GET TO KNOW
We had a deep conversation with Jan Hollstein, foun- der of CRUSH, one of the most vibrant and representa- tive events in the queer scene, a deeply personal story emerged that sheds light on the motivations behind creating this unique space. Hollstein shared with ho- nesty the inspiration behind CRUSH, a project that transcends his passion for music and has become a symbol of inclusivity, celebration, and freedom.
From the beginning of our conversation, Jan was strai- ghtforward in revealing the “why” behind CRUSH.
“I want to be honest with you and share the story of why I started CRUSH,” he said.
His voice carried emotion as he recounted how, after losing his mother in a tragic accident and having an absent father, it was his queer uncle who raised him. Through his experience living in a queer community that faced prejudice but radiated love and acceptan- ce, Jan was shaped by values of tolerance and diversi- ty that now guide his vision.
“My uncle and his community not only filled the void left by my parents but also taught me values that have defined my worldview. Growing up in a community that, despite facing prejudice, always radiated love and ac- ceptance deeply inspired me to make a difference.”
These life lessons drove Jan to create a safe space for the queer and LGBTQ+ communities, a sanctuary where anyone can feel accepted and supported. His dream for CRUSH has always been to embody these ideals, becoming a space where diversity is celebrated, and love and respect prevail.
CRUSH: MORE THAN A PARTY
While Jan is clear that CRUSH is a space of inclusion and diversity, he also reflected how CRUSH is more than just a party.
“It’s very important to me to have a diverse lineup, with a preference for queer and FLINTA artists. But I haven’t positioned myself too high regarding that movement in the concept of the brand,” he explained.
AMSTERDAM’S ELECTRONIC SCENE: FROM BERLIN TO ITS OWN IDENTITY
When discussing the evolution of the music scene in Amsterdam, Jan offered an interesting perspective on the growing influence of trance and hard house in the city. Although Berlin is considered the epicenter of electronic music, particularly of these genres, Jan ob- served how Amsterdam is embracing these sounds in a unique way.
“Amsterdam has always had a rich history in electronic music, but its relationship with trance and hard house has become more pronounced in recent years,” he no- ted.
While Berlin has been the cradle of techno, Amster- dam has developed its own legacy, fusing these harder sounds with its creative and open spirit.
“What’s shaping Amsterdam’s unique identity in these genres is its culture of tolerance and experimentation. The Dutch are known for their pragmatism, but they also embrace creativity and freedom of expression,” he added.
Hollstein highlighted how Amsterdam’s club culture has become a melting pot of different musical styles.
“The connection between Berlin and Amsterdam is un- deniable, but what’s interesting is how Amsterdam is putting its own spin on these genres.”
Though Berlin remains a strong influence, Amsterdam is carving out its own space in the global scene, driven by its openness and willingness to fuse genres in inno- vative ways.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL ARTISTS
When asked about the challenges artists and venues in Amsterdam face, Jan was clear that balancing the growing influence of trance and hard house with the city’s established musical heritage isn’t easy.
“One of the main challenges is maintaining authenti- city while embracing new influences,” he commented.
However, he also noted that the Dutch scene is gene- rally open to experimentation, which is creating new opportunities for artists. While some purists express concern about these new sounds overshadowing local talent, Jan has observed more excitement than resis- tance.
“The excitement over the new energy in the scene seems to outweigh any kind of resistance,” he assured.
SHELTER: NEW SOUNDS, NEW DYNA- MICS
One of the most interesting topics came up when we talked about the iconic club Shelter and how the in- troduction of genres like trance and hard house has influenced the audience dynamic. Jan noted that the- se genres have brought about a noticeable shift in the energy and demographics of the crowd.
“With trance and hard house, you see more festi- val-goers and younger fans,” he explained.
This shift has created a dynamic mix on the dance- floor, with higher energy levels and a stronger sense of euphoria.
However, Jan also emphasized the importance of maintaining Shelter’s identity while expanding its mu- sical offerings.
“The biggest challenge has been maintaining the core identity of the club while expanding its musical range,” he mentioned.
Jan recounted a memorable night in April when Perel played a sold-out show, followed by a back-to-back set by Upper90 and Pegassi, in what he described as an unforgettable moment where the transition of sounds led the dancefloor into a state of total euphoria.
As genres evolve and audiences diversify, Jan stressed the importance of balancing Shelter’s expanding au- dience with preserving its underground essence.
“It’s about creating experiences where different au- diences can come together while keeping Shelter’s es- sence. We want to expand our reach without diluting what makes the club special,” he concluded.
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