From Beatstreet to Momentum
Crafting Niche Drum and Bass Events
On March 24, 2023, Hilversum, situated in the beautiful Gooi region of the Netherlands, played host to Momentum, a seemingly unassuming yet meaningful drum and bass event. While it may appear modest to the casual observer, for those deeply engaged, it held immense importance. This story goes beyond a simple event; itās a deep exploration of microcultures ā vibrant ecosystems flourishing within our societal tapestry. It mirrors the evolving landscape where established organisations transform into infrastructures primed to nurture these distinctive niche creators fuelled with passion. And itās also a deeply personal journey for me.
Drum and Bass stands as a dynamic microculture within the world of music, holding a significant global presence. Born in the UK during the early 1990s, itās an electrifying genre of electronic dance music characterised by its rapid breakbeats, rhythmic intricacies, and powerful bass lines, usually pulsating at a tempo of 160ā180 beats per minute. This genre serves as a magnetic force, drawing in passionate creators from diverse backgrounds, all eager to contribute their unique artistic expressions to its vibrant mosaic.
In todayās digitised world, the spectrum of drum and bass music caters to various moods and vibes. The realm of communication is undergoing continuous digitisation, resulting in a fragmented landscape where record labels are sprouting up everywhere, striving to amplify the voices of talented individuals. Likewise, the drum and bass event scene is saturated, particularly in Europe, which stands as the epicentre of these happenings. Spreading across the continent over more than a decade, Drum and Bass swiftly found its way to Slovakia, my homeland, largely propelled by the internetās pervasive influence and accessibility.
Ever since uncovering this vibrant scene, Iāve felt a deep-seated passion to make a meaningful impact within it. Through this article, I aim to introduce two impactful contributions, each separated by a decade, that resonate with me personally and extend an invitation to join me in a third endeavour.
Iāll begin by briefly recounting my nostalgic youth, discovering drum and bass, its impact on me, and my initial involvement in the scene. From there, Iāll delve into Beatstreet, my first significant venture. Afterward, Iāll explore Momentum, providing insights into its inception, motivations, setup, and a glimpse into its forthcoming evolution.
As a wrap-up, Iāll reflect on the evolving times. This piece highlights how technology shapes scenes, fosters meaningful connections, and underscores the importance of embracing this progressive mental model, extending its reach beyond the realm of drum and bass. What I observe in the realm of music reflects a larger shift present across all industries.
This is a story of Scenius, a gravity for ordinary people doing extraordinary things, together.
Embarking on My Journey
As a teenager, I stumbled upon a drum and bass event by accident at Subclub, an underground venue known for hosting counter-culture events. Housed within an atomic bunker beneath Bratislava Castle, adjacent to Slovakiaās parliament, the setting provided an intriguing contrast. For many millennials who spent their formative years there, reminiscing about this place often evokes a touch of nostalgia and sentimental stories.
Entering Subclub felt like stepping into another dimension. A lengthy tunnel led the way, with a left turn guiding you to the bar situated on the right-hand side. Beyond the bar, the dance floor extended. The club was commonly known as āThe Uā or affectionately referred to as āUÄkoā in Slovak due to its U-shaped ceiling. Towards the end of the dance floor, a stage was shielded by a metal partition.
Late into the night, one could sense and witness the human sweat trickling from the ceiling onto your arms and the dance floor, creating a somewhat stinky but immersive atmosphere. Emerging from this place as the sun rose often stirred a blend of triumph and a hint of drunken shame within me, yet the positives generally outweighed the negatives. The most awkward moments were arriving home to find my parents having breakfast, like we were changing shifts. That club was legendary.
In that moment, I realised: this was it. Drum and bass had captured me, and I knew it was here to stay, ingrained in my soul ā thereās nothing I can do, thereās nothing I can say.
It was love at first sight. As I danced on the floor of Subclub during my first visit in 2008, the track Nu:tone ā System propelled me into a state of flow. In that moment, I realised: this was it. Drum and bass had captured me, and I knew it was here to stay, ingrained in my soul ā thereās nothing I can do, thereās nothing I can say ā as expressed in that song.
Over the following decade, I deeply engaged in the lively scene at Subclub and attended Beatright, a longstanding drum and bass event set in Bratislavaās student village, along with occasional visits to Mainframe parties in Vienna. In these times, I encountered an array of remarkable people, each contributing to the rich tapestry of experiences in these local drum and bass communities.
