Nowadays it’s not uncommon to see record labels operating in multiple fields aside from releasing records. Some are or are developing into communities, content platforms, meme sources, club nights and/or political outlets. How to start building a label and/or community in this day and age, how to maintain it? And how do you protect, enhance and provide a stage for the (local, national and global) artists under your wings, especially if they’re a minority? During this talk, we’d like to ask a small number of Dutch record label founders how they are operating in the scene, and to share their knowledge with each other including the audience. It is not only relevant to other record labels, but equally so for other stakeholders like musicians, promoters, bookers, admirers, managements and so forth, as they are also part of this network.
DEBORAH X is a Rotterdam-based dj and member of the AMPFEMININE collective. With an ear for rhythmic detail and a high versatility that blends the soulful with the electronic, DEBORAH X has been rocking crowds all over Europe for the last few years. From steady base Poing to Orbit Festival, from BIRD to an upcoming guest curation at Le Guess Who? Festival. As one might have already deciphered from the name, AMPFEMININE is here to show that voices, sounds and perspectives of feminine and non-binary artists need ample space and community in order to grow, flourish and to be amplified. As other founding members of the collective and numerous guest djs on their line-ups have proven, AMPFEMININE arranged one of their first gigs as artists – now Soft Break, Nala Brown, Camgurl, Ambu Bambu and Chocolate Swirl – just a few of the core members and invitees who’ve appeared at AMPFEMININE events – have made quite the name for themselves. What role has AMPFEMININE played in their careers? How have the founding members met? What goals have they achieved and are they still planning to achieve? What are the biggest successes and obstacles the collective has encountered so far? Here to answer these and more questions: DEBORAH X.
As one of Groningen club scene’s busiest bees, Coco Coquelicot has been adding new layers, spaces and sounds to the Northern night life. Being the co-founder of both digital airwave hub Relate Radio, colorful Queer night BUTTS and eclectic extravaganza PAUW!, there’s a lot to talk about with this versatile Dutch cornerstone of nightlife. The last few years, they’ve been making waves as a dj, music teacher and all-round organizer. Hosting a stage at Milkshake festival with BUTTS, closing down the Armadillow stage at Lowlands 2023 and a sunny house-drenched beach set at Wildeburg; Coco Coquelicot is proving that an independent DIY mentality can take you up there – but a key factor in this success has been creating spaces either safe, welcoming and open-minded for minorities all over their residential city. Coco Coquelicot will join us in this talk to stress the importance of playful spaces and platforms for self-expression and self-discovery, and share their unique perspectives on night life culture with us.
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Pre-sale – €7.50 (ex. service costs): https://bit.ly/steppin-doka-ade
‣ Door tickets €8.50
‣ Visitors of this talk are allowed to stay for the following club night
‣ 18+
‣ 18:45 – 21:00
‣ Start panel: 19:15
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Doka is the home base for immersive – sonic –experiences. The underground and intimate sound bar is the place where nightlife, music and other forms of culture blend together.
