Wesley Rouw

No Limit, Just Rave!

2013-10-22T17:11:00.000+02:00

Starting my personal ADE journey at thursday, I would say this was great. The first party was hosted by Zeezout who got big dj's on their event. In the main area they got Huxley followed by Dusky and later on George Fitzgerald.

Huxley set was already phenomenal, but the dj's who came up later certainly did a better job. Dusky played a lot of their own records. I hoped they would do that, since I love many of their productions. One of their latest tracks named Careless is an outstanding gem! Just recently hit the number one spot on Beatport.

The night continued and when George Fitzgerald entered the stage, I think the crowd went even more nuts. This guy played some harder house music, which was almost techno. The night was coming to an end and George really knew how to spice the place up. We kept on dancing and there was no ending. In the video below you can see the place is really dark. There weren't much visuals, I think it doesn't matter for me. Those visuals could be really awesome, but sometimes a dark atmosphere is also nice for a change. The audio is a little bit distorted but it's okay to give you an impression.

All nights will end and so did this one. Happily I knew this was just the first party and there was another one on the planning at saturday. But first at friday I went to some lectures about dj and producing products. The Ableton was the most interesting out of them. The dutch producer named Palmbomen showed how he works on Ableton and showed some of his tracks. Many other dj's were in the crowd to listen what he was saying. So it's fun to see not only amateurs were going, but also professionals are still trying to learn. Palmbomen played this track during the lecture.

Saturdaynight was the last party I visited. This time I went to Dekmantel at MC Theater. For me it felt like one big maze. I mean there were 3 rooms all were separated from each other, but in the end I could get the hang on it. Most of the time you could find me in the north sea jazz club area in which were Nina Kraviz and Moodymann getting the crowd excited. Nina played a lot of acid on her vinyl decks which was awesome. I had to adapt to the fact that Moodymann was playing something entirely different. It took me a few minutes, but I can sure say this guy is fantastic. He played a really neat set and dared to use many different styles.

At the end we went to a room in which Juju & Jordash were performing a live set. These guys got talent. They build and build with melodic techno stuff. It was amazing. It felt like some kind of dream. The music was really spacy. Anyway the decisions has already been made. Next year I am going to ADE again!

Jumping Like A Hipster For Jimpster

2013-10-11T13:03:00.003+02:00

Innovative title ehhhh right? Too bad I can't say I've never jumped like a hipster on the music from Jimpster, but I can tell you I would love to go to one of his gigs. This guy is really talented and for quiet a long time in the business. Running Freerange records since 1999, you can say this man has got some experience.

It's actually a shame I just discovered this man like 2 years ago. First I have to admit his sounds were not what I usually will listen, but I started to play more melodic and acid stuff. Especially his sets are really melodic.

In a previous post I showed you the remix from Kink from his latest album Porchlight & Rocking Chairs. This album is fully listenable in spotify and is really amazing. Tracks like Rollergirl and Dance Of The Pharoes are my favourites.

But that's not all. Lately I've heard one of his Boiler Room sets. He had to play after one of my other favorites Detroit Swindle. The set is really melodic and contains a lot of gems I haven't discovered yet. You can hear that my latest mix is highly influenced by this boiler room set. I hope you don't mind for the shameless self promotion, but this is my blog after all. There's also one other little fun-fact I would like to share with you. Below you can listen to the boiler room set and I noticed I am as horrible in dancing as Jimpster. Just check the way he moves with his hands around 20:53. But what's far more important that the set is really awesome and great to listen everywhere you are!

On The Highway To ADE

2013-10-01T09:29:00.001+02:00

The Netherlands are known for its nice partyscene. There are several events that attracts many foreigners to come visit Holland. Especially during Amsterdam Dance Event in October, also known as ADE. This year the event takes place around 16-20 October. During those days there are tons of dance events which a lot of different genres. Whether you like house or hardcore, you can find it all. Amsterdam turns into one big party city.

This year I decided to visit at least two events. I am going to Dekmantel and Zeezout. Both organizations are well known in the Netherlands. I think Dekmantel is the biggest one of these two. They also got their own label and got a lot of recognition from dj's, promoters, event organizations and many other people.

Zeezout is a smaller company, but gets bigger and bigger each day. They host several events and are getting more popular. The name is really catchy for dutch people. It's a name you wont forget very easily.

Anyway you might have noticed I am a big fan of ADE. I always dedicate my mixtape to an event or place, where I am going or have been. It might not surprise you that I dedicate it to ADE this time. You can expect a lot of new music, but also tracks which are a little bit older but still still are really hot. I will name you some artists, who are featured in this mix: Detroit Swindle, HNNY, Jimpster, KiNK and many more. Feel free to share, to like or to comment!