Sadly, Subclub doesnāt exist anymore, yet it remains a powerful binding force among those who contributed to its vibrant scene. These shared experiences have woven themselves into the fabric of our minds, forming permanent connections that time cannot erase.
Beatstreet ā Our Debut Drum and Bass Experience
During my youthful days, the daily school commutes felt never-ending, yet music had a way of infusing them with a sense of adventure. Over the years, I experienced the evolution of music players, from the Walkman and Discman to MP3 players, iPods, and finally, the Smartphone ā which marked the longest enduring shift. As music formats evolved with different media, the pinnacle seemed to arrive with YouTube ā the very platform where even my neighbourās five-year-old can share her creative works. Yet, amidst all these changes, I remained loyal to listening to hour-long podcasts.
Podcasts are the primary reason why Iāve always struggled with matching a DJ to a specific track. I tend to remember only the tracks that deeply resonate with my state of mind, which might be why I would suck as a DJ. But I definitely have an instinct for recognising a talented artist.
Throughout that decade deeply entrenched in the drum and bass scene, I immersed myself in its many facets. As I neared the end of my high school years, which involved daily commutes lasting 4 hours a day, I felt a compelling opportunity to blend my passion for music with my education.
One of my two most impactful experiences in drum and bass unfolded during my high school graduation project in Austria, specifically at a business school. In 2012, I organised a drum and bass event called āBeatstreetā at the esteemed Club Weberknechtās cellar in Vienna. My business information systems professor embraced my initiative to pursue an original concept, and my enthusiasm drew in the project three other team members. Iām still amazed that our professor found this idea interesting. Well, it probably was.
Our project aimed to unify the Slovakian and Austrian drum and bass microcultures. Beatstreet served as the bridge to connect these two scenes. Additionally, we set up a dedicated website, which remained operational throughout the project, exclusively for the Nuclear Crew.
The group consisted of young, talented Slovakian DJs ā Huspi, Matis, Spiro, and Swatch (miss you, boys!) ā who were renowned for their captivating drum and bass events in various clubs in Bratislava, notably Subclub. Speaking of artists performing in an atom bunker, Nuclear Crew is a stage name that surely held some correlation.
Our initiative successfully brought them, along with Floydy ā an equally passionate participant in the Slovakian drum and bass scene ā to perform in Vienna. This collaboration sparked an exchange between the two scenes, amplifying the energy and passion within both communities. We went above and beyond by organising a shuttle bus service from Bratislava to Vienna, funded through the proceeds from ticket sales. The bus wasnāt entirely full, but it wasnāt empty either, clearly bringing the exact right people to Beatstreet.
Itās important to highlight that our Auftraggeber (client or contractor), my Austrian best friend from a parallel Marketing class, infused immense energy into this project. Our invaluable network of sponsors, creators and designers played a crucial role in its success, displaying a genuine desire to be part of the event. We also received support from classmates and friends from Vienna and Bratislava, who eagerly lent a hand.
Creating flyers, making event visuals, or establishing a website wasnāt as user-friendly back then as it is today; it demanded individuals with specialised skills. Our proficiency in business-oriented tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel wasnāt adequate for such creative tasks š«¢. Even though we had some basic knowledge of HTML from studying business information systems, we still needed support from our creative network, which fortunately, we received.
The Austrian representatives, well-established drum and bass artists Jay Rome and Paul SG, were instrumental in making the night truly epic. Having met them previously at Subclub was a stroke of luck, and their generous contribution significantly elevated the eventās impact. Audioflex, a friend from Vienna, excelled in the dubstep area. With two stages fully covered and the club packed to the brim, the event surpassed expectations.
Even today, Iām not entirely sure how it all fell into place. It was undoubtedly a mix of luck and our relentless efforts. Notably, even my professor showed up. It was a triumph, and receiving the highest grade for this project was an added validation of its accomplishment.
All of this occurred during a time when tracking ticket buyers or RSVPs on Facebook wasnāt feasible. Reflecting on that time, we entered into organising this event somewhat blindly, lacking significant connections within the Austrian drum and bass scene. Therefore, Iām immensely grateful to all the participants who generously contributed their talents without charge, shaping this event into what it ultimately became.
