Hollands best kept secret makes a return this summer for another day of great vibes and eclectic selections.
Within the arguably over saturated market that is European music festivals, individuality has never been more important. This is a trait that the organisers of Outsiders Festival seem to hold close to their heart. Located a 30 minute journey away from Amsterdam in the far more quiet and reserved city of Alkmaar, there is a sense that something truly special is brewing.
Just two stages lie within an outdoor bouldering and climbing park that boasts a 20 metre high climbing wall which stands elegantly on the horizon. Around 3000 festival goers are set to embark into this intimate setting, which promises to deliver a friendly and harmonious atmosphere that is often lost amongst the midst of certain major festivals hectic nature.
Of course no setting is complete without an equally impressive selection of music, and Outsiders choice of selectors does not disappoint. Last years line up was strong sporting the likes of Detroit techno legend Carl Craig, L.I.E.S associate Willie Burns as well as Dutch natives Delta Funktionen and Tom Trago. However, this year Outsiders have gone even further to ensure the party doesn’t die from start to finish. Some of the most notable names include the mighty Derrick May backed by Spanish techno wizard Oscar Mulero and disco house king San Soda. Also, one of the most interesting acts out there at the moment, Awesome Tapes From Africa, will be performing. A man who made his name collecting cassette tapes whilst travelling Africa and showcasing them in a unique fashion in his DJ sets (see his recent Boiler Room). On top of this is there is still plenty of room for some of Hollands best home-grown talents to shine such as Sterac, Sandrien and 2562 aka A Made Up Sound who you might be familiar with from his releases on UK labels Trilogy Tapes and Bristol’s Tectonic. Another exciting set to look out for is Amsterdam based DJ Young Marco teaming up with Boiler Room and NTS Radio’s very own Tasker who has made a name for himself in recent years for his enigmatic selections.
The festival takes great pride in the fact that in the past three years they have introduced many new acts into the country, acting as a stepping stone for international artists into the Dutch club scene. Last year Willie Burns and Solar made debut appearances, the latter has gone on to play down the road at this years Dekmantel Festival.
It seems the organisers are keen to keep every element of the festival intimate and minimal for now, including its online presence which is made up entirely of a single Facebook page. However, the lack of information and pictures available on the internet only adds to the feeling that the only way to catch a glimpse at this festival is to grab a ticket and make the journey out yourself. Or else, miss out on another year of your potential highlight of the summer.
Outsider Festival will take place on August 8th 2015.
Tickets are now onto final release and can be purchased through this link:
https://shop.ticketscript.com/channel/web2/start-order/rid/3H9X5S9X/language/nl