Download Logo Dommelvallei:   Logo White (pdf)   Logo White (eps)   Logo Black (pdf)   Logo Black (eps) DommelVallei - ABOUT US Living Techno Style There have been three major inventions that changed the course of the world as we know it today: the discovery of electricity, the advent of the automobile and the creation of Techno music in Detroit. Some would argue there’s a fourth: the birth of the DommelVallei Techno organization in the Netherlands. What started as an underground Techno organization has evolved into a way of life and has fi rmly established Eindhoven as the “numero uno” techno city of the Netherlands. Work hard, play hard. That’s the DommelVallei philosophy. At the turn of the 21st century, DommelVallei co-founders George Manz and Dirk-Jan de Wilde felt that techno – or even more broadly electronic music as a whole – had lost its edge. Good techno parties were hard to come by. Mainstream electronic tunes were like viral diseases, spreading rapidly and destroying all that was good in their paths. After working all week, these techno lovers wanted to cut loose, have fun, listen to real techno and dance! There were few options – if any – to satisfy these needs. So what do you do when people own a bunch of great records, music lovers want to have fun and dance, and the rebellious spirits of two music pioneers kick into high gear? Create your own party. Enter DommelVallei. DommelVallei is Born In the true spirit of underground music, DommelVallei began throwing parties wherever it could – in warehouses, under freeway passes, in the woods. Word spread quickly - and these events grew in popularity because this distinct style of techno was elusive. Real techno. Smart. Creeping out of a dark, dirty alley, seemingly sinister at fi rst encounter. But with a closer look and listen, you smile – and dance – because you get it. The energy. The groove. The connection is made. It’s now become a part of you, and you are now part of it. It is exactly this personal connection that has become the trademark of the DommelVallei events. Combining the uniqueness of the atmosphere with the unrivalled talent of the DJs who never fail to deliver with a style and fl air that can only be their own, DommelVallei has elevated Eindhoven to a well-deserved status as the techno headquarters of the Netherlands. The Underground Rises But of course, underground parties have their risks, and with the constant threat of being closed down before even one record could hit the turntable, the founders knew they had to make some changes. Manz wanted to create a sort of reverse underground – legal – but not obvious. A place where like-minded music lovers who had made that connection could fi nd each other, relax and have fun in a haunt of their own. He soon found a few venues that could facilitate this environment and began holding DommelVallei parties on a regular basis. Tachini – one of the country’s most talented live acts – and Zix, a force to be reckoned with behind the decks, were DommelVallei’s first residents. They were hand picked by Manz as he quickly recognized these two talents embodied the spirit of the organization and could give the crowd what it wanted – and then some - without losing their unique identities. Since then, a few select residents have been hand picked to join the exclusive lineup - El Greco, Robob, Little J, and Bercoviq plus VJ & Deco Artists, Guhna2 – bringing variety while remaining true to its roots. But it’s not just the residents that have made the DommelVallei events huge successes. International talents such as Takaaki Itoh, Pacou, Rumenige & Loktibrada, and Echoplex have closed - and even opened - many a DommelVallei event. So what really makes DommelVallei special? In combination with the amazing lineup of residents the organisation has amassed in a very short time, it’s the philosophy of founder, George Manz, that sets this organisation apart from others. According to Manz: “DommelVallei is about balance. It’s a lifestyle. Give life your best shot, be respectful and have fun while you’re at it. Epic Moments Some of techno’s fi nest International DJs and lives acts have taken the stage with the DommelVallei talent, making for some of the most memorable nights in Dutch techno history. One of the most creative editions was the AlleyGator-party at the Effenaar with international techno hero, Vince Watson. The venue was transformed into a real alley with drying clothes hanging from the ceiling, large trash receptacles at your disposal, and police sirens, whirring away. If you closed your eyes, you might even think you were in a New York – but with better music. The crowd was transported. Another Entry for the History Books In 2004, the organisation took it a step further with its fi rst edition of PACT, a DommelVallei event held in conjunction with the popular Queen’s day celebration in April. Staying true to its underground roots, the party was held in a parking garage, which soon was overfl owing with music lovers, young and old, wanting in on the action – along with 50 centimeters of water in the car park. Refusing to let a little water get in the way of a good time – after all – it is the Netherlands – DommelVallei safely kept the music going, and partygoers kept the good vibes fl owing. PACT continues to gain in popularity each year with artists such as Steve Bicknell, Dave Miller & Damian Keane, Darko Esser and Lady Aida having graced the stage with the DommelVallei residents. From Detroit to E-troit So what’s next for DommelVallei? The organization has just announced its latest endeavor - E-troit. The name itself pays homage to the legends of Detroit who continue to make history with their creativity, perseverance and raw talent. In August 2008, a new legend will be born with the fi rst edition of E-troit. Expect the unexpected. Prepare for the unknown. Come ready to be transported. And bring your friends along for the ride. What Does the Future Hold for DommelVallei? New releases from its artists. More history-making, memory-warping events. Vision and creativity. Quality, integrity and rebellion worthy of cult status. Excitement without pretense. Great music, centered around the principles of life, living and friends. And all for the love of real techno. From an organization whose existence is based its desire to cultivate a lifestyle that makes it easier to access great electronic music, I would expect nothing less.