Moving Forward
As the years passed, I found myself amid numerous parties and festivals, witnessing the continuous cycle of friendships forming and fading. Life progressed through the years 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, where some people from the scene remained devoted to the drum and bass culture, while others entirely drifted away from it. A few shifted their focus, yet they never entirely cut ties with the scene.
In those years, I found myself transitioning from Bratislava to Vienna, where I immersed myself completely in the local drum and bass scene while passionately pursuing my education. Trusting my instincts and seizing opportunities, I later moved to the Netherlands after completing my studies in 2017. Encountering a special connection within the drum and bass scene, coupled with a pivotal professional opportunity, set the stage for my move to this flat country. Despite the notorious Dutch weather, it proved to be the most transformative experience of my life.
Hilversum, my home for the past couple of years, is nestled among Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Amersfoort ā cities forming a triangular cluster celebrated for their lively drum and bass scenes. The city itself hosts around 90,000 residents.
The confusion has nearly turned into frustration; I started longing for the vibrancy and vitality of an active drum and bass community.
I see Hilversum as the heart of this triangle, yet I found it baffling that there were no drum and bass events here. The confusion has nearly turned into frustration; I started longing for the vibrancy and vitality of an active drum and bass community, especially since I no longer commuted elsewhere and found myself with less time to indulge in podcasts.
During an internet search, I discovered that prior attempts to organize a similar event in this small city encountered challenges due to the specialised nature of Drum and Bass. This realisation left me questioning: Is this the definitive conclusion? Will Hilversum never witness a drum and bass event? Itās difficult to comprehend that in a city of 90,000 people, along with numerous surrounding villages, there might not be enough interest. Seeking clarity, I reached out to the Hilversum community on Reddit and posed the question:
There it was āāthrow a dnb partyā.
Momentum ā A New Drum and Bass Journey
Momentum is thus my second major contribution to the drum and bass scene. I began to sense an undeniable energy building within me, refusing to let go of the notion of organising an event in Hilversum. With closed eyes, I could vividly envision it. Wherever I went, my headphones accompanied me, echoing with the beats of drum and bass. The thought of organising Momentum filled me with sheer ecstasy.
Similar to Beatstreet in 2012, I aimed for the event to carry a more defined purpose than merely hosting a party. With my close ties to drum and bass producers ANIMA based in Hilversum, I recognised the potential to suggest an EP Launch. The boys embraced the idea as it provided them with a tangible deadline to complete their music production. This marked the beginning of various collaborative endeavours that began to emerge. ANIMA birthed the name āMomentum,ā thereby birthing the concept itself.
ANIMA had no online presence despite dedicating over five years to their project. Wanting to change this, I tapped into the local community, reaching out to the founder of Hello Everybody, Hilversumās social group, who possessed photography skills. Together, we ventured into the Hilversum forests for a photoshoot. Thanks to his help, we managed to capture some impressive images for ANIMA. Afterward, we began populating their newly established Instagram page and Facebook with these new images. Establishing a website wasnāt necessary as these platforms make it incredibly easy to create an online presence.
If youāre curious about ANIMA, the best way to experience their essence is through their debut EP ā āHermetic Principles.ā This EP encapsulates the creative fusion of two close friends whose musical journeys have intertwined. Itās a blend of flowing rhythms, mystical atmospheres, and hard-hitting drums. My favourite part is the intro to āMysticaā: āThe real cage is not around you; it is in you.ā š¤Æ
In December 2022, ANIMA signed their EP release on Axon Records, a label founded by NickBee, a Ukrainian drum and bass producer. The label is a haven for a distinct breed of experimental music, a style ANIMA undoubtedly embodies. Upon informing their management about our plans for an EP Launch event named Momentum, it caught the attention of one of their UK-based artists, Hkay. Hkay was captivated and enthusiastic about participating as a DJ to celebrate this significant milestone with us. Moreover, he generously offered his creative skills to design promotional materials for Momentumā a contribution we deeply appreciate.
Next, we tackled the venue logistics. In Hilversum, De Vorstin stood as the sole venue suitable for hosting Momentum, prompting us to directly engage with them. Considering De Vorstinās esteemed reputation, I had concerns that they might not entertain the idea of an event featuring relatively unknown artists ā bearing in mind this was their debut EP ā and facing uncertainties about attendance. Fortunately, they took a chance on us, extending their full support and assistance. After agreeing on a date, we proceeded with our plans.
