Featured image credit – Elske Nissen – Jukebox PR
After an electrifying sold out debut that left artists, fans, and the community hyped, Upclose is back for its highly anticipated second edition. The festival will once again transform Spaarnwoude-Park into a pulsing sanctuary of sound, connection, and collective movement on May 17 and 18, 2025.
Upclose, the newest festival by Awakenings and an ode to the dance floor, captures the raw essence of dance floor culture: sweaty, steamy, and intimate, where the front row feels like the only row and every beat connects the crowd. Building on the incredible momentum of its first, sold-out, edition, this year’s festival dives even deeper into the progressive and niche edges of techno, curating an experience for those who live and breathe this side of the genre.
Where visionary sounds meet the dancefloor
Upclose 2025 stays true to its ethos of pushing boundaries. This year’s line-up is a seamless blend of techno’s vanguard. While some names on the line-up may seem unfamiliar, they rank among the most respected and groundbreaking within this niche. Expect live performances, artists stepping out of their comfort zones, and innovative b2b’s that promise to make you forget time. Each set is meticulously curated to immerse dancers in a spectrum of sounds—hypnotic, relentless, and forward-thinking—designed for those who chase moments of transcendence and ecstasy on the dance floor.
A Celebration of Global Icons and Local Heroes
This year’s line-up brings together global icons, exclusive collaborations, and local heroes, offering a kaleidoscope of sounds that defines today’s underground. Jeff Mills, a living icon and pioneer of techno, graces the stage, while Donato Dozzy, one of last year’s highlights, returns alongside Jane Fitz for the very first time for a weave of deep ambient and hypnotic techno. EZ, the godfather of UK Garage, adds his legendary influence to the weekend. Thunderstorm KI/KI, master of the harder sounds DJ Rush, and Berlin powerhouse Kobosil, known for his brutal energy, add their unmistakable artistry to the mix, ensuring a powerful presence on the dance floor.
Upclose also thrives on delivering unique, boundary-pushing performances. 999999999 presents a special acid set, DJ Fuckoff delivers an eclectic mix of house, breaks, techno, and bass fused into one adventurous unfiltered, boundary-crossing techno journey with attitude. Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey (live), a Dutch debut, showcases an eccentric techno performance from Japan, where improvisation and a plethora of studio gear take center stage. Luigi Tozzi (live) enchants with deep, hypnotic techno and immersive soundscapes, while Stigmata (live) marks the return of Andre Walter’s iconic project. Expect early 2000s stripped-down techno grooves with a raw edge, reimagined for today’s dance floor. Cristian Varela x Marco Bailey face off in a thrilling 6-deck battle setup. Traumer (live) presents an exclusive debut performance, blending minimal perfection with a touch of French finesse, and Zisko (hybrid live) surprises with a genre-defying hybrid performance that pushes boundaries in every sense.
Dynamic pairings shape this year’s line-up, with explosive collaborations like Ben Klock x Ignez, where Berlin’s rawness meets Dutch minimalism, Philippa Pacho x JakoJako, blending melodic subtleties with raw beats and Surgeon x Rrose on stage together for the first time with an exclusive liveset. Marrøn x Rødhåd deliver groove in its most danceable forms while Chris Stussy x Sally C bring house excellence to the forefront. Other highlights include Adiel x Ogazon, Yanamaste x Beste Hira, Anetha x Patrick Mason, Shoal x Loek Frey, Mac Declos x Akua and Benwal x Janis Zielinski.
Anchoring the line-up are local legends who embody the festival’s raw energy. From Cynthia Spiering, a staple of the Dutch underground, to veteran Benny Rodrigues with a special four-hour warm-up set, these artists bring undeniable presence. Unique collaborations like Moody Mehran x Ineffekt highlight Dutch creativity, while Stef Mendesidis (live) delivers his signature cinematic techno. Rising talent Nelly cements her place as a driving force in the scene. Other names like Hitam, Tekna, Cybersex, Grace Dahl, Lobster, Isaiah, Client x Shoob, Genex, Vromo and Thoms Traxx prove the underground thrives locally as much as globally.
Community and culture
At Upclose, community and culture take center stage. With global legends of the underground and key figures from local communities setting the pace and energy, the festival creates a dynamic blend of international influence and local authenticity. Its intimate scale dissolves the boundaries between the booth and the dance floor, fostering a shared energy that defines club culture at its purest. From forward-thinking stage designs to a crowd that’s as fashion-forward as it is music-savvy, Upclose invites attendees to connect through sound, sweat, and shared passion.
Last year’s feedback reaffirmed Upclose’s mission to create a space where dance floor culture reigns supreme. This year, the festival takes it a step further, refining its progressive soundscape and amplifying the connection between music, collective movement, and the moment.
On May 17 and 18, 2025, Spaarnwoude-Park becomes the beating heart of the progressive niche side of techno. Upclose is not just a festival — it’s a celebration of community, and a platform for progressive sounds that demand attention.
