Producer and DJ Wilza is making significant strides in the Electronic Music scene, skillfully blending genres and challenging creative limits through his productions and performances. After his first experience at ADE, he returned invigorated with new inspiration and connections, paving the way for more opportunities to expand his sound and engage with wider audiences.

In this exclusive interview, Wilza reflects on his ADE experience, sharing highlights, unexpected moments, and invaluable connections that are certain to influence his musical journey and creative evolution.

Hi, how’s it going?

All is good, thank you! I’m finally getting back into my routine after ADE. It took a bit, as the experience left a profound mark that was hard to shake off.

To start, can you tell us about your experience at ADE this year?

This was my first time at ADE, and I was lucky enough to get a guest Pro Pass, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’m quite organized, so I reviewed the entire ADE program—festivals, conferences, and ADE Lab—and created a detailed list of events I wanted to attend. In reality, I only managed to cover about 25% of my plan due to the sheer volume of activities occurring every hour. I heard that half a million people attended ADE this year, and it wasn’t until I was there that I truly grasped the scale of the event.

Overall, it was an incredible experience—so much so that I’ve already booked my hotel for next year. Looking back, I would probably approach a few things differently now that I have this experience under my belt, but I accomplished a lot in five days. Next year, I’ll be better prepared thanks to what I learned this time.

Was there a specific talk, performance, or workshop that really stood out for you?
 

The Biianco talk with DJ Mag was outstanding. They discussed their journey, from minimal social media presence to suddenly going viral and capitalizing on that success. They shared insights into their live performance setup, explaining the instruments and software they use, and demonstrated their hybrid live/DJ sets. Biianco’s live demonstration on stage truly captivated the audience. It was incredibly inspiring and motivational. Mick Wilson from DJ Mag hosted the talk brilliantly, allowing Biianco to shine, which was refreshing compared to some other hosts I encountered at ADE.

In your opinion, what makes ADE an unmissable event in the Electronic Music calendar?
 

There are many reasons. The sheer number of attendees and the event’s scope are mind-blowing. The variety of events, conferences, and labs available is astounding. Networking opportunities are endless, from workshops and networking parties to casual conversations in the coffee queue. You will leave ADE with new friends, industry contacts, and social media followers who share your interests. It’s also a remarkable opportunity to experience almost every genre or sub-genre of Electronic Music all in one place. I used this week to explore scenes I hadn’t encountered before, fitting in three to five different parties each night to absorb all the diverse energy and vibes ADE has to offer. ADE Lab was another highlight; for anyone interested in production or DJing, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. There were opportunities to test the latest gear, grab software giveaways, attend in-depth talks, and pitch demos to industry leaders. It felt like a creative haven, while the conference side was more corporate, as expected.

Did you discover any emerging trends or ideas during ADE that surprised or inspired you?

I was genuinely surprised to see so many events focused on Gabber. I know it’s a native Amsterdam sound, but I had thought it had faded over the years. It seems to be making a comeback, or perhaps ADE, being in Gabber’s home, still attracts a dedicated local following.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment of ADE for you?

I had countless memorable moments, including witnessing Shermanology and Awen, along with Adriatique at Gashouder, which was absolutely phenomenal. The light show during their set was probably the best I saw at ADE. Attending Martin Garrix’s performance at the DJ Mag Top 100 party at Ajax stadium was also a highlight. However, perhaps the most memorable experience was sitting down with various A&Rs from major and large indie labels to receive feedback on my unreleased music during an A&R mixer organized by ADE. That feedback was invaluable.

Were there any non-music-related activities in Amsterdam that added to your ADE experience?

Aside from enjoying some fantastic food and engaging in intriguing 5 a.m. conversations with Uber drivers, I didn’t partake in much outside of music-related activities. With so much to fit into a short timeframe (Tuesday to Sunday), I focused primarily on maximizing every musical opportunity.

How would you describe the overall vibe of ADE 2024?

For me, the vibe was warm, friendly, energetic, and motivational, though it was also a bit overwhelming at times, especially for a first-timer. It took a couple of days to fully grasp the size and scope of what was available, but once I did, I approached the event with confidence. Balancing daytime conferences, workshops, and meetings with the nightlife was challenging but ultimately rewarding. ADE offers a comprehensive exploration of Electronic Music, from business to creativity and the rave experience. I’m grateful to have experienced it fully and can’t wait to return next year.

Did you meet anyone new at ADE that you’re excited to work with in the future?

I had an incredible experience. During lunch, a friend mentioned a South African producer/DJ he’d met recently. I followed the producer on Instagram, intending to look him up later. Then, when I returned to my hotel, I got into the lift, and two guys entered—one of whom looked just like the producer I’d just followed. Hearing their South African accents, I had to ask, and sure enough, it was him! We both recognized each other from Instagram but hadn’t expected to meet in person. My friend didn’t even know the producer was at ADE, so it was a surprise for him too. The producer, Rudy Julius (@rudyjulius_), and I took it as fate, and we’ve started planning some collaborations. My alter ego, Will B, focuses on Afro House, so we’ll be creating something together soon.

To end, what was your main goal in attending ADE, and do you feel you achieved it?

My primary goal at ADE was to network with A&Rs and pitch my music to labels that could help elevate my work. Networking and establishing industry relationships were also top priorities. Both goals were accomplished—I received multiple offers from labels and distributors and made valuable connections with industry professionals. Overall, the trip was well worth it, and as I mentioned earlier, I’m already looking forward to next year.

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