The Netherlands has long been renowned as a very special place when it comes to producing electronic music talent. Bart van Rijn is one such individual. A native of The Hague, van Rijn is best known as the resident of the city’s STUG events―and a man who’s just as capable in the DJ booth as he is in the studio.
Boasting a warm, soulful, and always captivating sound, van Rijn’s versatility can be measured by the acts he’s played alongside. From international acts such as Radio Slave, Luke Slater, and Carl Craig to local talents such as Patrice Baumel, Nuno dos Santos, and Joris Voorn, van Rijn has truly chopped it up alongside some of electronic music’s foremost names.
Following his participation in our EG mix series, we caught up with Bart van Rijn to learn more about his STUG imprint, future endeavors, and more.
EG: Hi Bart! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you based right now?
Bart van Rijn: Thanks for the invite. All fine and finally getting the ‘normal’ life back since 2022 after the pandemic. For some years now, I am based in The Hague, Netherlands. You can always find me near a beach 😉
EG: So, what have you been up to these past few months? Anything cooking away in the studio?
Bart van Rijn: From last November and December I took some time again in the studio, yes. Had a short break for 6 months only selecting samples, updating programs, etc., but did not record any new stuff. In November I took a series of video courses from Aulart and Virtuoso and it was great to learn and see tips and tricks from producers you have tracks from. Artist videos that were really nice to learn from were Dense & Pika, Mella Dee, Fred P, Shadow Child, DJ Q, DLR, HODGE, Egbert, Marco Faraone, Hannes Bieger, Rodriguez Jr., and Robert Babicz. So many, many hours listening, making notes, and watching their knowledge was fun for sure. Afterward, I picked up the production quickly again and felt good ☺
EG: You’re behind your own STUG Music label. How has it evolved over the years since its first release?
Bart van Rijn: First STUG001 release was aired in February 2018, so that’s exactly 5 years ago. In 2017, I was finalizing the 9 originals, asking remixers, and finally preparing all 4 releases for 2018 before the launch of STUG Music. Starting a label was all new for me, but in hindsight, it was a very, very nice natural way of working. Easy contact with the remixers and everybody’s work I have released. I think my experience with organizing events in the past helps a lot with working with deadlines, artists, artworks, etc.
EG: How would you describe STUG’s ethos? How do you visualize STUG’s future?
Bart van Rijn: I would like to release dance floor-orientated house & techno to Indie electronic music. I started by releasing my own music + remixes. Afterward, I had the opportunity to release an EP from Chocky (also vinyl). Four very nice deep (house) tracks and a remix from Works of Intent. We started with the idea to create an album release, but the costs/risk was too high to manufacture 12 tracks (double vinyl) as the first vinyl on STUG Music. So, we decided on an EP with the coolest tracks from the album selection. Vinyl (150 pc) was sold out in 2 months, so that was a nice result. (Thanks to Ryan Elliott who charted it in his Top 10).
Future thinking, I hope and would love to release work from others more frequently and create a nice yearly schedule in combination with my own music. Besides that, I would like to have some STUG events back somewhere. Does not have to be in The Netherlands. Not too much but 3 or 4 in a year would be good. We shall see.
“An event, a track, a remix, a collaboration, or the release itself is always a relief when it is scheduled properly. Preparing a decent promotion for a release takes many hours to succeed, so when that’s successfully over, I am satisfied”
EG: What does success mean to you? Has the concept changed over the years?
Bart van Rijn: For me, success means that I can see my ideas coming to life. An event, a track, a remix, collaboration, or the release itself is always a relief when it is scheduled properly. Preparing a decent promotion for a release takes many hours to succeed, so when that’s successfully over, I am satisfied. The STUG concept always stayed the same as the earlier events; release music that you like within house, techno, and indie electronic music.
EG: What does your studio look like at the moment? Have you picked up any new bit of gear or software that you’d personally recommend?
Bart van Rijn: I have a studio at home and it is all in the box (no hardware), but with some boutique controllers from Soundforce and Softube I can use some synth plugins (Repro 1 or 5 and Arturia) smoothly.
The software I added lately is Cube, Split EQ, Arturia FX, Filterfreak, and Super 7. And in the next months, I will receive the Osmose Keyboard that I already ordered 3 years ago in 2019… But because of Covid and chip shortage, it was delayed, but it’s finally there. I can’t wait…
EG: Is the role of social media taking its toll on the music? Would we choose to “listen & see” the same artists if it wasn’t for social media?
Bart van Rijn: Yes, and no. It really helps an artist to grow, be independent, and get more exposure for their music or DJ sets. But it is more about how social media is being used by the industry itself. Every global touring DJ has his or her own ‘social media manager’ on tour for the action pics/videos… But, besides the social masses, there will always be some curious people that find or organize a new niche to visit or listen to.
EG: Can you tell us something about yourself that only a few people know about?
Bart van Rijn: No comment…. ☺
“It really helps an artist to grow, be independent, and get more exposure for their music or DJ sets. But it is more about how social media is being used by the industry itself”
EG: How do you keep entertained when not in the studio? Have you checked out any good movies, series, books, or albums you’d recommend?
Bart van Rijn: Biking through the city of The Hague and the beaches is fun in the Summer and Winter. Short city trips abroad including visiting some artists/clubs are always a GO for me. The latest trip was just before XMAS visiting Paris by train to visit Gerd Janson all night long, and the next day it was ÂME (Kristian) all night long. These nights were both very cool and also got new ideas for my own music production. The set from ÂME was really some other level that I have not heard in many years. He kept on building his set nonstop, with only a couple of breaks. Continues spot on like a true master, super!
Another entertainment… Listening to Laurent Garnier Radio PBB is always fun and it’s 24/7. Besides that, I really like the Spotify Track IDs from Gerd Janson. The best album in 2022 for me was AVNU’s on Maceo’s ELLUM label.
EG: What’s next for Bart van Rijn? What particular milestones are you looking forwards to this 2023?
Bart van Rijn: These winter months until April are planned for studio and finishing some tracks that I will release in 2023. Hopefully with some fine remixers to add too. Would like to organize an event(s) again somewhere at the end of 2023…
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Bart! We wish you all the best for the future.
Bart van Rijn: Cool and thanks for the interview and EG Mix, enjoy!
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