Interview by Matteo Mondo

Editing Design Intro Mike Moggi Mannix

Dutch producer and DJ Remco Beekwilder has spent the last decade making serious waves in the global techno scene.

Known for his gritty, old-school-influenced sound and uncompromising vision, he’s carved out a respected place in the underground thanks to releases on labels like Monnom Black and his own highly influential imprint, Emerald.

In this exclusive chat with Iconic Underground, Remco opens up about his journey from bedroom beatmaker to label boss, the philosophy behind Emerald, his approach to production, and his honest take on the state of today’s techno scene. What follows is a raw, insightful glimpse into the mind of a modern techno craftsman.

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Matteo Mondo: It’s a real pleasure to have you here for a chat, Remco. First off — I love your sound, it’s so distinctive, and Emerald is just incredible. So let’s start at the beginning: how did you get started as a DJ and producer?

Remco Beekwilder: Thanks for having me! I started out just messing around in my bedroom studio for fun, with absolutely no expectations. I was exploring all kinds of electronic music and producing whatever I felt like in the moment — I wasn’t even thinking about releasing anything. Then a friend of mine asked if I’d DJ at her first event because she liked the music I was making. At first, I said no — I didn’t want to play in front of a crowd — but

”…after a few beers, she convinced me. That’s how it all began.”

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Matteo Mondo: Before founding your own label, Emerald — which I think is one of the most authentic underground imprints out there — you were releasing on labels like Monnom Black, Binary Cells and others, alongside artists like Bas Mooy, The Horrorist, Dax J, MTD… and even Ireland’s own Tommy Holohan. When you’re producing, what are you chasing creatively? What do you look for in your sound?

Remco Beekwilder: I’ve always felt drawn to the old-school side of music — whether it’s techno or hip hop. So I naturally produce with that sort of mindset. It’s not about achieving a particular sound —

”…it’s about a feeling. It either moves me or it doesn’t. That’s really the only criteria.”

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Matteo Mondo: So how did Emerald come about? Why did you decide to start your own label?

Remco Beekwilder: It came out of necessity, really. I was sending out music to labels, but potential releases often never materialised. I also didn’t enjoy getting creative suggestions or being asked to restructure my tracks — it just didn’t sit right with me. Eventually, I got tired of that and decided to start something of my own. First, just for my own music, and later to support other artists too.

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Matteo Mondo: How do you choose the artists that release on Emerald? What’s the process behind the scenes?

Remco Beekwilder: I’m not actively scouting artists — I’m searching for a certain sound. When I hear someone who aligns with that, I reach out. Then it’s just a matter of exchanging demos and sketches via email, going back and forth until we shape the tracks into something that fits the vibe of an Emerald release.

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Matteo Mondo:
Let’s talk gear — what kind of drum machines or production software do you prefer to use?

Remco Beekwilder: I work in Logic Pro, using plugins from Roland, Arturia, and FabFilter. As for drum machines, Drumazon is my favourite — it delivers that gritty, punchy sound I’m after.

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Matteo Mondo: What’s your take on the techno scene at the moment?

Remco Beekwilder:
To be honest, it’s getting harder for me to find solid music. The scene is oversaturated — there are new releases dropping every day, and the lifespan of a track seems to be just a few days or weeks. That said,

I still believe that good music rises to the surface eventually — maybe not today, but it will.”

I guess it’s just a shift in the industry that I haven’t fully adapted to yet.

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Matteo Mondo: You started DJing before social media took over. In your view, was the scene better back then, or do you prefer how things work now?

Remco Beekwilder: I think change is always difficult. It can feel like you’re losing control over something familiar. For people who grew up before social media, it can definitely feel strange. But at the same time, these platforms open up opportunities for artists all around the world — people who wouldn’t otherwise have a voice.

”The key is remembering that social media isn’t real life. It’s a tool, not the destination”

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Matteo Mondo: What do you prefer when performing — clubs or festivals? Actually any chance to have you here in Dublin? (Probably for one of our iconic underground bunker parties in Pawnshop?)

Remco Beekwilder: I definitely prefer clubs. But a festival now and then can be fun too — it’s all about balance. After a string of club shows, a festival can feel refreshing and vice versa. Nothing confirmed for Dublin just yet, but I’d love to return. For obvious reasons!

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Matteo Mondo: Any spoilers for us? Who’s next up on Emerald?

Remco Beekwilder: Next up are releases from Conrad Van Orton, William Arist, myself, and plenty more to come!

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Matteo Mondo: Well, massive thanks again, Remco — for your music, your sets, and for taking the time to chat with us. We’re big fans of your style and your energy. Hope to see you on stage in Dublin very soon!

 

Whether it’s through the thundering pulse of a warehouse set or the carefully curated vision of Emerald, Remco Beekwilder continues to push techno forward without losing sight of its roots. In a world of endless content and constant digital noise, he remains a beacon for quality, authenticity, and raw underground energy.

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 Follow Remco:
SoundCloud
Resident Advisor
Emerald Bandcamp
YouTube – Live Set