Today, we catch up with the talented Avi Sic for this exclusive interview, diving into her experiences following her first trip to the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) this October. From panel discussions with industry icons to unforgettable networking events and after-parties, Avi Sic certainly immersed herself in the opportunities that ADE is known for, so join us as she shares her impressions, key takeaways, and the moments that made her inaugural ADE memorable.
Hi, how are you?
I’m great, thanks for having me!
To start, can you tell us about your experience at ADE this year?
This was my first time attending, and it was better than I could have imagined. I met so many friends and colleagues I’ve been working, collaborating, and talking with online, finally meeting them in person for the first time. The panel talks were incredibly informative, packed with valuable insights, and the after-parties, label parties, and mixers were a lot of fun. I connected with people from all corners of the industry—it was truly an amazing experience. Even the A-list DJs were approachable, and I had some memorable conversations. I got to chat with LP Giobbi, Don Diablo, Laidback Luke, Mesto, and even gave a fist bump to Mau P—haha!
Which events or sessions stood out to you the most, and why?
If I had to choose, it would be the panel discussions. Martin Garrix and Afrojack shared personal experiences, Don Diablo and Laidback Luke discussed how they’ve reinvented themselves over time and the personal struggles they’ve faced within the industry. Chris Lake and Aluna had a great talk about labels vs. self-releases. My favourite, though, was the Femmehouse conversation. My friend Lady D was on the panel with other powerhouse female representatives from across the industry—it was really inspiring to have so many influential women together in one room, openly discussing our shared challenges.
Were there any trends or ideas that caught your attention during the conference?
Genre-wise, Afro House and Techno are clearly trending right now, but personally, I’m not too concerned with what's currently hot. That focus gave me the confidence to stay true to my style, which I believe will stand out in its own way.
With several events across multiple venues, ADE can be overwhelming. How did you decide which events to attend?
It wasn’t easy! I actually made a spreadsheet for myself—haha—and colour-coded it based on “must-dos” and “maybes.” Even with that, it was hard to stick to the plan. At a certain point, I just went with the flow, which worked out well. But even with everything I attended, I still felt FOMO over the things I missed—there’s simply no way to do it all.
Did you discover any emerging artists or genres during ADE that surprised or inspired you?
I wasn’t necessarily there to discover new music; I saw this experience more as an opportunity to meet people from around the world who I wouldn’t usually have the chance to connect with in person. Still, I was definitely inspired by a lot of the music I heard and by the discussions I attended.
In your opinion, how do you think the event is helping to shape the future of Electronic Music?
It’s incredible to see so many people from across the globe focused on one thing in such a small area. That collective mindset naturally inspires new ideas and innovations that will help push the industry forward. This event is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
ADE is a prime networking opportunity. Did you make any new connections that you think will influence your work moving forward?
Absolutely! I’m taking a month off after ADE to travel, but when I get back to the studio, I have several new collaborations lined up and a few remix opportunities. On the business side, there are many new contacts and companies I’m excited to explore working with.
Can you share what you most enjoyed about your time in Amsterdam this year? Do you have a favourite part about the city?
I really tried to make the most out of my five days there. The city itself is beautiful—getting lost and walking around was a joy. The canals and overall vibe of Amsterdam are truly one of a kind.
As an attendee, what would you say sets ADE apart from other global music conferences and festivals?
I’ve never attended a global music conference on this scale before. What really sets ADE apart is that everyone who’s anyone in the industry is there. I didn’t attend for the festival aspect, but having thousands of parties to choose from every night was something special. I was invited to the Revealed Records mixer and showcase—I have an upcoming release with them in December—and Hardwell was the surprise guest. That night was unforgettable, especially seeing him perform in such an intimate venue.
Did you perform at any events for ADE this year? If so, can you share how you found the experience?
I didn’t perform, but I went to a few showcases where friends were playing and even got to hear some of my own tracks in their sets. Special shoutout to my guy Nesso at the Uncommon & Serpentile Records party. Unwinding and having a good time at the end of a long day was definitely something I looked forward to.
What do you hope to see from ADE in the future, both as an attendee and a professional in the Electronic Music industry?
It was awesome to see a few women-focused events and discussions—more of those would definitely be a good thing!
From our conversation, Avi Sic no doubt takes away new industry insights and connections from her time in Amsterdam this October; continuing to build on her passion for her craft, she remains inspired to keep pushing her creativity forward and explore new artistic directions. As she prepares for future collaborations and releases, Avi Sic is no doubt gearing up for an exciting next chapter in her musical journey, so be sure to stay tuned and follow her across social media to not miss out on any updates, news, and releases.
Avi Sic Online
