Adez

ADEZ is a DJ and producer who has steadily built a reputation for his powerful and deeply personal sound in the house music scene. His journey from a young music enthusiast to a prominent artist based in Amsterdam has been marked by defining moments, challenges, and collaborations. In this interview, ADEZ offers an intimate look at his early inspirations, initial struggles, and the milestones that shaped his career.

Reflecting on his earliest encounters with music, ADEZ recalls a pivotal connection with hip-hop.

“It was around the age of 11 or 12 that I started to feel a deep connection to a specific kind of music. A strong passion for hip-hop grew once I began listening to artists like 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, and Eminem, among others. Spending hours in front of MTV and exchanging CDs and USBs with classmates soon became a lifestyle. That feeling still resonates with me. Most of my productions have a distinct hip-hop flavor that reflects my musical influences.”

This early immersion laid a strong foundation, with hip-hop rhythms and lyrical grit seeping into the DNA of his house productions.

Maybe a transformative moment that propelled ADEZ into house music was hearing the sound of Avotre for the first time. He explains,

“The moment that inspired me the most was when I first listened to the sound of Avotre. Transitioning from the deep house sound I was into, to that specific tech house style, had a strong impact that I won’t forget.”

This discovery influenced ADEZ to experiment with deeper, more percussive grooves—a style that has become central to his sound. Moving to Amsterdam was a bold decision for ADEZ, who found the city’s vibrant music culture irresistible.

“Moving to Amsterdam became a dream after just a few days of visiting. The music culture, clubs, and festivals were constantly on my mind. Packing my belongings wasn’t easy; I left many things behind, knowing I would have to start a new life somewhere new, and totally alone. The excitement was overwhelming, though, and my growing interest in the Dutch scene kept me focused, without getting stuck on the many struggles this kind of journey can bring.”

This leap fueled his passion for electronic music and positioned him at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic house music scenes.

ADEZ’s first official performance was an electrifying experience that he vividly remembers.

“My first official gig was a pure mix of adrenaline and anxiety that I rarely felt before. Going from bedroom sets, house parties, and radio shows to a proper club setup was something I had wished for a long time. When I first put my hands on that club setup, I instantly felt comfortable. The happiness far outweighed any stress I could have felt—an emotion that’s hard to forget.” This initial taste of live performance solidified his resolve to make a lasting impact on the house music scene.

ADEZ’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One defining moment came when his music was played by Prunk, an established artist and mentor.

“The moment when Prunk played one of the first tracks I had managed to roughly complete was a huge motivational boost! It made me feel like I was heading in the right direction in terms of creativity and composition. A down moment from that phase came when I realized my music wasn’t sounding good enough to be consistently liked and supported. Mixdown processes and sound design techniques were a sort of struggle, but I overcame them by taking the time to study and learn, as well as analyzing the music of bigger artists in more detail.” This experience taught ADEZ the importance of persistence, self-study, and refining his craft.

The sense of community has also been crucial in ADEZ’s growth as an artist. He shares,

“The first solid community that felt like home to me was PIV. Besides the amazing performances I attended every time, I was closely inspired and motivated by artists I respect a lot, like Prunk and Chris Stussy, who were a constant source of artistic growth and dedication.”

Being part of the PIV collective not only provided ADEZ with valuable exposure but also instilled in him a sense of belonging within the house music community.

Key milestones mark ADEZ’s journey, each holding special significance.

“Some milestones I really consider special are playing an all-night-long set in Amsterdam, performing at Awakenings Festival, and releasing an EP on Solid Grooves.”

These accomplishments have allowed him to express his unique musical identity and connect deeply with audiences who share his love for house music.

Collaboration has also played a significant role in ADEZ’s career. One memorable project was with Reelow on the “Funk The Pump” EP.

“My recent collaboration with Reelow on the ‘Funk The Pump’ EP has been one of the highlights of the year. I remember playing his tracks when I was just starting out, and being able to produce four tracks together was pure excitement.”

This experience not only enhanced ADEZ’s production skills but also inspired him creatively.

In an age where social media plays an influential role in artist careers, ADEZ has embraced its potential as a community-building tool.

“Social media is the kind of tool you either love or hate, in my opinion. I used to use these platforms just to post about gigs and releases, rather than thinking of them as community builders. During COVID, I started using them with a different mindset, creating something real that my followers could interact with.”

By sharing behind-the-scenes moments and connecting with fans, ADEZ found new ways to make his artistry accessible to a global audience.

Looking ahead, ADEZ has ambitious goals both as a performer and as a mentor.

“The ultimate goal is to travel the world thanks to my art, connecting with people, and sharing the music I want to be recognized for. Touring in South America is constantly on my mind—experiencing different energy and vibes, and seeing how people approach the industry in cities I’ve never been to is something I want to make happen.”

He also envisions establishing a social media management agency to help aspiring artists navigate the digital landscape, empowering them to expand their reach worldwide.

Through dedication, resilience, and a commitment to authentic expression, ADEZ is crafting a legacy in house music. His journey serves as an inspiration for emerging artists, proving that passion, perseverance, and community can shape a lasting and impactful career. As ADEZ continues to evolve, his story stands as a testament to the power of music as a force for connection and personal growth.