Modular Festival
- Date
- 1 July 2017
- Location
- Park Maasboulevard, Rotterdam
Line-up
Bicep
Bicep continues to evolve with their album "Isles," which, after two years of work, builds on the artistic energy of their 2017 debut "Bicep." They delve deeper into the sounds, experiences, and emotions that influence their lives and work. The singles "Apricots" and "Atlas" illustrate these diverse influences. Their global recognition began with the FeelMyBicep blog, which grew into a successful foundation for their career. The album "Bicep" was followed by a successful tour with performances at major festivals such as Primavera and Glastonbury, and sold-out shows at Printworks and Brixton Academy. Bicep continues to perform at major festivals and in well-known clubs worldwide, and remains a big name in the dance scene.
Mall Grab
Mall Grab, whose real name is Jordon Alexander, is a 29-year-old producer of electro and dance music. He is known for tracks like 'Liverpool Street In The Rain' and 'You' and was nominated for the DJ Award for Best Breakthrough.
Colin Benders
Colin Benders, a former trumpet player, was already touring Europe at the age of 17. At 22, he founded Kyteman's Hiphop Orchestra, winning awards but ending the project after a year. He continued with The Kyteman Orchestra, a classical ensemble with over 50 musicians. Then, he experimented with fully improvised concerts. Subsequently, he transitioned to solo performances with modular synthesizers, creating a unique polyphonic/harmonic sound.
DVS1
DVS1, with over 25 years of experience, is known for his energetic sets and deep knowledge of techno and house. He launched Aslice in 2022, a platform that encourages DJs to donate a portion of their fees to the artists whose music they play. Originating from Minneapolis, he organized raves, started a club, and built an impressive record collection. His breakthrough came with releases on Klockworks and Transmat. He founded HUSH, a label and sound system outfit, and experiments with "The Wall of Sound," replacing the DJ with a wall of speakers. His "Curates/Invites" nights are characterized by long sets and eclectic music. He also runs Mistress Recordings and remains true to his past while shaping the future of the scene.
John Talabot
If there is one person, who has been causing a stir on the international club circuit recently, it is Barcelona’s John Talabot. Already his debut “My Old School“ (which is meant literally by the way) on Permanent Vacation in 2009 and shortly after that the single “ Sunshine”, which he put out on his own Hivern Disc imprint, made him one of the most promising musicians of the Spanish electronic scene. And those two releases also already set the mark for John Talabot’s unparalleled music: raw, loopy, heavy on the kick drum, sample based, moderate on the tempo, distorted on the drums and light years away from the clean and ever revolving house sound of today. This unique style which also blends influences from afro beat, Detroit techno, Chicago house and cosmic disco, but also northern soul or the energy of Flamenco, immediately turned some heads around.
Dixon
Dixon, an influential DJ/producer, is renowned for his label Innervisions and his dominance in the DJ scene. He remixed for major artists and launched the successful Innervisions label. He expanded his influence into fashion with his own label and collaborations with major brands, and appeared in a video game. He launched the platform Transmoderna, which combines physical and digital spaces. His performances are unique due to the balance between predictability and surprise.
ROD
ROD Malmok is the alias of one of the Netherlands' most frequently booked DJ's Benny Rodrigues. Whilst Benny plays a wide variety of house and techno music, his alter ego ROD enjoys to delve into the deeper darker sides of techno.
David Vunk
David Vunk, a Rotterdam icon and Moustache Records founder, showcases his own productions and those of like-minded artists. With decades of experience and a vast record collection, he delivers dynamic sets across Europe, making him a versatile and in-demand DJ.
Duplex
Duplex, consisting of Rotterdam-based John Matze and Chris Callahan, has been crafting soulful deep techno since 1997. They produce 'together apart' and their music has been released on Dutch labels like Clone Records, blending elements of funk, disco, Detroit techno, electro, and deep house.
Elias Mazian
Being a member of Dutch DJ collective Barre Tijden Elias Mazian has gained nationwide recognition and has played at many Dutch festivals such as DGTL, Into the Woods, Lowlands, Welcome to the Future and many more.
Philou Louzolo
Philou Louzolo, a Dutch DJ/producer with Congolese, Nigerian, and Sierra Leonean roots, is a leading figure in blending Afrotech, Amapiano, House, and Techno. Gaining recognition from artists like Damian Lazarus and Solomun, he was named a "one to watch" by DJ Mag and BBC Radio 1 in 2023. His album "African Gold," featuring collaborations with 17 African artists, showcases his fusion of Afro styles. He hosts "Philou Louzolo & Friends" events at Thuishaven and curated nights at Club Shelter, featuring prominent artists. With releases on labels like DGTL and MoBlack, and a notable remix of Burna Boy's "Last Last," he's also launched his own label, Wokondou. Having performed at Berghain and major festivals like Awakenings and DGTL, and touring globally, Philou's career reflects both significant success and personal growth, emphasizing pride in his heritage and a message of hope.
Antenna
Antenna, the project of Sasha Renkas, creates raw, emotional music with vintage hardware. His sound, featuring 909 drums and sharp sounds, has been released on labels like Pinkman and Clone Records. Influenced by his youth in Ukraine and diverse musical currents, he combines genres as a DJ, from trance to techno. He prefers long sets in small spaces.
