Juan Sanchez, founder of Format Records, is an Amsterdam-based DJ and producer who brings his signature techno sounds to dancefloors worldwide.
His performances at festivals, clubs and residency nights at Shelter Amsterdam have garnered acclaim from techno enthusiasts and top artists alike.
Juan established his label Format Records in 2014, infusing his stripped-down sound into collaborations with upcoming talent and established names from the industry.

Who are Lift2Lower?
 
Brothers Reinier and Pirke Bergsma from Amsterdam. Not only do they share the same parents and their love for electronic music. They also  have a studio together where they like to freak with their equipment till the sun comes up. That is off course, if they’re not in a dj booth or partying in a club themselves! Their goal? To make mindblowing records for dancefloors around the globe.


Questions & Answers

Did you guys listen to music together when you were younger?

Reinier: ‘ Well, we did grew up in the same house and Pirke had a big record collection. I was the younger brother, so you know how that goes. Pirke was 17 and needed his privacy. Girls, girls, girls. He didn’t want me in his room going through his vinyl collection. So I had to wait till he wasn’t around and sneak into his room. His selection of records had a big influence on my taste for music. Prince, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, Art of Noise.’
Pirke: ‘It was because of the age difference that we didn’t really listen to music together back then. But I knew he always stole my records while I was out of the house haha! I always knew where to find them back though. I worked in a record shop just to get the latest stuff and brought it home, so there was a lot of music in the house anyway.’


What made you two decide to work together? 

Reinier: ‘We started producing together in the studio a year ago and also decided to do gigs together. The reason is actually very simple, it’s just more fun. We did gig apart from each other for a long time and now it’s time to share that passion and take it to the next level.’ 
Pirke: ‘And I was getting a bit tired of doing the music stuff in the studio by myself. For the last couple of years I focussed on producing and skipped the djing. But now I want to play my music live. Why not combine forces! And it’s indeed a lot more fun! The combination works really well in the dj-set because I am more the LIFT cause I like the tracks with the party vibe that takes you over the hill and Reinier is more the LOWER taking it into the deep. The best of both worlds for an excellent night.’

Family in one studio. Asking for trouble?

Reinier: ‘No, not at all. It’s the other way around. We don’t have to be careful with our words. We say it as it is. Blunt criticism.’ 
Pirke: ‘Only when he farts…’



What are each others hidden talents?

Reinier: ‘Making a mess in the studio! No, I think Pirke really understands how to build a track. He used to make popmusic and looks at dance tracks as a popsong. Solid, layered. He’s the producer, where I’m the dj I think. He’s the wizard in the studio, maybe I know a bit better what’s going on in the clubs at the moment music wise.’  
Pirke: ‘Reinier has an excellent taste for good music, he listens to a lot of tracks and is able to make a very selected choice of only the best tracks. And that’s sometimes difficult with so many tracks available. He feels it immediately when a track is made with the right elements: sounds, groove, vibe and a lot of love.’


An artist album of Lift2Lower, which producers would be aloud to give their opinion before releasing it? 

Reinier: ‘Groove Armada, they’re fantastic producers. Also Timewriter and Terry Lee Brown Jr. I’ve been a fan of their work since the beginning. Their deep and warm sound is overwhelming. But I also really like the work of producers Henry Saiz and Seb Dhajje’ 
Pirke: I think Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz brought the music back into dance music when it was getting a bit too minimal and monotone on the dancefloor.  They’re both geniuses in the studio. They make tracks sound so good. And above all they really have have their own style. Mark Knight as well. I think he rocks! I also like Audiowhores a lot.’

Who’s the biggest party animal? 

Reinier: ‘Oh well, that depends what kind of vodka is involved. But ehm no, that honour goes to my brother. I know my limitations.’ 
Pirke: ‘Haha! Yes, that’ll have to be me. I do like a good party! When the people and music are right, I’m at my best!  So, it’s definite now? I can take this award home? Thank you!’


Where is Lift2Lower in 5 years?

Reinier: ‘On a tropical beach with our greatest hits on an iPod. Well, and if that’s not the case, then I hope by then we have produced one good artist album. And I hope we still have a lot of fun together in the booth. That’s what it’s all about.’ 
Pirke: ‘Hopefully looking back on 5 years of good fun and good music and travels.’

