This post is also available in: Nederlands (Dutch)
Every DJ has one: that unique gig they’ll never stop talking about at birthday parties. In a candid conversation, Dutch DJ/producer Ruben Langedijk a.k.a. Rubzman shares the story of his MOST MEMORABLE GIG. “Everything just fell beautifully into place.”
“About five years ago, artist Dadara organized the intimate, out-of-the-ordinary festival Beyond in Liempde, Brabant. His goal was to create an event with a positive impact on our lives – something more than just an escape from everyday routine.”
Igloo of life jackets
“Several organizations were given their own area at the festival. One of them, the non-profit Movement on the Ground, focused on Syrian refugees. Back then, there was a lot of negative media coverage about them, so this organization wanted to shine a more positive light. As part of their area, DJs performed together with Syrian musicians. A special tent was built just for the occasion – shaped like an igloo made out of life jackets.” (picture below)
Twilight vibes
“DJ Lady Ace had arranged the gig. I started my set in that special tent late in the afternoon. I began with groovy tunes to get people moving, then gradually shifted into deeper, more melodic progressive tracks. The crowd went wild when I dropped the energetic track ‘You Will Be Recorded’, which features Richie Hawtin’s voice. I later heard he actually listened to it via Lady Ace! Who knows, maybe I’ll release that track someday.” (laughs) “After that, I brought things down again with the hypnotic track ‘Hangovers’, then picked up the pace. The sun was just beginning to set, and the party was in full swing. The vibe was amazing, and I was totally in the zone.”
Only originals
“In the past, I’d usually sneak a few of my own productions into a set. But this time, for the first time ever, I played a full hour of only my own tracks – most of them unreleased. My own intros, my own productions. That was a massive rush!”
Everything fell into place
“Halfway through my set, the Syrian musicians started joining in – with clarinet, violin, and percussion. Musician, singer, and MC Arjan Amin joined too. I hadn’t seen it coming, but everything clicked. Their music blended perfectly with mine, and the energy was just right.”
Party starters
“I always build up my sets slowly – starting with a calm intro and gradually increasing the energy. I also like to switch between different keys. The Syrian band members totally picked up on that vibe. Together, we brought even more energy to the party. We were, like, the party starters!” (laughs)
Almost euphoric
“After the set, I got compliments from all sides – including the Syrian musicians. I felt a huge sense of satisfaction, almost euphoric. The vibe, playing with a live band… I immediately thought: ‘I want to do this more often.’ Sadly, it never happened again. To really do a project like this professionally would take a massive amount of time. And well, I needed to earn a living, so I focused more on my visual production business. That was going well – until COVID hit. I hope that industry will bounce back soon.”
Burning Man
“After the gig, we collapsed, exhausted and happy, on the festival campsite. The next day, I had another gig lined up – at Burning Man Netherlands – Where The Sheep Sleep. The whole weekend was one to remember forever.”
“I’ve played more all-original sets since. I now know it works. Music will always be a big part of my life – there’s so much beauty in it. And I always want to keep creating.”
This interview with Rubzman is originally published in June 2021 on This Is Our House.
Who is Rubzman?
Known for his skills as storyteller, Dutch DJ / producer Rubzman uses deep, funky and uplifting dance music to take his audience on an adventure with every set he plays. His fascination for technology and computers began in the early 80’s when a young Rubzman started making music using a 4 track sampler. After visiting a number of raves his love for electronic music grew and he decided that there would be no life for him without it.
Rubzman takes inspiration for his distinctive musical style from his experiences as part of the Vision Impossible VJ team. Influences from the organic movement of images and colors from his video productions are also heard throughout his DJ sets and music productions. A warm blend of sounds and cinematic build-ups are part of Rubzman’s signature sound.
This year saw the release of his first EP on the Cosmic Disco Records label. A second EP, on which Rubzman collaborated with Wndlrs was release on Berlin based label Code2. Both EPs were well received within the Amsterdam deep scene.
Over the past few years Rubzman held various residencies in his hometown Amsterdam, where he played venues like Panama, Paradiso, the Sugar Factory, the Cue Bar and Club NL. Taking his performances to the next level, Rubzman is currently working on perfecting his live set.