Kees

“I am a steady person and always looking for harmony and connection. I also find this in techno; it’s steady and harmonious but also changing, and the dance floor connects people with each other. Techno culture inspires people to be themselves without being judged or frowned upon. I met so many wonderful human beings which also made me a better person. It has given me so many hours of pleasure, love, happiness and friendship.
When I was sixteen years old I listened to Gabber music, like most people of my age. In 1996 I went to my first festival Dance Valley where I fell in love with techno. At that time Dance Valley was a small festival with DJ’s I didn’t know yet: The Advent, Billy Nasty, Der Dritte Raum. I bought the CD of Dance Valley and started listening to techno.
My most wonderful memory is the first time I heard Jeff Mills playing in Doornroosje, Nijmegen. It was in 1998 or 1999. The atmosphere, people. The energy. He really took us to another dimension. He beamed me up all the way, just like Scotty.
Over the years techno music evolved, but it still gives me the same feeling. My favorite track at the moment is Riaz & Jeff Derringer – Deceit. I heard it in a set of Drumcell at Berghain a few years ago. It was the first track that hit the speakers. You already knew, buckle up, we are going on a trip. It just instantly grabs you. And that's what I like about techno.
Dancing on techno takes over mind, body and soul. It takes away your troubles and it resets your mind. It’s the best remedy for reducing stress. At a party I am quite boring: I don’t talk to people, I don’t walk around and I rather skip when it's my turn to get some drinks. I just want to find the best spot to dance. And if it’s a good spot you will find me the whole time there. My tip to first time ravers: don’t talk too much and let the music be your guide!”

🗣 @kc4magic
📸 @hedonsonance/ Annelies Kietselaer