Belonging, Growth, and Groove: The Wash Ahead of the ADE Closing Party

With a humble yet forward-looking presence, The Wash has become a cherished part of Amsterdam’s ever-evolving progressive house community. Known for his emotive storytelling and genuine connection to the crowd, The Wash reflects on how the label’s global spirit, his personal journey, and the unique energy of Amsterdam continue to shape his sound. Ahead of this year’s Manual x Mango Alley ADE Closing Party, he shares his thoughts on belonging, growth, and the simple joy of sharing music with friends old and new.

Event: Manual x Mango Alley ADE Closing Party
📅 Date: Sunday, October 26
🕑 Music starts: 18:00
📍Location: Akhnaton

Event Details

1. Mango Alley has become an important part of Amsterdam’s progressive landscape. In your own words, how would you describe what the label stands for and how it connects to the spirit of this city?

The cool thing about Mango Alley is that it’s a truly global imprint. MA acts without borders; Alex has managed to gather people from around the world who are united in their love for music. At the same time, it is still very personal, even though Mango Alley is one of the biggest progressive imprints around. I think this package is why it fits very well with Amsterdam and the spirit that evolves around the ADE. People from all around coming together to meet each other, form connections, build relationships, and grow mutually.

2. You’ve performed at several ADE events with Mango Alley and Manual Music over the past years. Looking back, how have these showcases evolved for you both artistically and personally, and what makes the chemistry between these two labels so special?

2023 was my first time and it really changed a lot for me. Having focused on growing locally, I finally concluded that trying to fit into Austria’s electronic music landscape doesn’t lead me anywhere. So after October 2023, with all the wonderful impressions from ADE and the lovely people I finally met there, I turned to where my audience is rather than finding any audience over here.
2024 was a bit of a transition year for me since everything grew super-fast and I had a bit of a struggle to grasp all the byproducts of that growth. It also made me think a lot about where I want to be seen in the whole spectrum of progressive.

This year feels a bit like the conclusion of this journey. A lot has changed in the last 12 months. I am working now in the music business full-time and can say that I have made music my life. I have found my voice on social media, I have found my place in the prog spectrum, and I am free of any self‑burdened pressure to make it. So I am looking forward to returning to all these amazing people with the story of my journey and all the cool things that have emerged since we’ve seen each other last time.

3. You’ve been surrounded by Amsterdam’s progressive house spirit for some time now. What is it about this city’s energy, people, or atmosphere that feels special or inspiring to you?

For me, it’s really about the people. Amsterdam has embraced me with so much love from the very first time on; it was almost too much to process. I finally felt that I can say I belong somewhere. This is a very powerful source of inspiration and motivation because I finally didn’t feel alone anymore. Having peers and friends, a community you are part of, is something I always wished for but never had. So to all of you who made me feel at home: thank you, you really changed my life.

4. This year’s Manual x Mango Alley ADE Closing Party at Akhnaton marks the culmination of an intense week. What kind of story or atmosphere do you hope to create with your set to close ADE 2025 on a meaningful note?

I don’t know how meaningful my set can be; what I hope to give and get is this we are one feeling we always had at Akhnaton. I personally am not really a stage person or have a stage persona. I act the same way while DJing as I am on the dancefloor. I just want to have a great time with great people and, coincidentally, I can also choose what we are hearing. So the meaning could be to close ADE together with the feeling that we all had a wonderful time and leave Amsterdam with a smile.

5. After an event-packed ADE week filled with music and connection, what do you hope to take back to your studio? Any inspirations or creative sparks that might shape your next chapter as The Wash?

There is a lot bubbling right now behind the scenes here. I have a lot of insights and inspiration for new ventures through my job, and through ADE I hope to get the same inspiration for the studio. I haven’t done much music in the last months, and I also don’t have anything in the pipeline for release for the first time in ages. So right now, it really feels like a fresh start and I already am excited for this!

Catch The Wash at the Manual x Mango Alley ADE Closing Party 2025 on Sunday, October 26 at Akhnaton. A celebration of connection, community, and the warm closing moments that make Amsterdam Dance Event truly special.