Dedicated to KiNK

2013-09-09T19:37:00.003+02:00

For all the guys who's never seen him perform, go see him! This guy is so talented. He brings a live set to the next level. As a DJ I wouldn't play after him, because there's no way you could do a better job than him. To get an impression of his skills go check this boiler room video. You will love it!

He only plays his own material. He remixes them live and his tracks will never sound the same as they were on an official release. When I saw him he had like 7 midi-controllors. I dont know how he carry them all around the globe, but who cares. The most important thing is what he does with this kind of stuff.

I was lucky that I had to work at boothstock festival back in August in Rotterdam. I was bartender at that time and had a good view of the Hey-Stage. On this stage you could expect music from Michel de Hey, Benny Rodrigues, KiNK and many more. I fisnished working at 10 pm, so I could see the last hour from this festival. So when I arrived, they just announced KiNK will perform a live-act. He played a lot of cool stuff. There was one track which didn't allow me to stop moving my feet. Since then I am trying to find this track, unfortunately without any succes. But these days has come to an end, because I finally found it! The digital release will be the on the 23th of september on Freerange Records. I can't wait!

Fuck This Shit! It's Sunday.

2013-09-01T11:03:00.001+02:00

blehhh boooo beehhhh: Sunday!

The Crowd Goes Nuts

2013-08-24T13:15:00.000+02:00

At wednesday I had an awesome gig at a basement. It was organized by some students who just thought it was fun to throw a party. Their basement is located in a nice neighborhood. My first impression was really good. When I dropped my gear and saw the location I thought this could be such a nice place to rock the house. It's small. It's cozy. And the wall were full of posters which made you into a great party mood. You can see the picture below.

This picture was before the party it started. Unfortunately I forgot to make another picture in which you could see the crowd goes nuts. There wasn't a lot of crowd when I started, so I thought it was nice to start with some slower tunes. I used this track by a good friend of mine. It's damn funky and gets you happy. I mean I can't decide for you all, but it gets me happy though.

Later a friend and fellow dj came into the house. He was also been asked to play some tunes. We know each other for a long time now, but we never performed together. He took it over around the middle of the nightand played some really quality deep house tunes. It was fun, because when we switched again and I decided to play some more harder house tunes. He assisted me with some vocals samples, like 'put your hands up in the air' and many others. It was cool he did that. I thought it was a nice bonus to the set. He used some vocals on this lovely DJ Sneak remix.

We continued and later the crowd where screaming and yelling and it was awesome to see that. Most of the time I play at the beginning of the night, when the crowd is more quiet and not ready to give all yet. But since I had to play at the peak time as well, I could feel the crowd was enjoying it and became more loose every minute. Especially when I dropped a track from Dusky. The track 'calling me' was an utterly bomb to the crowd.

Later we played some harder techno stuff, which I haven't been playing for a long time. It was almost a pity when we had to quit, because it was time to end the party. I wanted to thank the crowd and also the guys who organized it. They gave me a bottle of jenever and from the audience I received a big applause. It was lovely!

Rain, Rain and Rain

2013-08-15T11:52:00.000+02:00

I think I live in the wrong country. We had a few good days but now the rain strikes back again. I never had the feeling rain could be a huge inspiration to me. So far it isn't, but I really felt the urge to blog again. I try to do my best to make this post a good one.

Although it has been raining this morning. I think there are several tracks which could cheer you up. The first one is called jealousy. I think I am jealous sometimes. Especially when I hear people are enjoying their holidays on sunny locations. It makes me thinking and I realize then, I should have been in Croatia somewhat longer than just 8 days. Anyway what happens can't be changed. The track you can hear below is the Severino remix. I think this is the best one out of the whole package. Normally I am not that fan of Jamie Jones' Hot Creation Label, but I really love this track. The vocals are catchy!

Let's hope the rain will be over soon, but it wont happen that quickly here. So I started this day slowly. Nothing to rush. Take it all easy! You might have this days before. I haven't got any plans to do so far, until night time. This morning I woke up early but laid in bed and read a book at breakfast. Nothing interesting so far. I reminded me to this track. Which sounds really slow but haunting at the same time. It's been released on Greco Roman. This label released some nice gems, like 'boiling' and 'what's in your head' by Disclosure. You should check this one out if you like some slower stuff: Tirzah - Slow Jam.

These tracks are enough to help you through the day. I guess I wont be blogging soon, since I got loads of appointments and parties coming up. But if I got some time to share some great tracks, I wont hesitate myself to do so.