Fader
Fader is an active figure in the Belgian music scene. He started as a music journalist, became responsible for bookings at Fuse in Brussels at the age of 21, and now works at N.E.W.S. in Ghent, where he assists with labels such as Music Man and Eskimo. In 2006, he founded his own label Curle Recordings, which quickly gained recognition with releases from artists like Mark August and Efdemin, with tracks ending up in mixes by Sven Väth and Richie Hawtin.
Gustav Goodstuff
Sil Vermandere is versatilely active in the music scene. In addition to his work at Clone, he performs as a DJ, as he recently did at Studio 80. He also runs the label Midlight and co-founded the booking agency Phuture West, where he collaborates with artists such as Antenna and Deniro.
Animistic Beliefs
Animistic Beliefs, consisting of Marvin and Linh, blends their Moluccan and Vietnamese-Chinese heritage with techno. They create analog music with influences from techno, electro, and Southeast Asia. Their live performances are energetic and ritualistic. Besides music, they create audiovisual art and fashion, and perform with diverse artists. They challenge the conventions of techno with a mix of cultural influences.
Lenson
Lenson (Len Ander Som), raised near Rotterdam, is an emerging underground techno artist. Inspired by his brother's cassette collection, he began exploring music at a young age. His initial releases on Paling Trax in 2015 featured raw, acid-influenced techno, leading to successful club nights. His DJ sets blend Chicago house, Detroit techno, acid, EBM, wave, electro, and industrial. He works at Clone Records and started the Rotterdam Electronix label, releasing electro/techno from various artists. He is also affiliated with The Hague's District 25 crew and performs at their events. As a vinyl purist and hardware enthusiast, he is ready to conquer dance floors.
Marsman
Marsman, leading the Pinkman label for over a decade, is a central figure in DIY dance music, releasing over 100 records and hosting global club nights. With 15 years of DJing experience, he drives Pinkman and its sub-labels, creating a 'Pinkman sound' that blends rough edges with bright Italo influences. His DJ sets, suited for both dark basements and large warehouses, craft atmospheres of tension and euphoria, mixing disco and wave with harder sounds. He's performed at major Dutch venues like Dekmantel and international clubs such as Panorama Bar and Tresor. Beyond his label and DJing, Marsman co-founded Operator Radio and ran the Pinkman record store, solidifying his cult hero status in Rotterdam's independent music scene.
Nino from the Woods
Rumor has it, this artist hails from a distant, otherworldly realm, characterized by a blend of darkness and joy. Unconstrained by genre or convention, he operates on pure personal preference.
Oberman
Oberman - Sjoerd Oberman, is a Dutch DJ and founder of the Rotterdam-based record label Nous'klaer Audio. He is known for his wide selection of electronic music.
Sandrien
Sandrien is one of Amsterdam's finest techno DJ's. The former Trouw resident is still firmly rooted in her hometown's scene but also a regular headliner at events around the country. Yet her reach extends well beyond the Dutch border, having played prominent venues like Berghain, Fabric and Concrete.
Stranger
Stranger, a techno DJ/producer from Rotterdam, quickly gained popularity after his 2014 debut, with support from renowned names like Dave Clarke and Marcel Dettmann. He launched his label Self Reflektion and works on other projects, including Paling Trax. Despite his modesty as a producer, he regularly performs at prestigious clubs and major techno events like Awakenings and Tresor.
The Love Triangle
In June 2014, good friends Job Jobse, Elias Mazian and Luc Mast formed The Love Triangle for a special night in Trouw's 'Verdieping'. This night turned out to be so legendary that the three decided to continue the project, but only for special occasions. In the years after only five gigs followed, with Lowlands and Dekmantel Selectors as the highlights.
Titia
TITIA is known for her funky record selections, a skill honed by her work at Clone Records. Her distinctive, raw sound has led to performances at prominent venues and festivals across Europe, including TrouwAmsterdam, De School, and Dekmantel Selectors.
Woody
Woody, a DJ whose life revolves around music, started in Munich's graffiti and breakdance scene in the 80s. He became a well-known DJ and moved to Berlin in 1992 to become a resident DJ at the legendary Planet/E-Werk club. He has witnessed the rise and fall of techno and has always remained true to his passion. Instead of becoming a festival DJ, he founded Heideglühen, a popular underground party series in Berlin. With his years of experience and the success of Heideglühen, Woody now brings his unique "Heide vibe" to dance floors worldwide.
Yør Kultura
Yør Kultura explores uncharted sonic territories, seeking sounds that resonate with shared human experience. Their music transitions between intense emotional states, blending psychedelic rhythms with traditional elements and captivating bass. This creates a sense of familiar disorientation, where new experiences are framed by echoes of the past.
Jeff Solo
Jeff, a versatile DJ, skillfully blends genres like house, disco, pop, rock, wave, and hip-hop, engaging diverse audiences while maintaining connections to Rotterdam's art scene. He's also developed his production skills, releasing his solo track 'Silk 108' in 2015. His collaborative 'Ka Yin Edits' with Chaiba, notably '100% Disin You,' were released on DJ Haus's Unknown To The Unknown label. He further collaborated with Hollywood & Vine on the Chicago house-inspired 'Love & Hate' in 2016. Alongside his DJ and production work, Jeff co-founded Operator Radio, an online station emphasizing quality music in Rotterdam.
Modular DJ's
Modular DJ's - Nico van Meurs, Niels Trotsenburg en Eelco Dane.