This Saturday, 5th April 2025, will be the Season 15 Finale at the Kimkattia Dome!
For this Season Finale, DJ Katt is going to dig through her recent favorites playlist and spin some tunes guaranteed to get you moving on the dancefloor: from some 80s favorites, some EDM bangers and some retrowave grooves it's all about the BPM! Doors open 5:45pm SLT for the preshow then the show kicks off at 6pm SLT. If you're not here, you're missing out!
Mark your calendar because next Saturday: April 12th, DJ Sia Aurora - The Deviant DJ - will be back in the dome to spin some of her great tunes for you while Katt takes a week out on the other side of the turntables!
Why Do the Dutch DJ?
The Dutch Invasion of Dance Music
Ever noticed how many of the world’s biggest DJs seem to come from the same tiny country? From festival kings like Tiësto and Armin van Buuren to modern chart-toppers like Martin Garrix and Oliver Heldens, the Netherlands has become a dance music factory. But why? What is it about this place—famous for windmills, tulips, and canals—that also produces world-class DJs at an almost industrial rate?
Let’s take a deep dive into why the Dutch don’t just love dance music—they dominate it.
A Culture That Lives and Breathes EDM
One of the biggest reasons Dutch DJs take over the scene is that dance music isn’t just popular in the Netherlands—it’s part of the national identity. While house and techno were underground movements in many parts of the world during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the Dutch embraced it right away.
In the early days, clubs in Amsterdam and Rotterdam were spinning house beats imported from Chicago and Detroit, blending them with European electronic influences. Before long, the Dutch were creating their own signature sounds—first with trance in the ‘90s, then with hardstyle and big-room house in the 2000s.
Just listen to Tiësto’s “Adagio for Strings” (2004) or Armin van Buuren’s “Communication” (1999) and you’ll hear the birth of Dutch trance. Or, if you want something heavier, check out the early hardcore/gabber scene with Paul Elstak’s “Luv U More” (1995).
Festivals That Create Superstars
Dutch festivals aren’t just massive—they’re a rite of passage. The Netherlands is home to some of the most famous and well-run dance music events in the world. A few standouts:
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Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE): Part festival, part conference, all business. This is where aspiring DJs rub shoulders with industry giants.
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Tomorrowland: Okay, it’s in Belgium, but let’s be honest—it’s packed with Dutch artists and influences.
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Defqon.1: The mecca of hardstyle, a genre largely pioneered by Dutch DJs like Headhunterz and Wildstylez.
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Awakenings: If you love techno, this is your holy ground.
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Mysteryland: One of the longest-running electronic music festivals in the world, dating back to 1993.
These events don’t just bring crowds; they create careers. It’s no coincidence that almost every major Dutch DJ got their big break at one of these festivals. Take Hardwell, who skyrocketed to fame after tearing up Amsterdam Music Festival in 2013.
Schools for Superstar DJs
Most kids learn algebra. Dutch kids? They learn how to make beats. The Netherlands is one of the few countries where you can actually go to school to become a DJ or producer.
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Herman Brood Academy in Utrecht has alumni like Martin Garrix and Julian Jordan.
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Conservatorium van Amsterdam is where some of the best technical music minds sharpen their skills.
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Pioneer DJ School literally teaches the art of DJing with the best gear money can buy.
Martin Garrix, for example, was only 17 when he released “Animals” (2013), but he already had years of formal training under his belt.
Dutch DJs Know How to Market Themselves
Ever wonder why so many Dutch DJs go viral? It’s not just luck. The Dutch understand the power of branding, social media, and networking like no other. Martin Garrix, for example, blew up thanks to smart use of YouTube and SoundCloud, while Tiësto built a global empire through constant reinvention.
A great example is Don Diablo, who turned his futuristic brand into a movement with his label Hexagon. Or Afrojack, who went from underground producer to a Grammy-winning artist by working with pop stars like Beyoncé and Pitbull.
The key? Dutch DJs don’t just drop tracks and hope for the best. They build fan communities, work with influencers, and use streaming platforms to dominate charts.
The Dutch Mindset: Open, Innovative, and Pragmatic
There’s something about the Dutch mentality that makes for great DJs. They’re forward-thinking, innovative, and not afraid to experiment. They also have an open attitude toward nightlife, which means electronic music has been accepted as a legitimate art form for decades.
Take Oliver Heldens, for example. Instead of sticking to the standard big-room house formula, he created his own genre—future house—blending deep house and EDM into something fresh. His track “Gecko (Overdrive)” (2014) changed the game.
The Sound of Dutch EDM: A Suggested Listening List
Want to experience the Dutch EDM magic for yourself? Here’s a playlist that takes you through the decades:
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Tiësto – “Adagio for Strings” (2004) – The anthem that put Dutch trance on the global stage.
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Armin van Buuren – “This Is What It Feels Like” (2013) – A perfect blend of trance and radio-friendly vocals.
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Hardwell – “Spaceman” (2012) – The sound of the big-room house explosion.
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Martin Garrix – “Animals” (2013) – A track that took over every festival and club worldwide.
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Afrojack – “Take Over Control” (2010) – One of the most influential electro-house tracks.
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Oliver Heldens – “Gecko (Overdrive)” (2014) – The birth of future house.
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Headhunterz – “Dragonborn” (2011) – A must-listen for hardstyle fans.
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Don Diablo – “Momentum” (2017) – A futuristic take on house music.
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Ferry Corsten – “Punk” (2002) – A trance classic with a rebellious edge.
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Nicky Romero – “Toulouse” (2012) – One of the most iconic drops in EDM history.
Conclusion: The Dutch Will Keep Dominating
At this point, the Netherlands isn’t just a hub for DJs—it’s an EDM empire. With an unbeatable combination of music culture, world-class festivals, DJ schools, and marketing savvy, the Dutch show no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re raving at a massive festival or just vibing to a house mix, chances are, a Dutch DJ is behind the decks.
So, why do the Dutch DJ? The real question is: how could they not?