both with a strong individual character. As a result, in addition to our program, we can also rely heavily on its value and strength, and thus sometimes make more unorthodox choices.”
For Tom, creating an unforgettable event goes beyond the music—it’s about crafting a unique, transformative experience that connects people to the art, the space, and each other.
“Chris and I often come up with, in our view, beautiful plans that tell a true story and in which familiar faces and discoveries complement each other. It is also true that in our history, and also today, there have always been many vinyl DJs. Not that this is a starting point for programming, but the limitations that come with playing records, compared to playing digital. Fits well with our feeling that “ we prefer not high climaxes with bombastic short moments, but a more stretched out and subdued approach.”
“That said, the form an artist uses to deliver her sound is secondary to us as long as the output is at its best. Another factor in the curation is our sense of responsi- bility for the space for local artists. We feel connected to this city, know plenty of good DJs, and are happy to add a signature to our entire program, where, if appro- priate, there is also a clear focus on northerners.”
“Of course, we also have to ensure that we are attrac- tive enough for potential visitors, and we look for a balance between what we think they want, what suits us well, and how those worlds can strengthen each other. We hope that all the above matters contribute to the desired atmosphere that we have in mind for that specific event. And this is, of course, based on our own experiences on the dance floor, in different places, also listening back to recordings if we could not physically be at an artist’s performance. Because we have a good history with some acts, we also dare to make some crazier choices, because we know that the artist knows our vibe, creative expressions, sound system, and audience well, and can then make bridges that are not the most predictable.”
Tom’s approach to balancing musical diversity with cohesive event flow is thoughtful and reflects a deep understanding of both the limitations and oppor- tunities that come with curating events. His focus on maintaining a strong connection between the different areas at Paradigm, even when offering a variety of styles, allows for a natural flow while still catering to diverse tastes.
“I think we may have to take this into account a little less than other parties (diversity of Genres). Even though it attracts many visitors nowadays, our festival is still a boutique festival. If you look at the size per internship (small) versus the number of stages(large), you will see that it is more of a challenge for us to have no overlap between stages on the same slots, instead of having to look for how we can increase diversity in styles (that we want to offer). That said, we do look for content that fits with the stage (even if we have it curated by an external party) that connects somewhere with both the bigger picture and with other stages.”
By making clear distinctions between areas at indoor events and intentionally focusing on cohesion within those spaces, Tom ensures that the energy and vibe of each area complement each other. His insight into keeping a focused sound when programming a single area and working closely with artists to align their visions shows a clear commitment to maintaining a sense of unity without sacrificing diversity.
Photo: Artist Courtesy -
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