Bass n Babes takes on Amsterdam dance event!

by Naomi Walerys

What to look forward to as a femme/queer/underrepresented artist.

The countdown is on - ADE is almost here! Amsterdam Dance Event is the world’s largest electronic music conference in the world, where the city will transform into a global hub for DJs, producers, and music lovers from every corner of the scene. Bass n Babes is so excited to visit and meet some incredible global talent! 

As a platform that champions femmes, queers, and underrepresented voices, Bass n Babes is heading to ADE to connect, celebrate, and spotlight the artists and events reshaping the industry’s future. From femme-led panels to queer-powered parties, here’s what we’re most excited to experience (and amplify) at ADE this year.

Welcome to Black Queer Joy

Welcome to Black Queer Joy, a liminal space where Black queer and trans joy thrives boldly and without apology. It is a portal where we celebrate the brilliance and beauty of the community. Here, resistance is nurtured as it lives in our laughter and togetherness. Alongside DJs rooted in the Dutch ballroom community and performance lineup, Rafik Opti's video exhibition, "When We Become Black Joy," will be on display. Curator Leia Amerding will introduce the exhibition and set the intention for the event.

Program

18:00 - 18:15 Curator Leia Amerding introducing “When We Become Black Joy”

18:15 - 20:00: OISHI

20:00 - 20:15: KYARA

20:15 - 22:00: Seven Angels

22:00 Ending

When/Where?

Wed, Oct 22, 2025, 18:00 - 22:00 @ OSCAM | Bijlmerplein 110, Amsterdam 

Media Playground 

Calling all media artists in the EDM scene, bring your cameras and creative energy! Media Playground is Amsterdam Dance Event’s playground for photographers, filmmakers, and digital creators who document electronic music culture. From underground warehouses to iconic festivals, your work keeps rave history alive and inspires the next generation. 

This is your space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. Explore interactive art installations designed for unforgettable photo moments, snap away in the immersive photo booth, and be celebrated for your work. Meet fellow creators, share tips, and pick up exclusive media swag bags packed with gear and accessories. 

Whether you’re showcasing printed photographs, projecting digital art in real time, or simply networking with kindred spirits, Media Playground invites you to shine. Join us for a dynamic creative exchange that honors the visual storytellers who document, archive, and elevate electronic dance music worldwide. 

When/Where?

Thu, Oct 23, 13:00-15:00 DB55 | Danzigerbocht 55, Amsterdam

Invisible Bias, Audible Impact: How AI in Music Quietly Harms Women’s Artist Careers

Amid all the noise about AI ethics and licensing, one issue continues to fly under the radar: bias. As music recommendation engines and discovery platforms increasingly shape who gets heard—and who doesn’t—gender bias in AI systems is having a profound impact on artist visibility, streaming revenues, and career progression, particularly for non-male artists. Drawing on in-depth research and proprietary data from Cyanite and beyond, this session reveals how bias seeps into machine learning systems and why the effects are far from neutral. From playlist placement to search engine relevance, we’ll explore how current AI tools amplify inequality—and what the industry can do to change that.

When/Where? 

Thu, Oct 23, 2025 14:15 - 14:45 @ Felix Meritis (Teekenzaal 2) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam

The ABC of Ethics: Accountability, Boycott, Change - presented by Amnesty International 

As global conflicts and justice movements reshape the cultural field, the electronic music ecosystem faces rising pressure over ties to unethical organisations and investors that are linked to human rights violations. How can artists, companies, and festivals define red lines, navigate influence, and act responsibly?

This session brings together human rights experts, academics, and cultural professionals to unpack ethics and human rights responsibilities in the industry chain. From boycotts and censorship to investor influence and ownership ties, speakers explore where responsibility lies and what leverage exists. Offering festival organisers, artists, and companies insights on navigating these dilemmas, the conversation highlights both red lines and practical ways to respond with integrity.

This panel is presented by Amnesty International and was designed for artists, staff members, or organisations looking for ways to deal with unethical partners or owners in the chain of music industry companies. What is a red line and where can you have influence? This program is part of ADE Green, and can be accessed with an ADE Pro Pass or ADE Green Day Pass.

