With a style built on feeling, not formulas, Grace Dahl delivers electronic music that moves bodies and minds in equal measure. Born in Budapest, raised in Spain, and now based in Amsterdam, her sets are shaped by a multicultural upbringing and a childhood spent watching her father spin records. From local clubs to Berghain and Boiler Room, her rise has been powered by intuition and an unmatched ability to read the room.
This weekend, she returns to Upclose, kicking off the infamous Dutch Festival season. Promising sunny skies and fast BPMs, Grace plays a B2B with François X. We had a quick catch-up with her, ahead of her set. She tells us she’s not planning much: “I trust that the energy will just flow”. Between running her label Serial Disc Touchers and scouting fresh sounds (she’s tipping Locklead as a summer favorite), Dahl’s vision for techno is fast, fluid, and fiercely human. As she puts it: “Anything that lets me dive deep and keep learning — that’s where I’m happiest.
Aa: If you weren’t a DJ, what would your job be?
Grace: Well my parents always said I was a jack of all trades because I was curious about many different things growing up. It would probably still be something creative though. I’ve always loved singing, so maybe something like voice acting or radio hosting. Not the whole popstar route though… I think something more lowkey would suit me better.
At the same time, I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour. I naturally tend to analyse people and try to understand why we do the things we do. So something in the realm of therapy or psychology has always appealed to me. And I’ve got a pretty good knack for pattern recognition, so forensics was on my radar at one point too. Honestly anything that lets me dive deep and keep learning would probably keep me happy!
Aa: Could you share 3 tracks you’re most excited to play? Will we hear any unreleased tracks?
G: I’m actually not 100% sure yet what I’ll be playing, and I love it that way. I’ve played Awakenings for over 4 years now, so I trust that the energy with a crowd that’s so familiar to me will just flow. Since it’s a b2b, there’s less room for strict preparation anyway. But I know François X is an amazing vibe-reader too, so I’m sure we’ll bounce off each other effortlessly.
Aa: In your opinion, what’s going to be the song of the summer?
G: I’ve been really digging those Locklead-style house vibes lately. Super groove-focused, warm, and fun. I’d honestly bet that any of his recent or upcoming releases have serious “summer hit” potential. Another one of NL’s finest, if you ask me!
Aa: What’s the weirdest DM you’ve gotten after a gig?
Dahl: Honestly, I get pretty extraordinary DMs every month, but one that really stuck with me was someone who asked if I could ID a track from my Berghain set — but the only detail they gave was: “It felt like being reborn inside a black hole made of leather.” I was able to find the correct ID though, lmao.
Aa: If you had to choose only one… Vinyl or USB?
G: That’s a hard one, but I’d go with vinyl. Purely because it’s the root of everything we do today. There was something about the vinyl-only era where people connected more deeply with the music, and tracks had a much longer shelf life. Many of those records are still being talked about today. Digital is great for accessibility, but vinyl carries that timeless magic touch.
Aa: Who’s your favorite DJ on the Upclose lineup this year (other than you of course)?
G: Lobster is hands-down my all-time favorite. He can make anyone dance at any moment — and not just with bangers. He takes risks, keeps people hooked, and has this sublime way of mixing that feels effortless. One of the absolute finest from NL.
I also have to shout out a few others I’m super excited about: Client, Shoob, Ogazón, Blasha & Allatt, and Beste Hira!
Aa: Do you have any advice or tips for people who are just starting in the electronic music industry?
G: Stay eager and don’t rush. Focus on building your own sound and identity, try to avoid chasing trends. Connections are important, but nothing beats hard work, consistency, and being kind. And remember to enjoy the ride, you don’t need to “make it” overnight.
Aa: What makes performing at Upclose unique?
G: Upclose really lives up to its name from what I’ve heard. The vibe is so personal, and you can feel the connection between artist and crowd as if it would be an intimate club setting. Everyone’s open, present, and fully there for the music. I wasn’t able to make it last year, so besides playing this Saturday, I’ll be visiting on Sunday too so I can fully immerse myself from the other side, I can’t wait!
With a packed line-up this weekend at Upclose, we look forward to all the exciting acts at Upclose. For tickets and more information, visit www.awakenings.com.
