SPECIAL FEATURE


The art of programming for music events is far more than just booking artists and organizing lineups. It’s about creating an atmosphere, telling a story, and connecting with the energy of the venue, the audience, and the city. In this conversation, we’ve had the pri- vilege of speaking with some incredible people who are at the forefront of this craft. Lucas de Beaumont, the mind behind Complex Club and Clomplex Festival in Maastricht, Maarten Pordon, freelance programmer and entrepreneur


Het Sieraad) in Amsterdam, Bas Amro from Onder De Radar Festival, Enschede, Tom van Ulsen of Paradigm in Groningen, and Dennis Rochat of Elevation Events, who organizes the Soenda Festival, each shared their journeys and insights into what makes a successful programmer.


They all agree that to be great at this job, you need more than just a good ear for music.


“A great programmer isn’t just someone with a good ear for music; a programmer is a storyteller, a bridge-buil- der, someone who can see the invisible threads that connect artists, agencies, and audiences,” Lucas said.


Maarten added that aspiring programmers should dive into every aspect of the industry so they can truly understand the complexities of what makes an event tick. Being a programmer requires a broad set of skills and a deep passion for creating something memorable. This holistic approach is essential in developing an understanding of what makes an event truly resonate. He shared,


“If you want to become a good programmer, you need to do everything when it comes to music: promoting, marketing, DJ-ing, etc., to expand your knowledge. And with an eye on the future for myself, I’m slowly diving into new tools such as AR, CGI, and AI.”


The way each city influences the vibe of an event is another critical aspect of programming. Maarten explained how Amsterdam’s scene is filled with energy and opportunity, but that can also come with its challenges. Tom, on the other hand, highlighted the charm of Groningen, a city that’s more isolated but has a unique energy that allows for a different kind of programming, tailored specifically to the local crowd. Each city, with its distinct pulse and rhythm, offers its own set of challenges and rewards, and knowing how to tap into that is key to creating an unforgettable experience.


Programming a festival and programming a club are two very different beasts, each requiring a unique approach. As Dennis Rochat pointed out,


“A festival—especially one with thousands of people— demands large headliners to fill the space and crea- te that larger-than-life experience. Festivals are built months in advance, often requiring collaboration be- tween numerous teams, and the vibe is constructed from scratch. On the other hand, club programming allows for a more intimate, personal connection with the crowd, where the focus can be on experimental acts and building a specific atmosphere that resonates with a smaller, more dedicated group. The size of the event and the space you’re working with dictate the energy you need to bring, and the approach to both is shaped by these fundamental differences.”


Behind the scenes, the life of a programmer is far from glamorous, with challenges that go beyond the logistics of booking talent. The job can be incredibly taxing, both physically and mentally. As Bas Amro


(Club Closure, De Marktkantine


shared, staying creative year after year is becoming harder, especially when financial pressures and the demand for


authenticity can lead to burnout and self-doubt. It’s something that Lucas and Maarten also touched on, with Maarten noting the importance of staying true to one’s vision and not getting lost in the industry’s expectations. The mental strain that comes with being responsible for so many moving parts is real, and finding balance and support in such a fast-paced industry is crucial to maintaining both creativity and well-being.


Whether


true to a creative vision, or managing the logistics of a massive event, these programmers share a common goal: to create experiences that people will remember long after the night ends. Their commitment to their craft is truly inspiring, and it shows in the vibrant, unforgettable events they bring to life. In this interview, we dive into the weeds of what it truly means to be a programmer and their impact on the whole electronic music industry.


THE CRAFT


The dance scene in the Netherlands is vibrant yet di- verse, with distinct characteristics in cities like Am- sterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, and Enschede.


Lucas de Beaumont comes across as an incredibly ex- perienced and insightful figure in the world of event programming. His perspective on the role is grounded in a deep understanding of the music industry. I admire his holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of doing everything—marketing, promoting, DJing, and more—to truly grasp what makes an event resonate with the audience. It’s clear he’s not just focused on the music but also on the entire experience that su- rrounds it.


“My journey began when I turned 18, stepping into the heartbeat of a club for the first time. It was in Brussels, at Club Fuse, a place that didn’t just play music but curated experiences. It was a space where the DJ was secondary to the atmosphere, where the crowd gathered not just for the beat but for the collective rhythm of the night.”


“The essence of Fuse wasn’t just about who was playing; it was about the unspoken connection between strangers who came together for something greater


nightlife—its power to transcend individual experiences and weave them into a communal tapestry.”


Lucas´s journey started with exciting passion, and little by little, that passion ignited more and more challenges.


“When I set out to bring that magic to Maastricht, I was met with skepticism. “A city of 115,000 residents?” they said. “People go to Amsterdam for this.” But I knew that every city, no matter its size, has its pulse and longing for expression and connection. So, I invented a name, Claydrum, and started small—250 people in a café ba- sement—and built from there. It wasn’t just about fi- lling a space with bodies; it was about filling a void with something meaningful that resonated with this city’s unique spirit.”


mixmagde.com 29 than themselves. That’s the magic of it’s balancing financial pressures, staying events while maintaining a


vision. The constant juggling of multiple responsibili- ties, from handling last-minute changes to managing stressful negotiations, can take a toll on mental health. The pressure to constantly deliver new and Z exciting


sense of larger acts can sometimes cloud the


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