Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is a cornerstone in the scene of electronic music, known for its massive gatherings, exclusive showcases, and unique collaborations that attract artists, fans, and industry leaders from around the globe. With five days full of over 1000 unique events across nearly 200 venues in Amsterdam, one has to make some tough choices in terms of which ones to attend.

When making a selection of the 2024 ADE events that we at EDMHouseNetwork wanted to experience, there was one name that naturally came to mind – Awakenings. Having firsthand experience with their jaw-dropping productions, we just knew they would bring something unforgettable to ADE. We most definitely weren’t wrong, and here is what we had the honour to experience during Upclose Four Tet.

Awakenings attention to production detail was clear from the moment we stepped inside, with the event centrepiece – the mesmerizing moving mirror – captivating the crowd and reflecting projectiles of light that danced across the space. Above, a 2,5 km network of LED-lights stretching over the ceiling, creating a dynamic visual narrative that aligned with every beat and submerged the crowd in vibrant colours.

The nearly 96 moving hoists that shifted the lightning fixtures throughout the space, created a feeling of constant motion and depth that added to the immersive visuals. A 360m2 LED screen spanned the venue which provided a cinematic backdrop, which elevated the energy of every drop. With over 500 additional lights tactfully placed across the Gashouder, and lasers layering the space, there was a true futuristic vibe to the production.

With the D&B Audiotechnik sound system – one of the most powerful sound systems in the world – every bassline and buildup resonated with clear precision, and turned the Gashouder into an enveloping sonic experience. To complete the immersive experience, Awakenings had adjusted the DJ booth placement for their Upclose shows and positioned it more centrally, to bring the DJ and fans closer together.

Four Tet, known for his extraordinary gift for building anticipation and constructing his sets with a detail-oriented track selection, created a sense of journey that built up expectation with each transition. Rather than going for instant drops, Four Tet layered rhythmic complexity, letting melodies and beats weave and evolve, gradually pulling the crowd deeper into his soundscape. The slow buildups kept the crowd on edge, creating a feeling of suspense that spreads through the audience.

This, in combination with the Upclose production, amplified the tension with lighting and visuals to perfection. As Four Tet’s tracks unfolded, the moving LED strips and expansive light strips above the crowd pulsated in sync, adding a mesmerizing and hypnotic dimension to the experience. With each new element that emerged – a new bassline or rising synth – the lighting changed or intensified in a way that heightened the sense of the approaching release.

Once the music finally hit its peaks, the Gashouder erupted in cheers and whistles as the audience responded with an unrestrained outpouring of excitement. The combination of Four Tet’s complex buildups, Upclose immersive production and the audience’s raw excitement created a symphony of expectation, climax and release and became a defining moment of ADE 2024.

As the event concluded and people began to exit the venue, an undeniable energy still pulsed through the crowd. You could see a sparkle in everyone’s eyes, a kind of childlike happiness that’s rare to witness in adults, and many of the attendees we spoke to during and after the event shared that this was the best musical experience they’d ever had. These reactions and heartfelt responses were, to us, proof to just how extraordinary the Upclose Four Tet experience had been.

During ADE 2024, Awakenings took their Upclose concept to new heights and set a new standard for the music event industry. An achievement that’s a testament to their constant evolution in production techniques, experimentation with new concepts and unyielding commitment to quality. This growth mirrors the fluid and ever-evolving nature of the electronic music scene itself, and is driven by the shared passion of the Awakenings team, who pour their hearts into every event.

For those who missed the chance to experience Awakenings or Upclose at ADE, don’t fret – Awakenings returns soon to the iconic Gashouder for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration. From December 28 to 31, four unique events await, each offering a distinct journey through sound, light, and space. Find the full lineup and ticket details here, and start getting ready for an immersive experience that will stay with you long after the final beat drops.