Hive Festival at ADE: Hard Techno & Hard Dance at Hemkade 48

Getting to Hive: The Journey to Zaandam

The journey to Hive at Hemkade 48 wasn't without its challenges. There was a marathon happening in Amsterdam, and getting an Uber out to Zaandam was a nightmare. I was joined by Andie, FERAL's media manager. The vibe we all had while traveling to Hive was full of excitement, despite the marathon chaos.

We eventually arrived around 4:30 PM, and still had plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the rave before it wrapped up at 11 PM. Hemkade 48 is an iconic venue—an industrial warehouse, with its gritty atmosphere softened by its location near the North Sea Canal. The venue is well-known in the scene, and Hive set it up perfectly. There was a main onstage area where the DJ performed, and an adjoining space that felt like an exclusive extension of the stage—great vibes all around, and an immediate connection to the performers.

Two Rooms, Two Vibes: Hard Techno vs. Groovy Hard Beats

Hive brought together two rooms that each had their own distinct feel. The main room was all about hard techno—pounding beats, intense visuals, and energy that didn’t let up for a second. Every DJ that took the main stage brought their A-game, with LESSS delivering a particularly intense set that had everyone losing it. Holy Priest even brought out Karamustan, who climbed onto his shoulders, creating an epic moment that had the whole crowd roaring.

And then there was the second room—intimate, fun, and focused on groovy hard beats. It was a completely different vibe, but it was just as exciting. Miss Bashful, also known as Mrs. B, absolutely owned the stage. When she came on, it felt like a wave of excitement washed over the room. She’s got this incredible energy that draws you in, and her set was filled with that fun, guilty-pleasure kind of hard bounce that just makes you want to move. It was amazing to see how many girls showed up for her set—she really is such a vibe and a character, exactly as you’d expect her to be in person.

Production, Visuals, and Hive's Unique Touch

Hive’s production was incredible. The branding was seamlessly integrated into the visuals, with chains and hive-like imagery that gave it a raw, industrial feel while still being accessible and fun. The LED screens played a massive role in setting the mood—there was a triangular LED screen running straight down the length of the venue, combined with a huge LED backdrop. It gave the space a distinctive look that felt like you were inside a high-tech industrial hive.

The lighting was on point too—the strobe lights and moving elements created a real sense of drama. And the production setup wasn’t just for show; it enhanced the energy in the room, making everyone feel even more connected to the music. The balance between the hard techno room and the groovy hard bounce of the second room was perfect—it gave everyone the chance to switch up the vibe while keeping the energy alive.

Crowd Energy: The Heart of Hive

The crowd at Hive was amazing—the kind of audience you always hope for at an event like this. There’s nothing better than being surrounded by people who are there for the music, who want to dance hard and lose themselves in the moment. The Hive team knows exactly how to attract the right people, and it shows. The energy in the main room was high from start to finish, and the crowd's response when the music cut off after Holy Priest went overtime was something I’ll never forget. It was emotional—everyone shouting “noooooo” in unison, wanting the night to keep going. Moments like that remind you why you love raving. 

One thing I’ve learned from going to so many events is how crucial the crowd is. It’s not just about the DJs or the production—it’s the people that make it. Hive’s audience was filled with incredible vibes, everyone dancing and genuinely enjoying themselves. It was my first Hive event, and now I can’t wait for the next one—especially their famous festival, Ferropolis, the City of Iron. I haven’t been yet, but based on what I experienced at ADE, I can only imagine how insane it must be. Hive absolutely nailed their first impression on me, and I’d love to see them expand their unique touch to more indoor events.

Hard Dance and Bounce: The Sound of Hive

The second room, featuring artists like Miss Bashful, was focused on the growing genre of hard dance and bounce. It’s got that infectious, fast-paced groove that makes it impossible to stand still. It was fun, it was energetic, and it felt like something that could bring a whole new crowd into the rave scene. I even played some of Miss Bashful's tracks to my dad, and he loved it—which says a lot! Seeing the diversity of people enjoying that room was amazing, and Hive’s ability to curate such different experiences under one roof is what made the event so special. 

The balance between the harder techno in the main room and the groovy, bouncy beats in the second room was perfect. It gave the night a great flow, allowing people to switch between intense, high-energy techno and more playful, danceable beats. And the sound system was spot on—loud, clear, and punchy. There was also plenty of space to dance, which is often overlooked at events but makes a massive difference to the experience. Hive made sure that everyone had the room to move, and it really paid off.

Conclusion: Hive at ADE Was Everything We Needed

Hive’s event at ADE 2024 was everything I hoped for and more—the perfect blend of production, sound, and crowd energy. Hemkade 48 provided the ideal backdrop, with its industrial warehouse vibes setting the stage for an unforgettable night. From the emotional moments when the music was cut off to the high-energy sets from artists like Miss Bashful and Holy Priest, it was clear that Hive knows how to put on a show.

I went in not knowing what to expect, but Hive delivered an experience that felt true to the underground while still being accessible and welcoming. Their attention to detail, from the production to the audience they attract, made this night one of the highlights of ADE 2024 for me. I’m already looking forward to seeing what Hive has in store for the future—especially if it involves more of that signature blend of hard techno, groovy beats, and unmatched crowd vibes. If you ever get the chance to attend a Hive event, take it. It’s more than just a rave—it’s an adventure.

The FERAL Family

One of the best parts of the night was seeing the FERAL community fully represented. The FERAL sigilism bikinis were spotted on the dancefloor, designed for movement and built to withstand even the most intense sets. The iconic red neon FERAL fan made an appearance too—glowing and reflecting perfectly under the club's UV lights, drawing attention in the most epic way. It was amazing seeing our FERAL family out in full force, bringing that distinct energy that makes every event feel even more connected and alive. The spirit of FERAL was truly felt throughout the night.