Taking a break from sifting through Amsterdam’s record stores, DJ Welly Well joined us in the Technics Space at the Nexus Lounge during Amsterdam Dance Event 2024. A native to the city and a founder of the Amsterdam Audio Collective, Welly Well sat down to answer a few questions, chat about his experience at ADE so far, and play a round of our Nexus Take 5 Series.
As a DJ, Welly Well has carved out his niche in the bustling Dutch music scene with his unparalleled versatility and dynamic presence. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend genres—from Hip-hop and R&B to timeless classics and contemporary hits—Welly Well has earned a reputation for crafting unique musical experiences that captivate audiences.
His journey, which began with an impulsive purchase of Technics SL1200s in 2002, has seen him master the art of mixing and beat matching, leading to performances at some of Holland’s most prestigious clubs, including Jimmy Woo and Panama. Internationally, his electrifying sets have graced venues in Bali and Thailand, captivating crowds with his distinctive style.
Getting into our interview, Welly fills us on in his busy year, which has included work through the Amsterdam Audio Collective. Offering courses and management/development services to up-and-coming DJs, AAC has become an important staple of the city’s dance scene since its inception with Welly at its head.
Given the size of Amsterdam’s scene, we’re not surprised at the level of success this enterprise has seen. Still, we ask Welly if he has any idea how The Netherlands have become such a hot spot for dance music, and why so many of the industry’s biggest names call this country home.
“The infrastructure is there, the culture is there, we have a festival scene which is pretty big…”, he shares, adding: “I think all these things together are why you see a lot of Dutch DJs”.
As a first-timer at the Nexus Lounge, we ask DJ Welly Well to play a quick game of our signature rapid-fire question series, Nexus Take 5. Here are some things we learned: Welly’s celebrity crush growing up was Jennifer Aniston, and when it comes to karaoke, he happens to be a Backstreet Boys guy. He also shares that one of the most rewarding moments of his career so far is building a partnership with Technics, the company whose gear started it all for him—a full-circle moment if there was one.
To learn more about DJ Welly Well, his work throughout the Dutch dance scene and his journey to ADE 2024, check out the full-length and exclusive interview below. And, as always, follow us on Instagram @nexusradiodance for more exclusive interviews with dance music’s biggest artists.