Influenced by:
Prince, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, LFO, SCritti Politti, Level 42, Groove Armada, Kraftwerk, Jean Michel jarre, Gui Boratto, Henry Saiz, Seb Dhajje, Deep Dish, Laurent Garnier, The Youngsters, Rodriguez Jr. The Timewriter, Terry Lee Brown Jr, Carl Craig, Roberto Rodriguez, Aya, Paul Keeley, The Cure, Deepchild, Underworld, Les Rythmes Digitales, Chab, Jacques Lu Cont, Thin White Duke, Jimpster, Milton Jackson, Shur-I-Kan, Jimpie Jampo, Echomen, UNAI, Star you Star me, Jori Hulkkonen, Scan X

More info on www.lift2lower.com


Digital creative from Amsterdam who loves to DJ

2017
Le Grand Depart 2017, Eindhoven

2016
Ensuite Authentique, Eindhoven
la Nuit d'Orange, Eindhoven
Foodstock Festival Helmond
Foodstock Festival, Eindhoven
Loungeeasy, Valkenswaard
Festival Ensuite, Eindhoven
Twee Zaalig kerstfeest, Biki90 & Ensuite, Eindhoven

2015 Events:
Ensuite resident
Arthouse, Monika Kruse Extrema 
XO Festival, Aquabest
Extrema XO Official Afterparty, Eindhoven
Lakedance Official Afterparty, Eindhoven
Loungeeasy, Valkenswaard
La Nuit D'Orange, Eindhoven
Suono Culture, Eindhoven
Kletskoek, Sunrise, Aquabest
From Deep Till Dawn, Eindhoven

2014
Ensuite Resident
Loungeasy, Valkenswaard
Lakedance Festival, Aquabest
2x official Lakedance after
7th Sunday Festival, Erp
Cafe d’Anvers, Antwerpen
Wish, Beek en Donk
Paperclip Festival, Eersel
Another Culture Festival, Eindhoven
LabDance, Natlab Eindhoven
Ensuite Festival
Kletskoek, Aquabest
Funki Bizniz, Eindhoven
Club Labyrinth, Tale of Us, Antwerpen
Deep Till Dawn, NYE, Eindhoven

BUDDY SUWIJN is a deep progressive techno DJ based in Amsterdam.

Buddy is born in 1966 in the south of the Netherlands, loved music from a young age, started mixing on decks borrowed from a friend at the age of 16. Electro at the time, picked up the dance music back in 1990. Loves Deephouse, Progressive and Techno. Searching for new sounds all the time. He organized parties in Amsterdam under the name Friends4Friends is a resident DJ for the Recycle Lounge Gallery Club (RLGC44) and was a event organiser for The Promisedland, Friends for Friends and Meetpackers. 

Shared the DJ Booth with Guy J, Eelke Kleijn, Guy Mantzur, Luis Junior, Cid Inc, Dimitri Kneppers, Vince Watson, Danny Howells, John QUIVVER Graham,  Dave Seaman, Erich von Kollar,  Brandstettner,  Jelly for the Babies, Paul Hazendonk, Jaap Ligthart, Fady Ferraye, Angelo D’Onorio, Martin Patino, Tim Engelhart, , Paolo Gambirasi, Mr Milano, ,  Lola Tek, Dmitri Molosh, Arturo Hevia, Alexander Koning , Robin JAYDEE Albers, Rogier, Clay van Dijk, Dennis Price and Andre Zeldenrust. Played at festival Mysteryland, Wooferland, The Promisedland , Electronic Picnic, Mandala festival and Thuishaven Amsterdam. 

Since 2018 Buddy has a residency at Protonradio with his own show INDEEP. 

When Buddy plays he lifts you up, ignites you to dance and transfers you on the Trip to another place we call “The Promised Land“.

DJ Warhol of Fame
After years behind the decks at Pride Amsterdam and the city’s queer clubs, Bart returns under a new name inspired by the invitation to play at Club Warhol.
Imagine a campy set of handpicked, critically curated remixes of obscure disco and underground punk tracks.
Warhol said everyone gets 15 minutes.

This set is his.

Info & bookings: bartkokke@me.com

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