DJ LIFE caught up with the club’s two principals, Doeshka Vrede and Jasper Löwik, to get the story on The Other Side.
Amsterdam, NL – This past October during the annual Amsterdam Dance Event, we were afforded the unique opportunity to fully experience a spatial-audio installation in a proper nightclub setting. No, this definitely wasn’t a trade-show demo room or manufacturer’s isolation booth; it was a full-on Euro techno party in an environment that accommodated 900 dancers – and the results, as you might imagine, were fully absorbing.
Thanks to forward-thinking loudspeaker maker L-Acoustics, spatial-audio pioneers Polygon Live, and local club The Other Side, we were treated to Full Cycle, a spatial-audio concert series curated especially for ADE.
Moving around the room, it was a genuinely immersive experience that truly felt as if we were completely enveloped inside the music – in this case, the melodic house and techno tunes spun by German DJs Stimming and Christian Löffler. Using L-Acoustics’ L-ISA 14.1.5 immersive sound technology, The Other Side provides a 360-degree auditory experience that’s like no other.
Afterward, we caught up with the club’s two principals, Doeshka Vrede and Jasper Löwik, to get the story on The Other Side.
DJ LIFE: How long has the venue been running in its current location?
Doeshka Vrede: Three years ago, during the brief respite between the first and second COVID lockdowns, we opened our doors for the very first time. Initially, we operated with just one event per year under event permits. Over time, we were able to increase this to 12 events annually, allowing us to demonstrate to the municipality and our neighborhood that we are a trustworthy organization that adheres to all rules, laws, and limits.
Jasper Löwik: However, the challenges and extra costs of operating this way proved unsustainable in the long term. Determined to continue our journey, we applied for a full club license and a 24-hour permit. After years of persistence, we were finally granted the permit in November 2023, marking a major milestone in our evolution.
DJ LIFE: Aside from the nightclub, what other businesses does The Other Side run? What’s the overall vision for The Other Side brand?
Löwik: We are an artist agency and a music label. We believe in living according to the natural rhythms and cycles of nature when it comes to people’s ability to feel happy, strong and powerful.
DJ LIFE: How would you describe the Amsterdam club market?
Löwik: Amsterdam is renowned for its vibrant and diverse club scene, offering a wide range of venues catering to various musical tastes and atmospheres. From intimate underground spaces to expansive warehouses, the city provides nightlife experiences that appeal to both locals and international visitors.
Vrede: The competition in Amsterdam’s club market is intense. This competitive environment fosters a culture of continuous innovation, pushing clubs to distinguish themselves to remain relevant and attractive. In this competitive landscape, The Other Side stands out by focusing on artistic evolution, creativity, and self-expression.
Löwik: Obtaining the necessary permits for a 24-hour club in Amsterdam is a complex and challenging process. The city enforces strict criteria and procedures to ensure clubs meet safety standards, noise regulations, and other legal requirements. Despite these hurdles, The Other Side successfully navigated the licensing process, showcasing its dedication to providing a high-quality and safe experience for its visitors.
Vrede: By focusing on cutting-edge sound technology and fostering a community centered on artistic expression, The Other Side has carved out a unique position in Amsterdam’s bustling club scene, appealing to those seeking innovative and immersive nightlife experiences.
DJ LIFE: What types of DJs are you bringing to the venue?
Vrede: Our booking policy focuses on curating a diverse lineup of DJs and artists who align with our mission of fostering self-expression and artistic growth. We feature both international and local talent, offering a range of genres to cater to a broad audience. We are always in search of the musical essence in the work of artists and the passion within external event promoters.
DJ LIFE: How did the sound installation with the L-Acoustics spatial audio come about?
Löwik: We used to work with End of Time [an Amsterdam-based quartet of artists, composers and sound designers] as our artist-in-residence. They have been exploring spatial audio for years in collaboration with their sound engineer. As their agent, we witnessed the challenges of performing with spatial audio firsthand. Their dedication and innovation inspired us to invest in this technology, making it more accessible and easier for artists to use. Their sound engineer, Stefan Liem, has since become the lead engineer of the club.
DJ LIFE: This sound system really gives The Other Side a point of difference…
Vrede: We distinguish ourselves in Amsterdam’s club scene through the integration of the L-ISA immersive sound technology by L-Acoustics – it’s the first club in the world equipped with this groundbreaking system. This advanced audio system envelops listeners in a 360-degree auditory experience, delivering unparalleled clarity and depth. Unlike traditional stereo setups, L-ISA allows precise placement of sound sources, creating a natural and immersive environment that enhances the connection between the artist and the audience.
Löwik: For club-goers, this translates to a transformative experience where music moves around, above, and through them, making each performance uniquely engaging. The immersive soundscape ensures that every detail of the music is perceptible, regardless of one’s position in the venue, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the performance. This innovative approach not only sets The Other Side apart from other clubs, but also elevates the standard for live music experiences in Amsterdam. Up until now the audience loves it!
DJ LIFE: In practice, how does the system work with the DJ/artist?
Vrede: We place significant emphasis on building strong connections with our artists. Typically, the artist prepares their set at home using the L-ISA Studio software. Once on-site, we dedicate approximately three hours – depending on the complexity of the set – to collaborate with the artist and fine-tune their performance, ensuring everything is ready for the show.
Löwik: Of course, as a producer, you can push the boundaries and get as creative as you like. The approach depends on whether you’re creating a composition specifically designed for spatial audio or adapting an existing live set for spatial performance. For DJs, our main engineer will map the spatial audio in real-time on-site, ensuring the sound fully immerses the audience.
DJ LIFE: What other gear is in the club?
Vrede: In addition to the L-ISA 14.1.5 system, we have for the DJ booth six Pioneer DJ CDJ-2000NXS2 players, plus a Pioneer DJM-900NXS2 or an Allen & Heath Xone:92 mixer at the ready. For lighting and animation, we have 14 Alkalite Octo Strip LED tubes, 14 Martin Mac 101 fixtures, eight Astera Octo Tubes, and 340 LED tubes.
DJ LIFE: What’s next for the venue?
Vrede: Since ADE, we’ve introduced a new light system designed and created by VisualSystems. This 340-LED tube art installation was crafted specifically for our space, adding a dynamic visual element to the experience. The next step in our innovation journey is to synchronize the light system with the L-ISA processor output, allowing it to visualize spatial audio. This integration will bring a new dimension to performances, where sound and light work together to immerse club-goers in an unparalleled sensory experience.
Photos by Charlotte van der Gaag