The situation was becoming serious.
We curated our artist lineup based on meaningful connections. Each name holds significance. Almost a decade ago, ANIMA had a sick afterparty with Multiplex, a skilled Dutch MC renowned for his adept rap skills within the Dutch drum and bass scene. Little did many know about his hidden talent as a DJ, and we aimed to unveil this at Momentum.
Binary came highly recommended by Axon Records, and given their origins in the Dutch city of Nijmegen, we were enthusiastic about introducing them and showcasing their talents. Lady Su held personal importance for me. After my unfulfilled promise made following Beatstreet in 2012, we were absolutely ecstatic to finally have the Slovakian drum and bass maven join us for this event.
Krakov shares a profound connection with ANIMA from their days together in sound design school and stands out as an exceptional producer and DJ. Due to his strong connections with Kabelbreuk, we managed to strike a friendly deal: following Momentum, ANIMA gets the opportunity to perform at Kabelbreuk Event in Zwolle.
Gobs De BXL, a dear friend and producer from Brussels whom we met at Sun and Bass in 2018 on Sardinia, has stayed closely connected with us ever since, displaying tremendous enthusiasm about joining in on the project.
Each artist featured on the lineup brought along a distinctive story and connection, rendering this lineup exceptionally unique. It serves as a testament to how our shared passion interwove our paths, underscoring that this event materialised due to our combined commitment and eagerness. Itās also crucial to emphasise how geographically scattered we were and how the digital realm facilitated these connections ā a point I canāt stress enough.
Going Live
On January 6, 2023, alongside De Vorstin, we officially announced the event online. This marked an incredibly thrilling moment as Momentum transformed from a mere concept into a tangible reality ā an upcoming event set to take place.
The contrast between the Momentum and Beatstreet eras lies in the immense evolution of technology. As someone deeply invested in the success of this event, I found myself swamped with an excess of information. Unlike in the past, I had access to various metrics: tracking ticket purchases ā a tool provided by De Vorstin, monitoring event saves on Instagram, observing the number of attendees clicking āgoingā or āmaybeā on Facebook, and the list went on and on. This deluge of information didnāt necessarily calm my mind; instead, it kept it constantly occupied and engaged.
Iāve faced my share of dark moments. Those around me continuously emphasised that the success of this event had already occurred, stressing that the mere manifestation of it was sufficient. However, I was anxious about the prospect of an empty dance floor and the potential challenge of attracting the right audience for what I considered to be an impressive lineup of artists. Enduring a couple of sleepless nights, coping with stress became challenging. My aspiration was perfection, yet the elements I believed I could control were beyond my grasp. Creating and promoting the event were the sole actions within my power; I couldnāt force people to attend. I found myself at a stage of excessive promotion.
My mind relentlessly echoed that this idea was foolish. What on earth was I thinking, organising a drum and bass event in a city where such events are uncommon? For heavenās sake, there are people flying in just to attend this event!
However, this digital era brings forth numerous tangible benefits. Iāve received countless messages from creative people in the area eager to perform, capture images of the event, or design promotional material for Momentum. This underscores the importance of acknowledging peopleās genuine motivation to actively engage. Itās never been easier to connect and materialise ideas into reality.
24 March 2023
I wonāt go into the specific details of the day of Momentum, as words cannot capture the vibrant energy and atmosphere of the event. It was a state of pure perfection. To truly understand, you had to be there. This is precisely why the physical realm will always hold an irreplaceable edge over the digital context.
Thus, Iāll focus on the fundamental elements that contributed to making this event a resounding success ā the people. However, if youād like a glimpse, hereās a short after-movie.
Our closest friends from Vienna journeyed to Hilversum to attend this event. Two artists from London joined in, while an artist from Belgium arrived with a friend to participate. Two artists from Nijmegen were present. Representatives from Krakovās scene in Zwolle were also present. A dozen of people ā childhood friends from Friesland ā graced us with their presence, including the wonderful parents of one of the artists. Undoubtedly, they were eager to witness their son performing as an artist in such a venue.
In addition, members of the local Hello Everybody community and passionate supporters showed up, dancing as if there were no tomorrow. Hello Everybodyās founder joined us as a photographer; without his contribution, we wouldnāt have had those fantastic artist shots. We were delighted to welcome lovely friends from Den Haag and a supportive team from a local drum and bass record label in Hilversum, offering their generous assistance for future events.
