Pammi Pasqual Reflects on His First Amsterdam Dance Event Experience
Pammi Pasqual, the Greek-born DJ and Producer based in London, recently attended the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) for the first time, exploring the plethora of opportunities available in Amsterdam throughout October. As a multifaceted artist, founder of Playdance Records, and an active DJ and producer, Pammi approached ADE with a clear mission: to network with industry professionals, delve into new discussions, and advance his music career. In this interview, he reflects on his experience, sharing highlights from the event and how ADE has influenced his future plans.
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Hi Pammi Pasqual, how are you?
Hi, I am doing very well, thank you.
What was your overall impression of ADE 2024? Can you tell us about your experience this year?
It was my first time at ADE, and I loved every moment of it! I was impressed by the number of events taking place both day and night, the quality of those events, and the overall organization. The vibe throughout the city was fantastic, with everyone immersed in the rhythm of ADE, making it a uniquely enjoyable experience for me.
Were there any events that caught your attention?
Initially, I planned to focus on attending music industry discussions and interviews with artists I admire. However, upon arrival, I found myself exploring the ADE app and discovered the “Meet the Professionals” sessions at the Pulitzer building. These matchmaking events intrigued me, as I wasn’t familiar with the concept of curated networking with industry professionals. It’s like “Speed Dating” for music industry professionals, where you have five minutes to converse one-on-one before moving on to the next table. As someone who finds it challenging to approach strangers, these sessions helped me step out of my comfort zone, and I ended up spending most of my days at ADE in these networking events.
What was your main goal in attending ADE, and do you feel you achieved it?
My primary goal was to push myself into networking with industry professionals to initiate new partnerships, explore opportunities, and gain insights for my career development. I wanted to ask industry experts for advice on the next steps in my career. By participating in these matchmaking sessions, I had the chance to introduce myself as an artist and label owner while receiving one-on-one advice from top A&R managers, booking agents, and artist managers. I was able to ask direct questions about what they seek in an emerging artist and where I should focus my efforts at this stage in my career. I feel I achieved my goal by making valuable connections and clarifying the steps I need to take to develop my music career effectively.
Did you attend any performances? If so, can you share your favorites?
I attended a few events, of course! I supported the Data Transmission event at Vick’s bar, where I’ve been working as one of their radio DJ residents for a few years. I was fortunate enough to experience another fantastic event featuring the legendary David Penn, which was an intimate and enjoyable gathering. Another highlight was the 1001 Playlists party, and I thoroughly enjoyed the DEFECTED events with Sam Divine and Dennis Ferrer, which were absolutely amazing!
How do you think your experiences at ADE will impact your work moving forward?
My experiences have already helped define my priorities as an artist for the coming year. Upon returning home after ADE, I updated my goals and milestones based on the insights I gained. The personalized advice I received has shifted my perspective and provided me with a clearer understanding of the current industry landscape. In the coming year, I plan to focus on releasing music more frequently and enhancing my social media engagement.
Was there a particular talk, panel, or workshop that has left a lasting impression on you?
The matchmaking series was my favorite, especially the “Meet the A&Rs” session! I had the opportunity to pitch my songs to A&R managers from major record labels and receive real-time feedback on my tracks. Some of them even requested to keep receiving my work personally, expressing interest in future opportunities. This made that session truly memorable for me.
How do you see the role of festivals like ADE in shaping the future of Electronic Music?
Events like ADE are crucial for the music industry and the Electronic Dance Music scene. They provide an excellent platform for music business professionals to gather and discuss current issues, innovations, and the future of the Electronic Dance Music community. I believe these types of events propel the scene forward and have significantly contributed to the growth of the Electronic Dance Music industry globally over the past decade.
Did you meet any new people or make useful connections during ADE?
After spending a week at ADE, I definitely needed a week to recuperate! You don’t realize how exhausting it is while you’re there, fueled by coffee, short naps, and the excitement of the moment! However, once I returned home, I had to take it easy and postpone many things to recover. Now that I know how intense the experience can be, I plan to give myself a few days off after next year’s ADE. As we conclude our interview with Pammi Pasqual, we thank him for sharing his experiences from Amsterdam this past October. With lessons learned and newfound motivation, we look forward to following his journey and seeing where it leads. Be sure to keep up with Pammi Pasqual on social media to stay updated on his upcoming music and exciting projects.Finally, how do you unwind after a busy week at ADE?
Pammi Pasqual Online
