing when you experience this on the dancefloor together with other people who feel the same. This is something you don’t often feel in daily life.

There is one memory I will never forget. The night I went to my first Eerste Communie party. I was standing in the middle of a dark and sweaty dancefloor surrounded by lovely people. Hitam was behind the decks and was playing one of the darkest and sweatiest techno I have ever heard. I was dancing myself through the night. The vibe, the venue. It was just out of this world. I never felt so alive.  

Techno music has given me already so much: wonderful vibes, banger playlists, amazing parties, lovely people, friendships, unforgettable nights, mellow mornings and a lot of love. I am so grateful for techno to be part of my life. 

How I cope with the lockdown? I try not to let the lonely weekends and grimy weekdays get into my head. Never lose the hope that one day we all party together again. Most of the time I have a party by myself. Lights out, strobe on, blasting some proper tracks. Feel the vibes I get when I am lost at a party. I am also working on getting myself out there as a DJ and producer. 

The impact of closed clubs is massive. In a good and bad way. Producers and DJs have more time to create new projects and mixes including myself. But we also lost our main escape from reality. We have to take the time now to work on ourselves and find out where we stand for. Before we know it, we will see each other again on those sweaty nights and wavy after parties”

🗣 @a.tillv
📸 @hedonsonance / Annelies Kietselaer