Sam Collins Shares Insight on Life in Amsterdam

Rising DJ and producer Sam Collins swung by to chat about his experience living in Amsterdam, share his thoughts on the local scene, and more.

Masked maestro Sam Collins has taken the tech house music scene by storm over the past few years, turning heads with releases on labels such as Hysteria, RUN DEEP, Kontor Records, and more. His most recent tune, “Prayers On Acid,” caught the attention of Thomas Gold, who released the track on his Fanfare Music imprint, helping shape his trajectory for 2024. But Sam Collins’ story doesn’t start there, and we got the full scoop on this fast-ascending producer.

After growing up in Munich, Germany, Sam Collins moved to Amsterdam, one of the biggest hubs in the electronic music scene. That’s where he’s made his home over the past half-decade, which aligns well with the growth of his career as it offered more opportunities for him to take advantage of than ever before.

Here, rubbing shoulders with industry legends and up-and-coming geniuses at places like the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is just another Tuesday. This city is a melting pot of creatives, and has opened doors to collaborations and friendships I never imagined, transforming not just my music, but me. It’s all about the connections here – starting at late-night PlayStation games to spontaneous studio sessions.
Sam Collins

While Amsterdam itself is easily seen as a hub for dance music artists, there’s more than meets the eye as to why it’s such a special place to grow creatively. Sam Collins stated that the city’s cultural diversity “acts as a crucible for music innovation,” with their openness to different cultures and influences, creating a thriving music community that embraces various sounds, genres, and styles. “This diversity not only enriches the music produced but also the audience it attracts, creating a uniquely inclusive and vibrant atmosphere at events and festivals,” he said.

Speaking of those festival and event experiences, he also believes that its continued commitment to that innovation can be seen through the likes of Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), along with the institutions that have also made a home there. “These platforms not only showcase cutting-edge music but also facilitate discussions on technology, sustainability, and the future of the industry,” he said. “This forward-thinking approach ensures that the local scene remains at the forefront of global trends while nurturing homegrown talent.”

That said, life as a DJ in Amsterdam isn’t completely seamless, as Sam Collins shared that his perspective on it is a bit nuanced. “On one hand, the market’s saturation makes it challenging for DJs to stand out,” he said. “With so many talented artists vying for attention, securing gigs requires not just skill but is more and more based on connections and favors. This, unfortunately, makes it a difficult city for local DJs.” Those who have taken the step beyond DJing and are focused on production might have a different view, though, as according to Sam Collins, the local scene has a “vibrant and fruitful landscape.”

Amsterdam is a melting pot of upcoming talents across various electronic genres, making it an exciting place to create music. The opportunity to connect with like-minded producers and vocalists, whether at studio sessions, workshops, or during the music events the city hosts, is unparalleled. These collaborations often lead to the creation of tracks that might not have been possible elsewhere.
Sam Collins

As for when you come to visit Amsterdam, Sam Collins offered some insight into his favorite spots. “My favorite venue for going out is Thuishaven by far. In summer, the atmosphere and outdoor location, paired with the remarkable bookings, make it my favorite place, and it is definitely worth a visit,” he said. “To make it a perfect evening, I would round it off with the best Korean chicken wings at the “Soju Bar” in “de Pijp” district.”

Before he departed, Sam Collins left us with a parting gift, an exclusive mix that’s filled to the brim with some fantastic house gems from himself, along with others like Watermat, Sammy Porter, KREAM, and more. Give it a spin and follow him on social media to stay informed on the latest releases and show announcements!