When/Where? 

Fri, Oct 24, 2025, 11:30 - 12:15 @ Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam

Creativity in a Polarised World - presented by Emergency Exit

In a time of growing political polarisation and social unrest, cultural organisations face mounting pressure to take a stand. This conversation explores how creative players can navigate these tensions while asking: when social unrest dominates the agenda, can sustainability efforts hold their place?

Join Dušan from Exit Festival (SR), Àgata from La Fura dels Baus (SP), and Arthur Mendes from Boom Festival (PT) in this panel. This past summer, Boom Festival in Portugal faced discrediting campaigns. At the same time, Exit Festival in Serbia marked its 25th anniversary under unprecedented political and financial pressure, announcing that it would be its final edition under these circumstances. Having joined forces in the European ‘Emergency Exit’ collaboration to create a touring show that mobilises audiences for climate action. They bring fresh insights from the past festival season.

This panel is presented by Emergency Exit, a joint project between EXIT Foundation, Boom Festival, La Fura Dels Baus, and Green Events. Emergency EXIT is supported by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme. This program was designed for artists, event and festival professionals, and cultural workers. This program is part of ADE Green, and can be accessed with an ADE Pro Pass or ADE Green Day Pass.

When/Where?

Friday, Oct 24, 2025, 12:30 - 13:15 @ Felix Meritis (Shaffyzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam

Queer Club Culture Worldwide

Queer spaces have always been at the heart of club culture, shaping music, style and the dancefloor itself. In this conversation, artists RAEZA (Paris/Berlin), Bimini (London), Paurro (Mexico City) and angelboy (Amsterdam) come together to share how queer nightlife is evolving around the globe and what makes these spaces such a vital part of club culture.

A conversation guided by Charlie Robertson, also known by his drag persona Charlene Coco, on celebrating the creativity and forward-thinking spirit of queer club culture, and how to find your space as an artist or music professional and grow to your full potential. Learn how to find the right places to play, collaborate and support, and why cherishing and nourishing these spaces is essential for the future of club culture for not only the queer community, but also anyone consuming electronic music.

When/Where?

Fri, Oct 24, 2025, 13:30 - 14:15 @ Pacific Amsterdam (The Auditory) | Polonceaukade 23, Amsterdam

Breaking the Feedback Loop: Redefining Success and Identity as a Woman in Electronic Music

KI/KI joins ADE Pro in an exclusive conversation.

When/Where?

Fri, Oct 24, 2025, @ Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam

Sound Systems: Raves, Riots and Revolution

Speakers: Lei di Dai (Artist), Dave Randall (Artist), Ethel Laka (Kebra Ethiopia), Lekentle Mohlala (Kebra Ethiopia)

Moderator: Ruth Daniel

The sound system has always been more than speakers and basslines. It is a tool for gathering, resisting, and imagining new worlds. From the humble beginnings of Notting Hill Carnival to the 2m+ crowds it draws annually; to sound systems resisting apartheid in South Africa and Ethiopia; to women leading the way with favela sound systems in Brazil; from the streets during the Arab Uprising to the underground of raves, riots, and revolutions, sound systems have amplified voices, shaken power structures, and carried cultural movements across borders.

This panel explores the political and cultural power of sound system culture - how it mobilises people, challenges authority, and creates new spaces of belonging. Looking at today’s landscape, we ask: what does this tradition mean in the age of global festivals and digital networks?

From grassroots to the world… join us for a conversation on how sound system culture keeps re-shaping communities, politics, and global music.

When/Where?

Sat, Oct 25, 2025, 14:45 - 15:30 @ Felix Meritis (Shaffyzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam

As ADE unfolds, one thing becomes clear: representation matters on and off the dance floor. Seeing femmes, queers, and underrepresented artists take up space and lead the conversation reminds us why we do what we do. Bass n Babes is proud to be part of this global movement toward inclusivity, connection, and empowerment. Here’s to louder voices and a future where everyone belongs in the spotlight.