We caught up with DJ and Producer Meetch following his time at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) this October. Known for his energetic sets and unique approach within the Electronic Music space, Meetch took his involvement at ADE to the next level this year, not only by performing on the official lineup but by fully immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere of the event. From networking with industry leaders to discovering new genres, Meetch’s ADE experience offered him fresh insights and opportunities to connect with fans and fellow artists from across the globe. Here, he shares highlights, takeaways, and advice for anyone looking to make the most of ADE.
Hi Meetch, how are you?
Very good, guys, thanks for asking!
To start, can you tell us about your experience at ADE this year?
WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! Coming for my second time, I think I really hit this one home. I was able to perform on the ADE lineup and also network with exactly the people I was hoping to connect with. In addition, I got to see some awesome shows and stayed busy every single day until the very end.
Which events or sessions stood out to you the most and why?
Since this was my first time playing at ADE, the most important event for me was the HiLand event at the Offline Shoe Store. They were such an accommodating and special group to work with, making my first experience performing at Amsterdam Dance Event truly memorable.
Were there any trends or ideas that caught your attention during the conference?
The “speed dating” sessions for meeting managers and music agents were really interesting. I thought it was a cool way to connect with industry leaders. Although the waits were long, it was a fun and worthwhile experience.
Which moment at ADE made you feel most connected to the electronic music community?
Definitely the HiLand event where I performed. I was the only DJ from the USA on the lineup, which made it even more special. Throughout the day, I met fantastic artists from around the world, including some famous ones, and felt a deep connection. Networking there felt different from the USA, and it was my favourite part of the experience.
Did you discover any emerging artists or genres during ADE that surprised or inspired you?
I had a cool experience listening to Liquid Drum and Bass. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but I found myself in an attic at a smoke show with DJs playing Liquid Drum and Bass for hours – it was so much fun!
How would you say the culture and atmosphere of Amsterdam complement the energy of ADE?
The connecting aspect is the best part of it all. Meeting people from all over the world creates a unique, bonding experience. My time was packed with networking rather than workshops, and especially with DJing there, I gained new fans and connections. Amsterdam truly brings out the global community vibe of ADE.
What role does ADE play in the growth of electronic music, in your opinion?
ADE was instrumental in helping me connect with agents and managers worldwide, allowing me to branch out beyond the USA. Having my name on the ADE lineup also meant I was officially featured in another country, which is a huge milestone. I believe this conference enables EDM professionals to expand their networks and learn, which is invaluable for growth.
Did you perform at any events for ADE this year? If so, tell us about your experience.
Yes! I was on the ADE lineup for the HiLand event on October 16th at the Offline Shoe Store. It was amazing to see a shoe store transformed into a rave, with people coming in to dance. I also performed at Prik, a small bar/club, on October 17th. It wasn’t an official ADE event, but I’ve played there a few times before, so it was great to come back!
Finally, what advice would you give to someone attending ADE for the first time next year?
Use the networking opportunities more than the workshops! For anyone looking to “meet the right people” rather than just learning about new trends and products, networking is key. But that’s just my advice based on what I was looking for at ADE.
As our interview draws to a close, it is clear that ADE proved to be an inspiring chapter in Meetch’s journey, filled with memorable performances and meaningful connections. With his time in Amsterdam only strengthening his drive, Meetch will surely keep propelling himself forward, promising fans more exciting projects and live shows soon. So, be sure to take note of this Producer and DJ today by following Meetch’s journey across social media.
Meetch Online