Despite what the name might suggest, DirtyLang isn’t an invitation to start swearing. It’s what happens when two multidisciplinary creatives with an unhealthy amount of good taste decide one DJ isn’t enough.

Made up of Alice Vink (dirtydms) and Jip Boxstart (Helmond Lang), the duo first met while modelling in London almost ten years ago. Today, they move seamlessly between music, fashion, design and film, bringing all of those worlds into the booth with them.

Next Sunday, they’ll open The Nest on the final day of Dekmantel, a slot that’s equal parts responsibility and invitation. While thousands of festival goers slowly find their footing in the Amsterdamse Bos, DirtyLang will be setting the tone with the playful, genre hopping selections that have quickly become their signature. If you’ve ever wondered what the first soundtrack to a Dekmantel Sunday should sound like, they’re about to give you their answer.

Ahead of their festival debut, we spoke about creative collaboration, the art of opening a stage, finding freedom through experimentation, and why the best DJs never let themselves get boxed in.

Aida Pachedji: How did your paths first cross & how did you decide to collaborate?

DirtyLang: We met in London about 10 years ago. We were both working as models and traveling a lot together.

How would you compare the music scene in Rotterdam to Amsterdam?

Rotterdam’s music scene experiments a lot and the crowds in the clubs like Shunter, Export and Time is the New Space are open-minded music-wise.

Amsterdam shines with more diversity in the clubs and a tight-knit group of music enthusiasts. There is a different kind of sound which is very cool. We play more often in Amsterdam than Rotterdam.

We think both cities should create more unity overall because there’s so much overlap and exciting things happening.

You have a show together on Echobox, called 333 with Silver Pearl. You described the art of DJ as building through collaboration and experimentation. Can you share more about what that process looks like? How has the experience shaped your DJ practice?

We wanted to make a radio show where we challenge ourselves and develop sides of ourselves that otherwise are maybe harder to find the opportunity for. Every 3 months we think of a different theme and make a show surrounding that. We go in with a very playful mindset which is so much fun. Beautiful things and connections follow out of it.

Dekmantel is a big highlight in Amsterdam’s electronic music scene. Is this your first time performing there?

Yes, it is the first time, super excited!

You played a b2b set at Rewire Festival 2026 – How is your Dekmantel performance going to be different?

We closed the stage at Rewire & at Dekmantel we are opening. We are going to try to build up the energy gradually for the soundsystem, the sun, hopefully, and the first festival goers beginning their Dekmantel Sunday adventure.

Jip, I watched Vanessa’s film “Oxygen” at IFFR 2026 where you are one of the main characters. You are also a stylist. I was wondering how you combine the three mediums of film, music and fashion?

I really struggle with this sometimes. Working during the week and playing over the weekend is a tough combination at times, especially when you stay creative during all of it. At the same time it complements each other in a very interesting way. 

Sometimes a track is inspired by a specific kind of look and the other way around! You can create a whole world of your own if you combine different disciplines and I love that. Plus, my life never gets boring !!

Alice, I know you started modelling from a very young age and you are a designer. How do you balance these three things with being a DJ? Are they complementary in the way you relate to each other?

Design, modelling, and DJing feel very connected to me. In each one, I’m trying to tell a story without words, whether that’s through visuals(animation,design etc), body language, or music. They each allow me to create an atmosphere and evoke emotions in different ways.

They definitely influence one another. Design has given me a way of thinking about aesthetics, research, and world-building. Modelling made me more aware of physical presence and expression, while DJing taught me how to shape emotion and create a journey through music. To me, they’re all different ways of building an experience and communicating something that can’t always be put into words.

As for balancing them… I’m still figuring that out, to be honest. I work pretty irregular hours and tend to throw myself completely into whatever I’m focused on at the time, so finding a healthier balance is definitely something I’m still working on.

You are both a new wave of DJs in the Dutch music scene, do you have any advice about young people who are just starting to find their way? Or anything you wish you would have known before you started?

Have fun! Don’t let people put you in a box that they might think you fit into if it feels wrong. Your selection is the star of the show, DJ skills will follow. And very important; before you start buy good earplugs.