On The Highway To Vela Luka

2013-08-12T13:22:00.004+02:00

Don't blame I didn't go by car to Vela Luka this time. My parents did, but I was lazy this time so I took the plane, oh yeah! Anyway I had an amazing week in a sunny Croatia. Despite the shitty weather in the Netherlands, I was happy to see the sun shining bright here in Vela Luka. It inspired me to make a sunny mix.

Expect it funky as you know from me. I started this time with a more disco influenced track. This track have been on repeat since I have discovered it. I talked about it on my previous post. The track is called Empress - Dyin'to be dancin' (Breixo edit). Somehow it really fits with the second track you hear. I mixed it together with Tommy's track Brenda Died With No Name. The vocals really suits the elements from the previous track as you can hear around 4 minutes.

Later you can expect some 90 house. I couldn't resist to add the new Detroit Swindle track, since it is so damn catchy. You should check it out it is called The Break Up. It has been released on their very own label Heist Recordings. The mix continues and I decided to end as funky as I started. This track is on repeat as well. You should check it out on Local Talk's sub label called One Offs. The track is from Keumel and is named California My Way which is sampled from Main Ingredient - California My Way. Anyway Love to hear your reactions on my latest mix. Enjoy the vibe!

Soundcloud A Place With Many Treasures

2013-08-07T22:38:00.000+02:00

Soundcloud is well known music device and doesn't need an introduction. It's more the amount of talent you will find here. In this post I will show you some of these Soundcloud treasures I have found lately. Since they introduced the repost function, many talents get more spotlight. I love to repost a good track. It keeps my soundcloud alive while I also share my favourite music among my followers.

During the years I've been studying, I've met some awesome people who share the same passion for music as I do. One of them is a good friend named Kjell. We both love disco influenced tracks. He showed me an artist named Breixo. This guy sure has got talent. He makes awesome re-edits of almost forgotten disco tunes. I really love what he is doing. Listen to his sound!

One of my other friends is Victor. He told me that he found something good to cure your hangovers on a lazy sunday. He was listening to Boilerroomset, a media device which is sending out proper dj- and livesets. Anyway he found them on Soundcloud and showed it to me. I am talking about Awesome Tapes From Africa. This guy is mixing with cassette recorders. I guess you don't know many people who does that. This guy puts many African tapes online. For example this one:

Although I got good friends who shows me great music, I am also a good discoverer myself. I found a really cool remix of Billie Jean. This guy named Fatneck has added some acid and made it his own edit. I think this rework is really amazing and should be shared with the rest of the world!

Holidays are good for you

2013-08-04T20:27:00.002+02:00

A different approach on life is what you mostly will see during holidays. I won't say I've seen the light or something but I do have this feeling that I should change some of my habits. Music has always been a big influence to me, but that's not the only one I can tell you so far.

Laying down the beach makes you really comfortable. I was lucky I wasn't at the most touristic place of Croatia so I have seen a lot of local customs. While I was listening to music and see al these local customs happen. Lots of new ideas came through my mind.

This was the mixtape which has been on repeat last few days, while I was on the beach and airplane:

Greg Wilson is one big inspiration for me. He combined old disco tracks with new ones and plays amazing sets. His blog is really awesome. I think I had to mention this before you continue reading.

In the beginning I already told you that music is not the only thing which inspires me. But the way of living and food are also really important to me. We dutch people are known for being rushed. We want to do a lot in a little time. That is not how these things works in Croatia. For example eating dinner. We mostly eat our dinner at a ridiculous time (5 or 6 pm) and in front of the telly. While people in Croatia come together and serve themselves a proper meal which is healthy and really fresh. I've been eating fish we just caught a few hours back. You will never ever see this in The Netherlands.

Seeing these things wants to make me travel around the globe and let me enjoy life the fullest. There's so much out there I want to see and experience. I really wanna make a part of a club scene in which people feel commitment. Nowadays we just go to parties, stand in front of the dj and act like if he's a god or something. The art of dj'ing shouldn't be that. It's nothing wrong that someone is with his back towards the dj, while he is talking and smiling with friends and u can see he is enjoying the night. I miss these kind of things on more commercial parties. I dont feel the amazing atmosphere, which are on parties where people feel committed to each other. The art of a good dj is playing out good music. Music that makes people come together. With that sentence it I want to finish this post. Here's one last song that make people come together:

Forget About It Man (Beatport Chart)

2013-07-20T16:07:00.004+02:00

Sometimes music freezes your mind and you forget about all the things you have worried about. I think these tunes are a perfect example to lose your mind.

