The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) 2024 starts today, marking the beginning of a dynamic week filled with music, connection, and innovation. With more than 3,000 performers across 1,000 events, ADE is a powerful meeting point for artists, industry professionals, and enthusiasts alike. This year several Croatian DJs are standing out, bringing their sets to one of the most influential stages in the global electronic music scene.
On the opening day of ADE 2024, Croatian DJ Cashew, fresh from a tour in Japan, will perform at Desmet Studio’s for the UNCOMMON x Serpentale Present Label Night. Meanwhile, Zagreb-based DJ DaDoo will be taking the stage at Voster & Gallardo x TANK presents: NO NAME in Escape deLux, showcasing his well-known versatility in the electronic scene.
This year’s edition would be unimaginable without one of Croatia’s most iconic electronic music promoters, DJ Max, whose radio show ‘Welcome to the Club‘ on Croatian Radio 2 (HR2) recently came up to 1297 episodes, and is one of the first electronic music shows in Croatian media. His influence is even more impeccable abroad, as he was a guest at the most popular festivals and clubs around the world. You can find DJ Max every day of ADE, in different locations.
Moreover, today marks the debut by Mario Mijatovic, known as Marios Groove, who will perform tonight at Oosterbar as a part of eMBi Music,CUE label night.
“Considering that this is my first gig during ADE… everything is possible, as the saying goes ‘expect the unexpected’, but the general vibe is pretty positive and of course, the sold-out early bird tickets certainly give positive feedback to the whole thing”, said Mario, and added that we can expect new music throughout the next year, including original releases, collabs with friends, and the remixes for other labels.
Later in the evening, DaDoo will share the stage with the Croatian-Slovenian DJ duo Vanillaz at the Funk D & De La Noise Invite in Prime Club. Active since 2011, Vanillaz – with releases on prominent labels like Spinnin’ Records and Ultra Music – will also perform again on Sunday at the Grimix + Friends event. Their sets, a blend of house, techno, and progressive house, are known for their high energy and dynamic style​.
On Thursday Croatia will be represented by Matroda, who will host his Matroda & Friends night at Chin Chin Club, featuring fellow local producer San Pacho. Both Matroda and San Pacho have recently earned spots on the prestigious Top 101 Producers of 2024 list by 1001Tracklists, with Matroda ranking 53rd and San Pacho securing the 55th spot​. Earlier in the day, San Pacho will also perform at the 1001Tracklists presents Top 101 Producers & The Future of Dance Celebration at Room Mate Aitana.
On the same day, Daniel Boban – DJ, producer, and event manager from Slavonski Brod – will perform at the Around Us & Callecat Invites party at Kadinsky Cafe. Boban is known for his ability to experiment with different genres, and for ADE his set will focus on the modern sound of progressive house music​.
On Friday at ADE 2024,  Tom Bug will represent his homegrown label Dobar House at the Visions event in Bar Twenty Two. In Croatia’s house music scene, Dobar House has grown from filling up dancefloors in Zagreb’s biggest clubs to festivals along the Adriatic coast. The label is also a local support for residents for Defected events in Croatia.
“This is my first appearance at an event at ADE. I don’t have any special expectations considering that it is one of the smaller events, but the lineup is definitely interesting! Every time I come to ADE, it opens new opportunities for me in terms of partnerships and connections”, said Tom Bug, adding that ADE is never a waste of time.
Additionally, on the same day, Cashew will take the stage for his second set of the conference, performing at the Darklight Sessions party in Club NYX​.
As ADE 2024 unfolds, Croatian DJs are making their mark on one of the most important electronic music events in the world. With their individual styles ranging from progressive house to techno, they are introducing international audiences to the depth and diversity of Croatia’s music scene. For Croatia this is an opportunity to connect with the global music community, reach new listeners, and showcase what it has to offer.
