Before the start of the world-renowned label and festival, Dekmantel was a group of friends from the Amsterdam scene sharing their passion for music, digging for records and having a good time together in the booth. Starting out in the 2000s, Dekmantel Soundsystem thrived on the connections that could be drawn between different eras and music cultures, relishing intimate, open-format parties as the ideal setting to celebrate the never-ending quest for the best tunes.
Dekmantel’s events and label have grown exponentially over the years, and now the Soundsystem reconvenes with original founder Casper van Tielrooij joined by Olf van Elden, aka Interstellar Funk. Van Elden has been a core part of Dekmantel since the early years — a regular fixture at the events and a pivotal figure in Amsterdam who held down a Trouw residency and worked at Rush Hour prior to his current role running Dekmantel’s record label. It was a natural step for the two to get together and continue the tradition that started Dekmantel in the first place.
True to the format, Dekmantel Soundsystem will focus on long-form DJing where there’s space to explore a wide range of sounds. You can expect all-nighters taking over clubs and festival spaces wherever the vibe matches the concept — a more personal, relaxed and open affair that allows the pace of the party to evolve organically. Given their deeply rooted relationships with so many kindred spirits across different scenes, you can also expect Dekmantel Soundsystem & Friends sessions that welcome fellow DJs they admire to join in the fun. There is no grand strategy beyond this spirit — a pursuit of that magic combination of the right space with the right people and the right sounds, which was always the goal of Dekmantel from the very beginning.