Dekmantel returns Friday the 31st of July this Summer running until Sunday August 2nd. Organisers have gathered some of the biggest names around in house and techno to showcase their skills in the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos just outside of the city. With names like Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Rodhad and Dixon all featuring it’s easy to see why it is one of the most highly anticipated events of festival season. With one of the best line ups around, we had a hard time trying to figure our a top 5 unmissable acts but after careful deliberation and consideration, along with hours of listening, we are now happy to present to you the top 5 acts that you simply cannot miss at this year’s festival.
DJ harvey: London born Harvey, who has been operating since the 1980’s is a master of disco sounds and reedits. Harvey has achieved cult-like status who’s sound could be described as house with healthy dolopps of disco thrown in for good measure. If you are heading to the night events at Melkweg then Dj Harvey, who is playing on the Saturday night. Should not be missed. If you are looking for hip shaking feel good madness then Harvey is your man.
Madlib (Dj set): Stepping outside of the typically expected techno and house routine that we have come to know from all dekmantel line ups comes something a little off the beaten track. Here we have the one and only Madlib AKA Quassimoto. One of the best Hiphop producers drawing breath today. As someone who has never been too intent of following on following any sort of rule book, if you are looking for a Hiphop history lesson in all the greatest breaks and beats, new and old, then this is the one for you.
Rødhåd: Dekmantel is all about techno and this Berlin native is techno incarnate. Give this man a few hours behind the decks and he will take you to places you never thought possible. A regular at the infamous Berghain he is no stranger to the weird and wonderful and channels this through in his sets. There is very little else I can say about this man other than, if you want to see one of the best techno djs in the entire world then do yourself a favour and go see rodhad play. I promise you you will not be disappointed.
Hessle Audio: Featuring Ben UFO, Pearson Sound and Pangea. Seperatly they are three bloody good selectors. Ben UFO being one of my personal favourites. Together they combine to give you only the very best in everything from UK garage to house. An absalute benchmark of quality. This performance will leave you willing to sell your sweet old grandmother to get your greedy paws on the track list. Go. Enjoy. Dance!
Motor City Drum Ensemble: Dekmantel will once again host the musical wizard that is MCDE. What can can you expect from this man? Everything and anything to put it bluntly. Expect African field recordings and early disco to flow into one and other seamlessly. If dark and loud techno isn’t your cup of tea then Motor City is for you. Obscure disco and soul records are part of the package and will leave you singing along to your hearts content.