In an age where so much can be researched online, it’s easy to forget the importance of immersing yourself in the local culture and understanding the specific energy of a place.
For Maarten, visiting cities and engaging directly with the community is crucial for programming events that truly resonate. The balance between what the crowd wants and what the promoter needs is delicate, but Maarten seems to have mastered it, crafting lineups that are both inspired and pragmatic.
I also appreciate how Maarten speaks about the role of the artist in this process. It’s not just about booking the biggest names or the latest trends; it’s about finding the right talent for the right moment.
“You are always looking where somebody is already playing. Is it in a regional club? What kind of sound? Do they have a community? Can they sell tickets?”
He asks, showing how much thought goes into every decision. It’s not just about filling slots, it’s about creating a balance that will keep the audience engaged from start to finish. The ability to read the room—both literally and figuratively—seems to be an essential skill in Maarten’s approach.
Reading through Maarten’s reflections, I can’t help but feel inspired by his unwavering commitment to both the craft and the community. His insights into the Dutch dance scene, from Utrecht to Amsterdam, and his approach to programming and supporting local talent serve as a reminder that success doesn’t just come from luck or timing—it’s about hard work, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the peo- ple you’re working with. As a DJ, promoter, and entrepreneur, Maarten’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and the willingness to adapt and innovate when the landscape around you changes.
CLUBS VS FESTIVALS
When I spoke to Maarten Pordon, he shared that the differences between programming for a large festi- val versus a smaller club night, his insights were both pragmatic and reflective of the immense work behind these two very different environments. His perspective truly highlights how distinct the demands of each sca- le can be and how much it impacts the work required from a promoter and programmer.
Maarten started by emphasizing the scale and timing differences between festivals and club nights.
“A 20,000-capacity festival needs to have bigger headline artists than a smaller club of 1,000 people,” he noted.
Pointing out that festivals are often larger-than-life events that draw crowds specifically for the big names. Club nights, in contrast, are more intimate and typically less frequent, with a consistent crowd that expects a more tailored experience.
“The festival is ‘a one-off moment in the year,’ whereas a club night is an ongoing commitment “, he explained.
Showing how the nature of the events dictates the programming decisions.
What stands out from our conversation is how much stress a festival brings in comparison to the more re- gular rhythm of a club.
Photo: Artist Courtesy -
mixmagde.com 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