Cutting Shapes – How House Music Really Hit The UK

2013-07-19T20:28:00.001+02:00

Interesting article by Greg Wilson. This guy has a long history and is really well known with the house scene. So no doubts about his words! Read it while you listen to a recent set he recorded on Croatia. Both are lovely. Enjoy!

Why I dont like this kind of house!

2013-07-10T09:22:00.002+02:00

Artists like Hardwell, Chuckie, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike and many others are really hot at the moment. The sound they create is catchy and mostly focussed on the heavy bassline. I think it is ok to listen to this kind of music, but then you need to be creative and sound different from each other. It looks like they all use the same presets for the bassline and synths. Correct me if I am wrong, because I am not a producer, but I thought as producer you want to be groundbreaking. I highly doubt that producers who make this kind of music dare to say it is their sound only. I guess only words isn't enough to describe this all, but thanks to Daleri who created a so called epic mashleg on which they feature 16 tracks which all sounds a little bit the same.

Between The Beats: Motor City Drum Ensemble

2013-06-25T11:56:00.000+02:00

One of the most inspiring artist for me at the moment. I really like this docu about him. Do hit the play button for this one!

Daftside - Random Access Memories Memories

2013-06-21T20:05:00.005+02:00

Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington decided to remix the latest Daft Punk album. I am a big fan of Nicolas Jaar and Daft Punk. I must say this remix album is amazing. They decided to call their projectname Daftside. I've listened to all songs and so far the beyond remix is the best. I also like the Instant Crush remix on which you can hear a vocal from their oldest album Homework. There's no reason why you shouldn't listen this. So chop chop!

Detroit Swindle presents Heist Recordings!

2013-06-18T23:04:00.004+02:00

It is always amazing when one of your favourite producers decided to start their own label. I got pretty excited when I heard Detroit Swindle is starting their own label too. The first release is their own productions. The release contains two tracks. The break up and the make up. The break up sounds really funky! Must be a relieving break up, because the track sounds really happy!

The make up sounds a bit harder. I would use it later in a dj set. I guess the break up must be a really passionate kiss or even more. You should decide yourself! Anyway you can listen the previews here.

Keumel - California My Way

2013-06-12T12:43:00.001+02:00

Everyone knows Local Talk, but their second label is as good as Local Talk. OneOffs (the name of the label) releases once in a while stuff which wouldn't be featured on Local Talk, because it is unique in their own way. California My Way is one of them. It is so damn funky, I would really dance all day on it!

Sean McCabe & Groove Assassin - Body Move (Main Mix)

2013-06-04T22:24:00.001+02:00

Summer tune 2013? I vote for this one, raise your hands! A friend of mine said we need burgers and beer and listening to this song at a good summer day, splendid idea!

Wesley Rouw - On The Highway To Harmelen

2013-05-31T16:18:00.002+02:00

There's a place called Harmelen. It is somewhere in Utrecht and seems to be huge when it comes to there annually called 'tentfeest'. I am really proud that I am spinning there as dj. Therefore I made a mix with a lot of house music. Expect tracks from artists like: HNNY, Sneak, Washerman and many more!

Julio Bashmore & Kowton - Mirror Song

2013-05-27T17:10:00.000+02:00

Huge bomb! Julio Bashmore, known from au seve, is collaborating with Kowton and they created something really cool. If you disagree, then just look in the mirror!

Simian Mobile Disco & Bicep - Sacrifice

2013-05-19T21:44:00.001+02:00

A new Bicep track coming up. The digital release will be online at the 24th of juni. I think it will do a huge damage on the dancefloor!

Tommy Rawson - Lose It / Brenda Done Died With No Name

2013-05-15T12:01:00.000+02:00

Local Talk, Local Talk and more Local Talk stuff coming up. This two tracks are really stunning. The first track starts really funky. The vocals on this one really adds something superior.

When you finished the first. You can hear the more disco influenced track. I think this one is a grower. First you might think, it's another disco track. But after 1 or 2 listens you hear this one is a really beauty.

Lose It has also been featured on Mad Mats latest mix. This one is for like 5 months on his soundcloud now. But still worth to check it out!

DAFT PUNK LIVE "ESSENTIAL MIX" @ BBC RADIO1 02/03/1997

2013-05-12T15:02:00.001+02:00

This time we go back in the past and listen to an essential mix from the two french legends Daft Punk. Feel the groove and house all the way!

Villa - Mint (Punks Jump Up Remix)

2013-05-09T12:02:00.003+02:00

To all the people out here who like spacy melodies. I like!

Motor City Drum Ensemble Boiler Room London DJ Set

2013-05-07T22:51:00.001+02:00

Amazing fucking house music!