In conversation with DJ Sluterdijk
Maeve de Bordóns Álvarez
11 April 2024
DJ Sluterdijk would love to take you on a ride. Originally from Madrid, she´s now based in Amsterdam, where she is often seen in the dancefloors. Somewhat recently she decided to switch the front row for the decks, underground raves being her favourite habitat. She´s here to bring big beats, electro sounds and choppy twists.
Photo by @emrevill
Hi, can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this mix?
I aim for a train-like experience: doors close, engine starts… and we’re off for a ride. This time the journey follows some proggy beats to old school rave sounds, finishing with some powerful breaks (I usually use the breaks at the end, just like a train does!).
What were your first experiences going out and listening to electronic music?
I’m drawn to synths: the woop-woopy sounds. They always spoke to me more than let’s say, an acoustic guitar. When I started to go out in Madrid I was already venturing into the realms of House, mainly through Disco music. I feel that a lot of people follow that transition, I mean it’s just music history right? And then I found what Acid was. Oh boy.
Photo by @emrevill
You currently live in Amsterdam, what excites you about the city?
I enjoy the diversity and the open character of the city. It has a very manageable size, meaning that you can be everywhere with everyone; it’s easy to run into a friend at a party but also to discover a new cool venue every other month!
DJ Sluterdijk dangling a disco ball
What have you noticed is different between the music scene in Spain and The Netherlands?
think electronic sounds are more of a day-to-day basis in the Netherlands, I mean this place is kind of a powerhouse in terms of production. I see a lot of cross-genre experimentation coming from Spain though, there are some wild artists out there!
You also work in design, what music gets you in the zone when you’re working, and do you find any parallels with how you approach work and DJing?
Such a cool question.
I work as a material researcher, so I have to be on the lookout for new stuff to work with. I guess that translates into the urge of riding the wave of what’s next.
Many of my tunes are straight out of the oven. To get in the zone, I resort to intelligent drum and bass, even if it’s the most pretentious genre name out there.
What are some of your favourite artists, parties and labels at the moment?
I admire what Former City Records are doing, true visionaries. My love goes to the independent artists out there who are approaching the electro ghetto sound in such a fun way, such as Mathis Ruffing or Mezer. I love the programming of Garage Noord here in Amsterdam, and I can’t wait for the Lente Kabinet this May! Fav festi.
Keep up with DJ Sluterdijk on Instagram and Soundcloud