Italian DJ and producer Sam Paganini is perhaps most well known for a single release, which both brought the artist success in popular culture, defined his voice, and became somewhat of a definitive track for the wider dance music genre. The track we’re talking about, of course, is “Rave,” released in 2014 on Adam Beyer’s Drumcode Records as part of Paganini’s debut full-length album ‘Satellite.’ “Rave” reached the Beatport Techno Top 10, where it stayed for a whopping six months, and still garners millions of plays on streaming services to this day.

Despite the wide-reaching and meteoric success of “Rave,”however, Paganini was far from an unknown before the track’s release. In fact, the artist has been a tastemaker in dance music since the 90s, especially following the release of his “Zoe,” shared in 1996 under his frequent onstage moniker, Paganini Traxx.

These early successes led to support from techno legends including Richie Hawtin, who gave Paganini’s music a home on his Plus8 label, Moby, who selected Paganini’s 2013 track, “Polyester,” for a curated playlist, and of course, Adam Beyer, who has not only shared many Paganini releases on Drumcode, but even remixed “Rave” himself. In addition to his high-impact singles and collaborations, Paganini also has an impressive amount of full-length albums to his name, including 2021’s ‘Light + Shadow,’ 2020’s ‘Reflections,’ and many more.

Sam Paganini’s signature take on techno has led to a slew of impressive gigs across the world. Based in Italy, the DJ and producer has performed at festivals like Marseille, France’s Utopia Festival, Bogotà, Colombia’s BAUM Festival, and San Diego’s Crssd Festival. He’s also graced the same stage as Carl Cox as part of Cox’s takeover at Brooklyn’s Avant Gardner, and headlined shows at venues including Toronto’s NØMAD, Madrid’s Fabrik, and Sao Paulo’s D-Edge. Paganini is also an Ibiza regular, playing sets at Amnesia, specifically through their popular series, Pyramid.

Italy

deep minimal techno

italian techno

minimal techno

Sam Paganini

Belgium

acid techno

belgian techno

dark techno

electra

Amelie Lens

France

french techno

minimal dub

Anetha

brazilian techno

ANNA

Germany

deep euro house

hard techno

raw techno

Klangkuenstler

Spain

DC-10 Ibiza

Exhale

german house

andhim

german techno

high-tech minimal

Boris Brejcha

frankfurt electronic

schranz

techno

Chris Liebing

Sweden

electro house

house

pop dance

progressive electro house

progressive house

Eric Prydz

spanish techno

Fatima Hajji

industrial techno

Kobosil

Len Faki

Jasper Fioole

melodic techno

Moritz Hofbauer

Pan-Pot

deep disco house

deep house

detroit house

detroit techno

microhouse

minimal tech house

Seth Troxler

United States

The Martinez Brothers

Netherlands

dutch experimental electronic

William Djoko

destroy techno

Benny Rodrigues

United Kingdom

uk house

Ben Hemsley

Tunisia

Cera Khin

circuit

dutch tech house

Franky Rizardo

Australia

I Hate Models

Denmark

danish electronic

danish techno

Kölsch

Konstantin Sibold

Michel De Hey

Paco Osuna

Reinier Zonneveld

Remy Unger

intelligent dance music

Speedy J

trance

hard house

SUPERSTRINGS

The Free Your Mind Festival has established itself as a prominent and long-standing event within the sprawling landscape of electronic music festivals in the Netherlands. Since its inception in 2004, it has grown to become a key fixture in the Dutch festival calendar, recognized for its dedication to electronic music and its ability to attract a significant audience. Beyond the annual gathering in Arnhem, the "

" name represents an established event organization known for hosting a variety of electronic dance events, indicating a broader influence within the music scene. This sustained presence over nearly two decades underscores the festival's relevance and impact on the electronic music community in the Netherlands.

The foundation of the Free Your Mind Festival is deeply rooted in its consistent location at the Stadsblokken in Arnhem. Since its very first edition, this site has served as the festival's home, creating a strong connection between the event and the city. Notably, the Stadsblokken holds historical significance as the location of the 

 during the Second World War. This juxtaposition of a contemporary music festival with a site of historical conflict offers a unique and memorable experience for attendees, blending the energy of modern electronic music with a backdrop of profound historical importance. The continued use of this specific location for over two decades suggests a deliberate choice to embed the festival within Arnhem's cultural and historical fabric.

Over the years, the Free Your Mind Festival has experienced considerable evolution and expansion. Its increasing popularity has led the organizers to extend the brand's reach beyond the original Arnhem event. Editions of the festival are now organized in other cities across the Netherlands, including Groningen, Breda, and Amsterdam, each attracting thousands of enthusiastic visitors. This expansion indicates a strategic effort to capitalize on the festival's success and cater to a wider audience throughout the country. Furthermore, the "Free Your Mind" brand is active throughout the year, organizing additional events such as Kingsday celebrations and other special gatherings. This year-round activity demonstrates the organization's commitment to maintaining a consistent presence in the electronic music scene beyond just the annual Arnhem festival.

The musical identity of the Free Your Mind Festival is firmly rooted in a blend of House and Techno music. This core focus encompasses a range of subgenres, including Deep House, Tech House, Hard Techno, and Industrial Techno, ensuring a diverse sonic landscape for attendees. The festival has consistently attracted prominent figures from the international electronic music industry, featuring performances by renowned artists such as 

. Alongside these established headliners, the festival also provides a platform for emerging and underground talents, suggesting a commitment to both showcasing leading acts and supporting the growth of the electronic music scene. This careful curation of lineups has been instrumental in building the festival's reputation as a destination for high-quality electronic music.

The "Free Your Mind" brand extends its presence beyond the main Arnhem festival through a variety of other events held throughout the year. These include events like the Free Your Mind Easter Special in Amsterdam and Free Your Mind Kingsday celebrations in Arnhem and Breda. The organization also hosts a Free Your Mind Festival in Groningen, further solidifying its national presence. Additionally, collaborations with other organizations such as 

, as well as hosting stages by brands like 

 and Flow, highlight the brand's interconnectedness within the broader event industry. This diverse portfolio of events demonstrates the "Free Your Mind" organization's active and significant role in the Dutch electronic music market throughout the year.

Attendees of the Free Your Mind Festival often describe a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The festival's setting alongside a river, sometimes featuring sandy areas and views of the John Frost Bridge, contributes to a unique and appealing environment. The crowd is typically diverse, attracting electronic music enthusiasts from across Europe who come to enjoy the music in a friendly and safe community. The combination of impressive musical lineups, the distinctive location, and the overall atmosphere stimulated by art and music creates a comprehensive and memorable experience for those who attend.

Sam Paganini

Past events

Other artists