March 2026 · Anneke van Tilburg
Listening back to my extended "Superstition" set, the one I originally planned to play at Ecstatic Dance Maastricht on March 13th, I now fully understand why I chose the set I eventually performed instead.
As some of you know, I was in the midst of recovering from a flu I had caught in January. This left me with a range of symptoms, most notably an overwhelming sense of fatigue and significant muscle aches. I knew I truly wanted to play, but I realized that if I was going to step behind the decks, I had to prioritize my own nervous system. That meant stepping away from the higher-BPM tracks I had originally curated.
While reflecting on this and speaking with others about the significance of Friday the 13th, themes of feminine energy, softness, shedding the old, and beginning anew, I realized I owed it to myself to be kind. I needed to ensure I was grounded enough to deliver the set I eventually played.
High Energy vs. Intimate Grounding
Now that I'm feeling much better and listening back to the "Superstition" set, the extended, higher-energy version, I'm finding myself really enjoying it again. I can feel the energy behind it, and it feels great. To be honest, though, back when I was preparing, my nervous system simply wasn't ready for those intense BPMs and techno influences. I decided to set those aside and bring a different energy, one that was more soothing to me and that I could perform authentically. It re-energized me, and the response from the crowd was incredibly positive.
However, I also received a comment that I seemed best suited for intimate ecstatic dance settings, which made me wonder if that was actually true. Just six months ago, I was told by the same person that while I look sweet, I can play incredibly hard. It made me ask myself: is that perception true, or did I simply make a conscious choice to play a more soothing set in that moment?
The Versatility of a DJ
In my opinion, a DJ is never just one thing. You aren't just "the hard hitter" or the "intimate set" specialist. It all depends on your internal state, the energy the crowd provides, the starting vibe, and what the team brings to the space.
Listening to this extended set now, I'm genuinely proud of it. But I'm equally proud of what I shared on March 13th in Maastricht. Both sets are valuable, yet they are entirely different. While they share some tracks, they possess completely distinct spirits.
An Invitation to Listen
I invite you to listen to both and see how each one moves you. I'm sharing the extended version first since it was the one I originally curated. And, as the great Carl Cox said: "There's never a live set without a mistake; otherwise, it wouldn't be a live set."
Please, feel welcome to listen. Let it sink in and dance to it in your own space. If you feel moved to share your thoughts, I'd love to hear them.
See you on the dance floor!