Dekmantel’s Spring Baby, Lente Kabinet Is Back.
A festival whose reputation keeps growing and growing…and growing!
There’s a strong argument for the word organic being used far too often online. That being said, the meteoric rise of Dekmantel’s side project Lente Kabinet (Spring Cabinet) has been…I hate to say it. Purely organic.
“Dude, you’ve got to come this year.” “Lente’s the most amazing vibe.” “Literally the best start to any festival season.” It’s these sort of statements that have propelled this festival to hearsay stardom in just 7 years. Lente Kabinet is one of those festivals, where the performers get more hyped than those attending. On the last Saturday and Sunday (24th/25th) of May, in the fairytale surrounds of Het Twiske (trust us, it’s like partying in a children’s bedtime story) comes a concoction of Dutch DJ’s and international artists.
Organisers take the bookings for this 48 hours very, very seriously! And so do we. Each year they somehow find an equilibrium between up and comers and seasoned professionals. Here’s who we think you should ring in Spring with!
Nu Guinea (Italy)
Naples formed, now Berlin-residing Nu Guinea make exotic audio. Sounds you’d be sure to hear in peak holiday mode. Be it a secluded beach bar on the Amalfi Coast or the Caribbean waters of Columbia, this duo’s music would suit either occasion perfectly.
Mixing synthesizers, wind instruments and perky vocals, each tune feels just like an off-the-cuff jam. Things aren’t perfect but boy are they fun! Nu Guinea’s last album ‘Nuova Napoli’ (an ode to their hometown) is a straight celebration. Give tracks “Je Vulesse” or “Disco Sole” a go if you still need clarification. If the sun’s dropping below the horizon, this is the sort of music I’d want to be moving my limbs too.
Shanti Celeste & Call Super (United Kingdom)
Why have 1, when you can have 2? At this year’s edition, there are a sprinkling of back-to-backs planned, none better than this UK combo.
Already dear friends, Shanti Celeste and Call Super (Joe Seaton) are impeccably talented DJ’s and more importantly lovely people. I can certainly vouch for Joe, after meeting him backstage at Draaimolen Festival last year, we shared a white wine and chatted like we’d known each other for years.
The most exciting prospect of these two twisting knobs together is the breadth of music people you’ll hear. It could be a retro house number from years past or an acid infused track that sounds like it was made in outer space. Regardless, you’ll be leaving this set with two questions — was this set recorded? and when will it be uploaded online?
Todd Terje (Norway)
First of all, let’s all just take a minute and recognise how great it is to see this Norwegian’s name on a festival lineup once again. The mighty Todd Terje has returned. After dropping the timeless “Inspector Norse” back in 2012, Todd was the name on everyone’s lips (and ears). It’s impossible to pick a set from this man with his performances full of curveballs and bizarre edits you’ve never heard before. A friend recently told me that the last time he saw him play, he closed with an odd country/folk tune that somehow sent everyone crazy!
Mall Grab (Australia)
If we’re talking about meteoric rises in dance music, Mall Grab’s story is a very good place to start. Hailing from Newcastle, a coastal town a few hours north of Sydney, this young man (real name Jordon Alexander) has simply blossomed. After relocating to London in 2016, Jordon soon had his very own label (Steel City Dance Discs), a residency at the famed RinseFM and a booking at any prominent club or festival you can think of.
It’s not only his prowess in production that people a drawn too, but also his enthusiasm to play week in, week out. Be it the dusty outback of Australia, the ski slopes of Austria or by the seaside in the Netherlands, you know you’ll always get a beaming Mall Grab commanding a crowd of thousands.
For my mind, there’s a consistent theme of jubilance in him and his music. It’s something people have and will continue to gravitate too the world over. Try “Pool Party Music” out for starters!
Jayda G (Canada)
Talk about a busy bee! Since forging a career as an internationally recognised DJ, (living in the mountains outside Vancouver mind you), this bubbly Canadian has also managed to kickstart a successful label (Freakout Cult) with DJ Fett Burger and claim a PhD in environmental toxicology. Don’t know about you…but I'm impressed.
Let’s not pigeonhole Jayda now. On top of all that she writes brilliant dance records too. Before you hop on a pushbike destined for Lente Kabinet, give her latest album “Significant Changes” a go. In short, it’s crammed full of soul-infused house and a bunch of breakbeats. Her 2017 set at Dekmantel will also give you an insight into the kind of gal she is!
Since I moved to the Netherlands, there hasn’t been a festival mentioned more than this one. Don’t go wondering, don’t let that curiosity fade, rally the troops and lock in a day or two of splendid vibes at Lente Kabinet 2019.
If that still isn’t enough, below is a selection of tunes you’ll be hearing on this glorious weekend at Het Twiske.
