Amsterdam queer venue Club RAUM to launch new room, Nexus

Amsterdam-based queer venue Club RAUM has confirmed that it will add a new room later this year. 

Set to open during the SPIELRAUM Weekender, which takes place across 11-12 September, Nexus is described as a dark, vertical counterpart to the Studio room, with "no flashy effects" to allow for a "deep, introspective listening experience." 

Located within a '60s former industrial building close to Sloterdijk Station, Club RAUM was launched by the founders of beloved Amsterdam queer party SPIELRAUM, Sven Bijma and Diego Meijers, in 2024. 

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Currently under construction, Club RAUM has enlisted the help of sound designer Chrissie Quast to provide acoustic treatment for the room that compliments its bespoke Funktion-One soundsystem. 

Designed by architects Joaquin Valdes and Bram van Grinsven, Nexus will feature "maze-like corridors" to create a layered atmosphere. “The Studio is designed as an open, collective space for the shared enjoyment of house music,” says Van Grinsen. “Nexus invites you to explore, wander around; because it’s fun to get a little lost and find a place you didn’t know existed." 

The light scenography, developed by Ben Kruekniet and Albert van Abbe, is inspired by sacred geometry, synaesthesia and the architecture of light and sound. Kreukniet has previously created visual environments for global music icons like FKA twigs and Massive Attack. van Abbe is currently the Creative Director behind Dekmantel Festival’s well-recognised stage designs and scenography. 

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“By combining the architecture by Valdes and Van Grinsven with the light design by Kreukniet and van Abbe, we’ll create a space that deepens our musical programming and stays true to the core of club culture,” founders Bijma and Meijers said.

The line-up for the opening of Nexus features artists such as Alienata, Ben Sims, Bitter Babe, Basha & Allatt, DJ Pete, DJ Stingray 313, Kwartz, and more. Get your tickets here. 

Katy Strong is a freelance music writer, you can get in touch with her here.