Dave

“I think it has been about twelve years ago since I started to delve more into dance music, especially techno. That happened by accident. Browsing the web, a bit, out of curiosity, I pressed a button which led me to a set by Klaudia Gawlas. She and her music were totally unknown to me. This set completely took me by surprise because of the energy it brought from the pounding, rolling bass. It was also very different from the electronic music I had listened to so far. (John Digweed, Sasha). From that moment I was sold and my journey of discovery within the world of techno started, and that journey still isn’t over.

Music has always been a common thread in my life. Before diving into techno, I listened to all kinds of music such as pop, rock, new wave, trip hop but also glam rock, disco, electronic music, classical music and I had a period of many years that I was deeply involved in Jazz. 

Techno is versatile and has many sub genres. It depends on my mood what kind of techno I listen to. If I'm in an active mood or if I need to get active, I put on a solid, nice rolling set with a tight baseline and up-lifting hi hats. If I'm in a more relaxed mood or if I want to relax more, I often put on a hypnotic techno set. The deep basses and beautiful textures can take me to every place that comes to mind. I can also appreciate ambient techno for its meditative effect on me. The most important thing is it can hold my attention and give me the feeling there is a ‘soul’ and ‘story’ in it. It must take me on a journey. 

Over the years I have been able to visit many non-techno festivals and concerts. Techno festivals and club nights have a completely different vibe. I can enjoy the music in my own techno bubble, with friends or with people I don't know (yet). Sometimes a smile from a distance or a thumbs up is enough to show each other we are both enjoying ourselves. The term ‘Techno Connecting People’ is not an empty slogan. Over the years it has brought me a lot of pleasure and beautiful memories. It also has expanded my social network and brought me beautiful, valuable, and close friendships.

To me Hedonism means fun and pleasure. These are words with a positive meaning. In my daily life I strive to put my focus as much as possible on people, things and thoughts that give me positive energy and therefore pleasure, enjoyment, and happiness. Techno parties give me a feeling of freedom and an escape from everyday life. You can be who you want to be and wear what you want to wear. 

I am a social and curious person and like to discover new things and meet new people. All this with an open mind and without immediately having a prejudice or value judgment. Like me, techno is not static but is constantly developing itself. The scene is a social and open space where people connect with each other. In general, people often pay attention to each other in a positive way. Whether they know each other or not. Keep on doing that! 

Freely translated, ‘Echo of your essence’ means to me a reflection of your being, of who you are. Enjoyment creates a smile on your face. I can already enjoy myself when I only have smiling faces around me at a techno party, such as at the very first party at Radion after Covid. If you see a smile on my face, you will see a reflection of my happiness. If you don't see a smile on my face, then I mostly have my eyes closed and enjoy the music to the fullest.

If you are going to a techno party for the first time, do your preparation. It helps if you know the line- up and listen to some sets so you know what to expect. Go to the party with an open mind and watch out for yourself and others. If you want to talk extensively with someone, don't do it on the dance floor. And finally: Respect the scene, accept the people!

When I must mention just one favorite DJ, I feel like I'm missing out on my other favorite DJ’s. My top 3 in terms of Techno DJs are Speedy J, Rødhåd and Oscar Mulero. Besides Techno I also listen a lot to Hypnotic Techno where Claudio PRC, Luigi Tozzi, Ness, Mary Yuzovskaya and Hydrangea are among my favorites. Each and every one of these mentioned, are DJ’s that never disappoint me, are able to hold my attention continuously and enable me to take a random journey with their music. But those are not the only ones because there are so many more.

One of my most wonderful memories is a moment during the closing set of Speedy J at Draaimolen Festival 2016. The stage was at a large square parking lot which was surrounded by high trees on three sides. The sound system and the lighting plan were on point. Between the trees smoke machines had been placed on the ground. The evening had fallen, and it was already dark. In his set Speedy J built a moment of rest and started slowly to bring the tension back by playing a track of Virgil Enzinger – Odic Force (Audio Injection remix). It's quite a spacy track and at the same time as the track was played the smoke machines started up and from various places out of the forest the smoke made its way up in towards the light. This all created a kind of mystical and misty effect. The audience was in a kind of trance and went all the way with the building up to the climax. All this combined created such a surreal atmosphere. Everything fits and falls together. This was a special goosebumps moment that is etched in my memory.”

🗣 @dave.wardenaar
📸 @hedonsonance / @mxmimik

#hedonsonance #echoofyouressence #techno #freedom #equality