This 4 day event welcomed back Awakenings favorites and debuted new artists to the techno dome.
The end of each year brings techno lovers from all over the world to the Gashouder in Amsterdam, the legendary techno temple and home of Awakenings. Over the last four days of 2023, thousands of guests arrived for their final rave of the year.
We attended Friday night, which started off with Olympe, a local artist who has gained international recognition in recent years for her well-curated melodic techno sets. Next up was an Awakenings debut by the Italian duo, Agents of Time, who continued to build up the energy nicely with tracks like their latest release, ‘It’s All Good’. Another debut that night was by the only Dutch DJ on the roster, Colyn, who showcased a lot of his new music that tested very well! From there on, it was full steam ahead with Âme, Kölsch, and KA:AST closing out the night.
Awakenings is a true audiovisual experience. As the night progresses, more of the dome is lit up with lasers, the legendary fireworks, and signature flying comets. It’s as if you are not only hearing techno but actually seeing it!
With over 20 years of experience, Awakenings is an expert in their pyrotechnics as well as offering the finest techno in the industry. We returned on the 30th for the day party to see the legendary Richie Hawtin, followed by Fjaak and Speedy J, who closed out with arguably the best set of the night. Cheers and applause echoed around the dance floor as the crowd clearly wanted more, so in the end, Awakenings welcomed Fjaak along with Elli Acula to play an additional half-hour past closing time. This was the cherry on top of an already fantastic day.
I can happily say I saw fewer phones in the air as most people were fully enjoying the music during the two parties. Something I hope we will continue to see this year. Other things that Awakenings got right included providing free water that was easily accessible, multiple toilet areas that were well monitored, and those on the guest list were asked to make a donation to Doctors Without Borders, a great initiative we’d like to see more events do.
A big thank you to the Awakenings team for another memorable experience and the best final rave of 2023!
If you missed out and would like to join Awakenings in 2024, join the Easter long weekender from March 29th to 30th back at the Gashouder.
More Awakenings events this year:
- Jan 27th in Eindhoven
- May 18-19th at Spaarnwoude Park, Amsterdam
- July 5-7th for a full camping techno experience in Hilvarenbeek. Sign up here for priority access.
