Amber Broos on Tomorrowland, Techno, and artistic growth

In the electrifying world of electronic dance music, few names resonate with emerging talent and seasoned expertise quite like Amber Broos.

As she prepares to play Tomorrowland for the third time, Amber’s journey reflects not only on her impressive set of skills but also the evolution and maturation of her unique blend of techno and Belgian retro. From her early days experimenting with beats to her current status as an ascending star, Amber’s progression is a testament to her dedication and passion for music.

Join us as we dive into her experiences at Tomorrowland, explore transformations in her musical style, and uncover what drives her continuous growth in the dynamic realm of techno. 

Amber, you’re hosting the Atmosphere stage this Sunday and rocking the Mainstage next week. Do you adapt your set to the circumstances?

“I will definitely take on a different approach compared to playing the Mainstage next week. It will be a bit more underground, a bit harder maybe, and more uptempo.

Both sets will have a 100% signature Amber Broos feel to them, but when you play the Mainstage you need to lay down a bit of a blueprint of what you stand for as an artist, because you’re playing in front of, well, everybody (laughs).

The Atmosphere on the other hand provides a more rave-like vibe, a sweaty boiler room thrill. It requires a darker and more direct approach music-wise. But I’m always one to be friendly to the crowd, so I’ll always tweak my set accordingly to where I’m playing.

I am really looking forward to playing a whole bunch of new records today, and what better way to test them than in the Atmosphere?”

It’s your third year at Tomorrowland – do you notice a difference in how people on and off stage respond and interact with you? 

“I must say that I have always felt very welcome here. The People of Tomorrow have treated me with kindness and love in abundance from day one, and I cannot express how grateful I am for that.

The major difference is that more people got to know me and what I stand for over these last few years. I’m ever so grateful for the way Tomorrowland opened up the world for me. I wouldn’t go so far as calling myself a household name just yet, but I definitely want to keep up the hard work in order to become just that.

Being asked to host my own stage, at Tomorrowland no less, is probably the biggest compliment I have ever received.”

You have been DJ’ing for almost ten years now, always working towards your recent stardom. What is the most flagrant evolution you have noticed in your musical style? 

“I believe every artist is always evolving in one way or another - whether that manifests in style or the way you perform.

I think I came a lot closer to who I am and what I stand for these last three years. It’s hard to describe, but I have always been looking for a certain tone in the story I want to tell. The boost that Tomorrowland gave me was the perfect breeding ground to explore that. My style has been described as a mix of techno, retro house, and some more mainstream or poppy breaks and edits.

I’m OK with that –  although I would also just play a scorching electro track if it has the right feel to it.”

Having skyrocketed to success, do you still take the time to let it sink in every once in a while? 

“I do try to, yes. I don’t take any of the chances I have been given for granted, so I try to embrace all that is happening with a sense of gratitude.

That partly translates to taking some time for a walk around the festival, feeling, tasting and smelling the essence of what makes Tomorrowland such a magical place. I saw the flower of the Mainstage opening up on Friday, and moments like that give me the kind of goosebumps I can dwell on for days to come. And after the weekend, well... I have a lot of DJ friends, so when I get some time off once in a while I head out to their shows.

I really love dancing and can party to pretty much every genre of electronic dance music. But if it  wereup to me, I’d choose DJ’ing over partying any day of the week (laughs)!”

For the second year in a row you will have your own show at the Waagnatie in Antwerp. Can you give us a sneak peek of what to expect this year?

“Just like last year, I will invite some of my friends and some of my heroes, although I cannot unveil their names yet.

You can expect an even bigger and bolder production. We took the decision to move towards a more intimate setting, allowing me to be closer to the audience – almost in between the crowds. One thing’s for sure: expect a massive rave from beginning to end.

Keep your eyes open for more in the very near future!”