Women Shaping the Industry

Oh wow, do we have a panel for you here.
Four women who’ve shaped, challenged, and transformed electronic music from the underground up.

This panel explores the realities women face across electronic music, from bias, underrepresentation and safety issues to lack of recognition in leadership roles. We’ll discuss barriers that still exist and the ways women are pushing through them, building safer and more inclusive spaces, and shaping the future of the industry. The conversation highlights the strengths and creativity women bring, and how their influence continues to change the scene.

🎤 Speakers:

Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale (US) – the Godmother of House Music and one of Detroit’s original pioneers. A true trailblazer who helped shape the sound and spirit of house long before it was recognised worldwide.

Angie Linder (US) – co-founder of Detroit Techno Militia, advocate for unity and authenticity in electronic music. She stands for preserving the roots of techno and the culture it came from.

Taryn Haight (US) – VP of Strategy for Electronic Music at Wasserman, connecting global talent and pushing for equal representation across the industry. Her work shapes where the future of electronic music is heading.

Lara Tanger (NL) – mental health practitioner and host of the Tuning In podcast, bridging the gap between wellbeing and music. She brings deep insight into how care, creativity and mental health intersect behind the scenes.

Addiction and Mental Health in Nightlife

Behind the decks and dancefloors lies another side of nightlife: one of struggle, recovery and the courage to keep going.

Nightlife comes with intense pressures; long hours, unstable income, high expectations and constant access to substances. Addiction, burnout and depression often remain hidden until they escalate, while stigma and shame keep people from speaking up.

This panel examines the challenges professionals face, how to recognise early warning signs and why open dialogue is essential. We’ll highlight resilience, recovery, awareness and healthier choices, showing how these can lead to stronger careers and communities.

🎤 Speakers:

Charly Lownoise (NL) – legendary DJ and producer, openly sharing his path to sobriety and spirituality.

Ilja Reiman (NL) – founder of Multigroove and early Gabber pioneer, reflecting on culture and its challenges.

Louisahhh (US) – artist and activist, blending techno energy with advocacy for feminism and mental health.

Marit Brom (NL) – DJ (Wispelturig) and founder of Sober Clubbing, creating inclusive, substance-free dancefloors.

a.k.a. Skips (US/NL) – producer, performer and queer trans artist, using his story of recovery and resilience to inspire others.

This is where honesty breaks stigma, and healing becomes collective.

Under Pressure: Balance in the Industry

Electronic music thrives on passion and intensity: a place for creativity, release, healing and connection. Yet the same intensity brings relentless schedules, financial stress, performance demands, social comparison, and the pressure of both success and failure. Add factors like ADHD, anxiety, autism, substance use and isolation, and the risk of burnout grows.

This panel explores how professionals, artists, managers, crew and organisers navigate these pressures and what it takes to create sustainable careers. The focus is on balance as a practice: setting boundaries, making time for recovery and learning how to care for yourself so you can keep thriving without burning out.

🎤 Speakers:

Billy The Kit (NL) – DJ/producer, a leading name in the Dutch party scene with chart-topping releases and a relentless tour schedule, speaking openly about resilience and recovery.

Blake Foster (US) – Senior VP of Business Intelligence at Warner Music Group, shaping how data and strategy drive global music, speaking on the pressures of the industry and his recovery.

Bullzeye (IN) – one of India’s most booked DJs, with explosive sets and appearances at Awakenings, Supersonic and Sunburn, bringing global perspective.

Izzy Naud (ES) – Tai Chi master and Qi Gong facilitator teaching resilience and balance after her own burnout, guiding music professionals towards holistic wellbeing.

Rosaline Tóth (NL) – Founder of Dutch Support Group, coaching artists and the corporate world on balance and emotional strength, supporting professionals in building sustainable careers.

Moderator: Ilja Reiman

Nightlife voor Dummies

We close with Ronald Molendijk and Mick Boskamp‘s Nightlife voor Dummies: a witty, music-driven ode to club culture that will leave you smiling and wanting to dance!

How do you survive the dancefloor?
Nightlife voor Dummies is a witty, hilarious and music-driven ode to four decades of club culture.

Written and performed by nightlife veterans Ronald Molendijk and Mick Boskamp, this unique theatre show dives into the raw, funny and sometimes dark truths of nightlife. From the so-called downfall of disco to the rise of electronic dance, afterparty secrets, drug horror stories and everything in between, this performance brings it all to life.