Carlos Valdes (NL)

Carlos Valdes has been at the heart of the Amsterdam scene for years, as a DJ, label boss and promoter. His DJ sets mix up everything from hypnotic techno to kicking house and, rather than playing all the big hits, he selects the records that make most sense at the time. He is well known for his classy and considered taste. As a DJ, his prime contributions come as a resident at the city’s foremost club, TrouwAmsterdam, where he regularly weaves magical sets that bring the dance floor together, but also as a resident at Les Enfants Terribles. Of course, being such a famed selector on the Amsterdam scene, Carlos has also earned a fine reputation around Europe and even outside the continent. Over the years he has played esteemed German clubs like Panoramabar, Robert Johnson and Harry Klein, festivals like Awakenings and label nights like Cadenza and Circo Loco. For as far as he went outside of Europe he played at the infamous D-Edge, in Sao Paulo, Brasil. He is also responsible for unearthing and bringing on many young talents on his local scene and is famed for having a deep and diverse musical understanding. It was way back in 2000 when he started Studio Soulrock, a much loved organization and label. It put on countless parties and hosted myriad festivals stages in the years since. He is also the man behind the Vreemd club nights, which have been the most vibrant and popular way to party on a Thursday night in Amsterdam for years, and yet still he keeps on coming up with exciting new concepts. Most recently these include ...Is Burning, the gay night at Trouw run by Carlos and friend Sandrien, but also the innovative One Night Off parties together with Mirik Milan, that sees one acclaimed international artist headline each event. His exquisite taste also shows in the artists he chose to release on his label. To date the label has released fine EPs from the likes of Bootleg Bitches, San Proper & Steven de Peven, Young Marco and Tom Trago & Awanto 3, with remixes com- ing from classy operators such as Genius of Time and Axel Boman. Carlos Valdes, then, is a true musical tour de force, a person powered by passion and someone con- stantly on a quest for party perfection. Whether its his storied DJ sets, acclaimed releases on Studio Soulrock or his continued dedication to the furthering of the Dutch scene, he is an essential pillar of the dance music community.