On a sunny weekend in May, for the first time ever and with curiosity running high, we made our way to Houthrak to attend the second edition of Upclose. The weekend started with lunch in the backstage area, where we sampled Italian bites and got the inside scoop on what Upclose is all about. Born from the minds behind Awakenings, Upclose is the team’s passion project with the dancefloor at its core. Each stage is intentionally intimate, bringing DJs close to the crowd and putting real human connection front and center. After two days of stage-hopping, feet-stomping, and a fair share of drink-chugging, it’s safe to say Upclose delivers on its promise.
The festival is a showcase of techno in all its forms, with each stage offering a distinct vibe. Whether you’re after acid-laced beatwaves or the hypnotic pull of Berlin techno, there’s a corner for every taste. This year’s festival continued its mission of connecting local underground gems with renowned international talent. The Gang is Beautiful returned to host their signature stage, while a new highlight emerged: a secret stage curated by Amsterdam’s beloved techno event series, Eerste Communie.
Our definite highlights included the legendary Ben Klock joining forces with Ignez for an eclectic set, as well as Jane Fitz and Dozzy Donatto’s mellow yet exciting take on techno. The top-tier organization was matched by a diverse and energetic crowd, all brought together by Awakenings’ signature set and light design.
Scroll down to see Upclose 2025 through the lens of Aa’s favorite partygirl duo, Chiara and Christina.
Note: We previously made the decision not to publish our Upclose content due to Awakenings’ association with the private equity firm KKR, which invests in companies linked to Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza. Subsequently, Awakenings issued a statement clarifying that no profits from the festival are directed to KKR. Furthermore, they distanced themselves from the firm and demonstrated strong support for the Palestinian cause by donating guest list contributions to Oxfam Novib, specifically to aid those affected in Gaza. In light of these actions, we have decided to move forward with sharing our content.
Photos by Chiara Wagner @bceveryonedoesit and Christina Lai @chr8stina
