Focus on the Netherlands: Paul Hazendonk, Manual Music

Focus on the Netherlands: Paul Hazendonk, Manual Music

21 October, 2010 | 2.45AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: focus on, manual music, netherlands, paul hazendonk

Paul Hazendonk is the head of the Netherlands’ Manual Music, an agency handling bookings, distribution, publishing, and label management; its stable includes Manual, Melomane, Stolen Moments, Adult Records, Relatives, and Work Hard Play Hard.

In today’s Focus on the Netherlands spotlight, he recounts the crucial role that Rotterdam’s Basic Beat record shop played in the evolution of the Dutch scene, and recommends a host of new talent to watch out for. He’s also got a brand new Beatport Top 10 for us.

Don’t forget to get your copy of our Focus on the Netherlands compilation, absolutely free! 

Which local clubs, DJs and record labels were most significant to you when you were first getting into dance music?

I got offered a job at the Basic Beat record store at age 18. It was located on the Nieuwe Binnenweg, in Rotterdam, one of the most infamous streets when it came down to record buying and crate digging around that time. Back then you didn’t really have any electronic ticket services for the parties, so all promoters just came by to drop off their presale tickets; DJs were all playing vinyl so they’d come by to check the latest releases, and since there was also a record company located in the same building, a lot of producers came by too. It was one of those ideal places where the scene was really lively, and it obviously influenced me big-time in the early years of my career.

At that time the Rotterdam nightlife was really lively, too, with clubs and parties such as Nighttown, OffCorso, Now&Wow, Las Palmas, Lunapark, Waterfront, etc. I have really good memories of going to Nighttown on Friday nights, where Michel De Hey had his own Future nights for years, where he would bring great guests over. Back then you also had Chesterfield Labelland parties, quite a big concept which unfortunately had to stop when cigarette brands couldn’t sponsor events anymore due to the anti-tobacco law.

What sets Dutch music apart? Is it possible to define a Dutch sound?

I recently read an article stating that the Netherlands probably has more quality producers in each square kilometer than supermarkets, and I think (without wanting to sound too patriotic) that this actually can be true. Since the beginning of Manual Music I’ve always loved to push talented Dutch artists, and there seem to be new, sometimes very young, talented producers popping up here each month. I think what makes the Dutch strong is the versatility of sounds, instead of just being strong in one particular sound. We’ve got world-leading producers in techno, tech house, house, trance, drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep etc.

Which artists and labels from your country should people be looking out for, and why?

This is always a tricky question, because as soon as this interview is published I’m surely going to realize that I forgot a few people! So, just in random order, please look out for: Taras Van De Voorde, Ferreck Dawn, Etienne Manuhuwa, Thomas Lauren, Redondo, Bas Amro, Sigward, Noraj Cue, Tim Roscoe, Lemontrip, Kid Culture, Qbical, Applescal, Tundra, Giorgos Gatzigristos, Thomas Lauren, Francesco Pico—and last but not least, the project I’m currently working on together with Qbical, behind the decks and in the studio: Furrr & Hazendonk!

Paul Hazendonk Beatport Top 10

Paul Hazendonk on Beatport

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