From colleagues of colleagues to neighbours and even a random German couple in their 50s, Momentum attracted an incredibly diverse audience. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to De Vorstin for their exceptional care and support. Itās truly remarkable that they backed such a niche initiative despite its uncertain outcome.
Whatever drew these people in, they came and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As they say, the majority of ticket sales occurs on the day of the event. And itās undeniably true ā a truth that drove me a bit wild! š. In total, 120 attending people contributed to making Momentum a reality ā a turnout beyond what I ever envisioned was possible in Hilversum, a city devoid of drum and bass events.
Momentum II
After over 6 months since Momentum, Iām still reflecting on the lessons gleaned from that immersive experience. When asked about a potential second edition, my instinctive response was a resounding NO, a feeling of being drained lingering within me. Initiating something as uncertain as the first event in a city devoid of drum and bass presence stirred numerous insecurities within.
However, something truly wonderful started to blossom. Collaborations that stemmed from Momentum began to flourish, and witnessing this fills me with immense joy. ANIMA got the opportunity to perform at Kabelbreuk and, joining other artists on Momentumās lineup, they initiated work on a collaborative track š¤«. This collaborations added an extra layer of depth and value to the essence of Momentum.
Invitation Extended: Join Us!
There was a follow-up to Beatstreet in 2012 which took place in Bratislava but didnāt attain the same success as the original event. The difference was that it lacked a specific project or a strong drive for success. And I shouldnāt perceive this as a recurring pattern, of course.
Our primary goal is to continue fostering collaborations within the local and adjacent drum and bass scenes and delve deeper into the realm of drum and bass artistry.
Building upon the solid network established post-Momentum I and with the encouragement and backing of Dutch drum and bass artist and promoter Sobenic, who attended the event, we collaboratively agreed to organise Momentum II. Our primary goal is to continue fostering collaborations within the local and adjacent drum and bass scenes and delve deeper into the realm of drum and bass artistry.
Embracing whatever lies ahead, both successes and failures are intrinsic to this journey. I firmly believe itās more valuable to risk potential failure than to forego giving it another chance altogether. Weāve demonstrated our capability to draw in the scene, illustrating its inherent strength and potential.
Scenius
While I might have a bias, I strongly believe that Scenius exemplifies the future of organisation: individual creators coming together, establishing collectives dedicated to particular projects they wish to contribute to, with each member having a stake in its success, and subsequently disbanding to pursue other endeavours.
This 8-minute video featuring my dear colleague Ron delves deep into the essence of Scenius, unveiling its true nature, using Joy Division as a prime example: Hereās the thing, there was almost like a gravity well, for all these ordinary people that were doing extraordinary things.
The barriers that once existed have vanished, making everyone a creator in this paradigm. Itās not limited to Drum and Bass; this shift is occurring across every industry and context. In todayās world, a single person can overshadow a massive corporation with thousands of employees. The dynamics have significantly shifted.
Both Beatstreet and Momentum owe their success to the dedication of a group of passionate creators. While this remains a consistent fact today, what was once a unique project is now becoming commonplace. In a world where everyone is a creator, the key to the future lies in differentiating ourselves by cultivating innovative collaborations.
And what does competition entail in such a dynamic environment? Iām not sure. Iāve observed artists and promoters who tend to have a prevailing zero-sum mindset, which, in my view, isnāt a sustainable approach. Isolating oneself is self-destructive and openness is the way forward. But donāt mistake me for a hippie āļø. Netflix and Amazon are giant competitors in video streaming, but itās interesting to note that Netflixās infrastructure relies entirely on Amazonās services. In this digital age, competition involves teaming up and making things better for everyone.
People naturally gravitate toward the scenius, whether we approve or not; what they desire isnāt something we can control. However, we can certainly influence it to some extent, drawing people in to share a collective story. That being said, established companies play a pivotal role in supporting individual creators by offering useful products, services, and any form of assistance that aligns with their needs and aspirations.
While we canāt predict if Momentum II will be the ultimate event, if this story resonates with you, I extend an invitation to join us, lending your support towards the prospect of its continuity. And even if this should mark the end, letās take pride in making it happen together.
š Kisses, Adriana
PS: Follow MOMENTUM for more updates! āØ
