A Last Dance at the Techno Temple: Awakenings New Year’s at Gashouder

Everyone has their own way of celebrating the end of the year, but for those who wanted to do so in the most memorable way – and with a bang – one of the three Awakenings New Year’s events on December 28th, 29th, or 31st was undoubtedly the place to be. EDMHouseNetwork had the pleasure of attending numerous Awakenings events throughout 2024, each one leaving us in awe. The event we attended on December 29th was no exception.

One of the most spectacular aspects of Awakenings is how they consistently outdo themselves with every event, especially in terms of production and stage design. It’s not just that each event offers a fresh take on design and visuals, but the way the production evolves throughout the day to create a unique atmosphere for every DJ is truly remarkable. The time, effort, skill, and resources required to pull this off are nothing short of extraordinary. Not only are attendees taken on a journey through music that continually shifts and evolves, but they’re also immersed in a dynamic visual experience that matches the energy of each set.

On December 29th, the production and stage design featured an impressive array of triangles positioned in a 360-degree configuration throughout the iconic Gashouder. This was complemented by 700 LED strips, resulting in a staggering total of nearly 1 kilometer of LED lighting. For the first time ever, Awakenings also combined two of their iconic centerpiece elements-the mirror ball and the mesmerizing mirror-into a single event. The mirror ball remained the central focal point, while the mirror shone brilliantly behind the DJ booth, creating a stunning visual synergy.

Musically, the event focused on groove techno, with a lineup that delivered an unforgettable day. Thomas Traxx kicked things off with high-energy, classic-meets-modern techno. JakoJako entranced the crowd with her modular synths and experimental beats, while Funk Assault elevated the energy with groovy, funk-infused techno. Ben Klock followed with his signature deep, hypnotic, and powerful set, and Rødhåd took the audience on a journey with his atmospheric and driving techno. Finally, Nina Kraviz closed the night with an eclectic mix of acid and experimental techno.

Once again, we were blown away by how seamlessly every element – production, stage design, and the diverse styles of the DJs – came together to create something truly extraordinary, and a standout moment of the night was the flawless transition between Ben Klock and Rødhåd. Both delivered mesmerizing sets on their own, but together, they crafted an electrifying progression, building anticipation, excitement, and an irresistible surge in tempo.

Moments like these on the dancefloor are rare – when the entire audience becomes united by a shared energy that transcends the music. It’s not just about the beats or melodies being exceptional; it’s about the entire experience reaching deep and connecting souls on a profound level. This was one of those special moments, and it will linger far beyond the last beat of Awakenings New Years on the 2024.

What made this experience even more special was the bittersweet realization that the Awakenings New Year’s celebrations at Gashouder, also called the ‘’Techno Temple’’, marked the end of an era – at least for the next 1.5 years – as the legendary venue will undergo major renovations starting in 2025. Leaving the Gashouder for the last time after an event that left us longing for more, felt like a farewell and temporary goodbye to a space that has been central to countless unforgettable moments.

However, looking ahead to what Awakenings has in store for 2025, there’s no doubt that the coming year will be filled with exciting surprises and groundbreaking experiences. In May 2024, Awakenings introduced its very first edition of Upclose, focusing on the more progressive and niche corners of techno – a concept that was enthusiastically embraced by the community. The second edition is already set for May 17th and 18th, 2025, with more information about lineups and tickets available here.

In July 2024, Awakenings celebrated the third edition of its headliner-driven Awakenings Summer Festival, a massive three-day techno extravaganza that drew nearly 100,000 visitors. The fourth edition is scheduled for July 11–13, 2025, and details about the first wave of artists can be found here. For a glimpse into the amazing experience EDMHouseNetwork had at the 2024 Summer Festival, check out our full coverage here.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Awakenings and Upclose continue to push boundaries and set new standards in the music event industry. Their relentless innovation in production techniques, bold experimentation with new concepts, and unwavering commitment to quality is a great example of the kind of passion, grit, and vision needed to remain at the forefront and push the industry to new heights. We at EDMHouseNetwork extend a heartfelt thank you to Awakenings, Upclose, and every individual who contributed to the incredible experiences of 2024 – We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!