Since its first edition in 2013, the Amsterdam Forest has been the setting for Dekmantel's unique festival experience. The rolling fields and tall trees create a natural arena in which each stage feels like its own universe. The result is a carefully curated journey through the full breadth of electronic music spread over three days - or rather, an intensive 36-hour exploration.
This year, Dekmantel is taking the experience to a new level with the introduction of ‘Dekmantel at Dawn. For the first time, the program is extended to the early morning hours, merging the first rays of sunlight with hypnotic sets. It adds an almost magical dimension to a festival already known for its sophisticated atmosphere and musical depth.
The lineup once again reflects the balance between legends and innovators. Detroit icons Underground Resistance return, this time along with poet and performer Saul Williams, while minimal pioneer Ricardo Villalobos and techno formation LSD Live make their mark on the weekend. Familiar names like Helena Hauff, Jane Fitz and the duo Job Jobse & Palms Trax provide recognition, while debutants like Skin On Skin and Skrillex - alongside rising star RHR - introduce a fresh energy.
“Dekmantel is not a festival you visit, but a world you temporarily disappear into - among trees, beats and the unexpected.”
Special collaborations, such as Actress with Carl Craig and several B4B sets, underscore Dekmantel's reputation as a curator of musical encounters. At the same time, there is plenty of room for dub and bass influences with acts such as Channel One, The Bug & Warrior Queen and Shy FX.
Its own label does not go unnoticed either: artists from Dekmantel Records present new projects that continue to stretch the boundaries of genre. In doing so, the festival stays true to its core: progressive, versatile and always on the move - just like the city it embraces.