7 min read

The Midnight Project #052, Bidding Farewell to ClubNL, Health Check-Up & More

The Midnight Project #052, Bidding Farewell to ClubNL, Health Check-Up & More

Warm greetings to you as we navigate another week full of peak-hour techno, nostalgic memories, and the pursuit of wellness.

The Midnight Project #052

In this week's episode of The Midnight Project, I have curated an exciting lineup of tracks for you. Featuring the inventive Chris Veron, the dynamic Tomas Sinn & Subgate, and the captivating Sam Paganini, I'm sure to keep your energy levels high. I also feature a memorable remix by Christian Smith of a classic by Michael Wells a.k.a. G.T.O., along with the sounds of Charlotte de Witte, Uto Karem, and NoNameLeft. Lastly, I wrap up the episode with a premiere from Hevi Levi & Asher Swisa.

The Midnight Project by Sebastiaan Hooft
Listen to the weekly The Midnight Project radio show by DJ producer Sebastiaan Hooft.

Final Curtain Call at ClubNL

Throwback to my monthly residency days at ClubNL. This stage was a platform for growth and a stepping stone in my journey toward discovering my signature sound. I can't wait to celebrate and bid farewell to this iconic club on July 1, 2023.

We're at the closing of a chapter as we say goodbye to a cornerstone of our Amsterdam club community, ClubNL. This place was more than just a venue; it was a hub where the rhythm of house music pulsed, a sanctuary for enthusiasts, and, most importantly, my creative haven. As a monthly resident from 2014 to 2017, ClubNL was where my musical journey took a turn.

Each set at ClubNL was an exploration, a chance to experiment. I started each night weaving through the realms of house music, and as the night progressed, so did the intensity of my sets. As the house tracks melted into techno, I found myself and my sound. It was a subtle shift that shaped my path as an artist.

Yes, I sincerely produced all forms of electronic music. However, the underlying pulse that threads through my performances, the energy that moves my creative spirit, is invariably rooted in techno. In the midst of the vibrant crowd and the pulsating rhythms at ClubNL, I discovered my authentic sound, a sound that, no matter the layers of other elements, always carries the unmistakable echo of techno. This is where my sonic identity started to crystalize, and I look forward to further exploring this love in my future endeavors.

The energy of the club and the reception to these explorative sets led to my club night being recognized as the 'Hottest Club Night in The City' by DJGuide in 2015, a distinction that fills me with gratitude and pride. My nights, Cuisine, Miami, and Boys Ask Girls, were about music, connection, expression, and discovery.

A fond throwback to May 2016 at ClubNL with Albert, captured beautifully by Joost Nuijten. As the doors close on July 1st, I'll present this framed snapshot to Albert, our club father, in recognition of our shared memories. Here's to the grand finale!

Last Sunday, I received the news from Albert, the club's founder, that June is set to be an eventful month with numerous closing parties. July 1 is the last chance for DJs and fans to say our goodbyes to the beloved club.

Health Tip of The Week: Regular Check-Ups

I am balancing the beats and the vitamins! Here's a snapshot by Anouk de Kleermaeker of my daily health regime - a handful of essential nutrients that keeps me on my feet.

In 2015, a routine blood test revealed a silent health issue - a Vitamin B12 deficiency. To keep my levels balanced, I began taking regular B12 injections. This experience taught me some valuable health lessons:

  1. Regular health check-ups are vital: Our bodies' nutritional requirements change over time. Routine check-ups help to catch any deficiencies early.
  2. Detailed blood tests are crucial: They provide an in-depth picture of our health status and help diagnose potential problems before they escalate.
  3. Prevention is better than cure: It's essential to stay informed about our health and make timely interventions to prevent more significant health issues in the future.

To measure where I am, I use a service named Nutriprofiel for this, and you can check them out at Nutriprofiel. So, if you haven't done so recently, now might be a good time to make an appointment with your doctor for a comprehensive health check-up. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

A crucial part of my daily routine is ensuring I have my essential vitamins and nootropics. I take my nutritional intake as seriously as my music, aiming for perfect harmony between mind, body, and sound. I've discovered Qualia Mind – a comprehensive supplement that covers the basics of my nutritional needs.

I've secured a discount code for you if you need supplements on your journey. Use the code 'SEB10' at checkout for savings on your LiveHelfi purchases. Please note that this isn't a sponsorship, and I don't receive compensation from LiveHelfi. I recommend them because I believe in their commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles.

Upcoming Release Alert: For The Love Of Sound

This a throwback to 2015, when I first embarked on the journey to create my beats. The beginning of my mission was bringing originals into my live sets. We could not imagine ToneControl would release a remix with my name on it eight years later. Photo credit: Toon van Veelen.

The countdown is on! This Friday, my remix of ToneControl's "For The Love Of Sound" will hit the airwaves via ToneControl's newly launched music label. It promises to be a dynamic techno exploration, incorporating my signature sound palette. Pre-save your copy here: For The Love of Sound (Sebastiaan Hooft Remix)

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Each Episode of The Midnight Project

Creating each episode of The Midnight Project is a delicate balance of organization and flexibility. I want to share this process with you to give you a glimpse into each track's journey, from being a potential contender to making it onto the final tracklist of The Midnight Project.

An inside look at this week's playlist curation for The Midnight Project. Each track is a potential key to unlocking a sonic journey. What made the final cut? Tune in!

During the week, promos from labels and artists stream in, and each techno track is placed into a designated folder. These tracks become a part of a growing pool, a mixture of fresh sounds that could make their way into your speakers.

Diving deep into the techno treasures of my Inflyte account. Sorting through the soundwaves, one promo at a time.

On Sundays, I dive into my Inflyte, ZipDJ, and various promo boxes, unearthing new releases and looking for unique tracks that promise to bring something fresh. Additionally, I keep my finger on the scene's pulse by tuning into live shows from my favorite artists on 1001 Tracklists. Flexibility is key here, as my live shows sometimes throw a curveball into my well-planned schedule. Sometimes I have to start on a Wednesday because of weekend travel.

Mondays are for sorting and selecting. From the pool twenty that make it to the first selection, I start weaving together the sonic story for the week. Each track is sorted based on key and energy levels, and from this refined list, I select around a dozen tracks that capture the vibe I want to convey.

Captured in the moment, producing The Midnight Project in my 2011 Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). For those new to the term, a DAW is a software application for producing, editing and recording music. My weekly labor of love is dedicated to all techno enthusiasts out there. Photo credit: Caroline Middelbeek (2023).

Tuesday is when it all comes together. It takes an hour to produce the show. As I hit the gym at noon, I listen to the finished episode, gauging how the tracks flow together, ensuring the energy levels are suitable for a radio show. Once satisfied, it's uploaded to a syndication service for radio shows, a distribution service for podcasts,  SoundCloud, YouTube, and Mixcloud. Also, a clean tracklist goes to 1001 Tracklists.

But the work isn't done yet! I also share these insights with you every Wednesday in this weekly newsletter. I want you to feel connected to the music and the entire process - the journey, the behind-the-scenes, the healthy lifestyle stories. I firmly believe that the more we share, our community strengthens.

And that's three days in my life, crafting the experience of The Midnight Project. I hope sharing this process enhances your appreciation for the show and brings you closer to the music and the vibrant community we've built together.

Your unwavering support is what makes the journey worthwhile. Your energy fuels the vibrant techno scene and keeps the beat going.

Stay Healthy, Stay Inspired, and Let's Keep the Techno Louder!

Sebastiaan Hooft