A RECAP OF THIS YEAR’S MOST AUTHENTIC EVENT OF ADE: AUDIO OBSCURA

words by Rebecca Kapenga

Launched in 2013, Audio Obscura knows exactly how to organize an unforgettable experience. The concept of introducing electronic music into outstanding venues that are usually off-limits to club promoters, together with the brand’s fresh approach to the scene was an instant success. In recent years the event already knew how to shape spaces like Concertgebouw, Rijksmuseum, and Amsterdam Central Train Station into the most remarkable club locations. Numéro had the  honor to be a guest at one of ADE’s most authentic events of the year. 

Location

This year’s ADE, Audio Obscura has delivered again, with one of the most spectacular settings so far. From Thursday to Saturday, the event organized 3 events in the iconic RAW factory. A massive iron factory with large glass windows on the north side which gives a clear view toward the A10. The setting makes your experience almost magical, as you can see the sunset while dancing and the sunrise when you’re about to go home. In addition, the event closed ADE off on Sunday with two more shows at the infamous A’DAM Tower Loft. It can’t be a coincidence that this venue fits together with the RAW Factory perfectly because The Loft also gives visitors a panoramic view of the entire city center of Amsterdam. Audio Obscura works closely with its artists to ensure that they share the vision behind the chosen venue and enable them to create a truly unique performance. 

Lightning & sound

With each location, Audio Obscura reflects on how they can complement and emphasize a location through a custom-designed lightning and audio scheme, always aiming for a truly mesmerizing experience. During ADE, Audio Obscura implemented a creative light show, utilizing a projector, displaying visuals on a big moving see-through LED screen

The RAW Factory garage, on the other hand, is a space with a very low ceiling. To optimally implement the light, they amplified the light throughout the room towards the audience. Both rooms had their own exclusive light show to make sure the visitors had two completely different experiences. 

The unique venues can make it challenging to organize electronic music events as it is normally not intended for amplified music. Audio Obscura analyzes each venue individually and thrives for the most optimal audio quality. And hard work pays off, as the upgrade in sound since last year is immediately noticeable. 

Artists

The ADE lineup is a carefully curated collection of artists. Every night has a different energy, as each lineup consists of a collection of renowned international headliners as well as upcoming artists, all chosen for their unique sound. Additionally, Audio Obscura ensures each event has a unique element to it, allowing artists to play experimental sets or go including exclusive back-to-back DJ sets

Thursday was probably the most popular night, with one of the most admired DJs of the newest generation: Peggy Gou. The house DJ’s sold out night was followed by a hard techno lineup  on Friday with names like Dax J, SPFDJ, and Hektor Oaks. The last night in the RAW Factory was more filled with melodic techno and progressive house with artists like Adriatique, Âme, Cincity, and Mano Le Tough on the Saturday. On Sunday Audio Obscura chose a more intimate venue in The A’Dam Tower, where Peggy Gou returned for a sunrise set. In the afternoon, Solomun went back-to-back with Adriatique for an 8-hour long grand finale to ADE.

Audio Obscura’s search for spectacular venues is never-ending, giving visitors a new and exciting experience every single time. From techno to disco, to house, and everything in between, Audio Obscura represents a range of the entire electronic music spectrum. We can’t wait what they will bring to the table next year.