Interview: Traum
Found home in a 16th-century church in Antwerp’s red-light district, Traum merges history with hedonism. Inspired by the rich legacy of the Belgian club scene, this venue has quickly become an institution for those seeking deep musical exploration and a raw dance floor atmosphere. With David and Maarten leading the creative direction, Traum continues to push boundaries through carefully curated programming, immersive energy, and a strong sense of community.
First off, congratulations on creating what’s set to be a new sanctuary for Antwerp’s nightlife over the next 52 weeks. What inspired the team to re-open the iconic space that once housed the legendary Café d’Anvers? David: With almost no suitable spaces remaining in the city center for amplified music, one building met all the requirements yet had been silent for nearly five years. With a team of passionate individuals deeply rooted in the Antwerp scene, we felt the need to create something new and different within this space. Despite having distinct creative visions, we discovered significant overlap in our ideas. This alignment gave us confidence that we could fill a void in the local music scene and offer a ‘Traum’ experience. The name Traum sounds dreamy yet intense. How does that align with your vision for the club and the atmosphere you’re aiming to create? Maarten: The name Traum perfectly embodies what we want the club to represent: a space that feels like a dream, yet retains an undercurrent of raw intensity. Traum isn’t just a dance club; it's an experience that evokes emotion. It's about the profound connection between dancers and artists, and the thrill of discovering something new and unexpected. David, you play a big role in shaping Traum's sound and identity. Can you walk us through your approach to curating the club's nights? David: While every member of our team contributes to shaping the club's sound and identity, my role as the music curator and booker carries a unique responsibility. I must deeply understand the current musical landscape and our audience's desires. However, the true challenge and the art lie in exceeding those expectations. It’s about surprising dancers with something they didn’t realize they wanted.
A program that balances established names with emerging talent. How do you maintain that balance, and what do you look for when booking artists? David: From day one, I’ve always loved to curate a night that features a mix of established names and emerging talents. When I listen to music, I approach it with an open mind. The fame of an artist doesn’t matter to me; what matters is the emotion their music evokes, the story they’re telling, and how it aligns with the vision we aim to create. I seek out artists who bring something unique, whether it’s through their sound, energy, or perspective. Established names offer experience and a sense of familiarity while emerging talents bring fresh ideas and a raw vision that keep the dance music scene dynamic and evolving. Maintaining that balance is about creating a dialogue between these two worlds, offering dancers something they recognize while also surprising them with something new and exciting. For me, it’s all about crafting a journey where every act adds a layer to the overall experience. Also, people must recognize the value of local talents, as they play a big role in Belgium’s music scene. Was that balance part of your vision for our Nowadays Magazine Club Night at Traum? David: Absolutely. Maintaining balance is crucial for every night. For this event, featuring Danilo Plessow (aka MCDE) B2B Hugo LX, and Yakub Dysney, we believe we've found the perfect blend of established and fresh talent. Collaboration seems essential to building a strong music scene. How does Traum engage with local DJs, artists, and collectives to strengthen that community? Maarten: At Traum, we believe in the power of community. The program is the result of close collaboration with a fixed team of resident DJs and promotors, who are given the creative freedom to shape nights that celebrate the diversity of Antwerp’s local scene. These collaborations ensure a broad range of sounds while promoting a sense of authenticity and community. Furthermore, inviting international guest curators introduces fresh perspectives, keeping the program dynamic and innovative. We've also gathered a team of talented individuals, including sculptors, musicians, dancers, and other creative souls passionate about nightlife. Together, they're working towards two main goals: creating educational programs and transforming our space into a living, breathing artwork. By connecting each project to the bigger picture, we're creating a strong and lasting narrative that guides this group from start to finish. In your opinion, what sets Traum apart from other clubs in Antwerp? Maarten: I believe clubs shouldn't engage in comparison, but rather focus on cultivating their own unique narrative and building a strong, authentic identity. For Traum, this means more than just using “community” as a buzzword. It's about actively nurturing a sense of shared ownership. We want the project and the building to be in constant motion, constantly evolving based on feedback and input we receive from the dancers and everyone who interacts with the club. By doing so, we empower the community, giving them a stake in Traum's success. This elevates Traum beyond being just a place to dance; it becomes a space with genuine meaning and a shared purpose. Antwerp has a rich musical heritage. How does Traum contribute to the evolution of the city’s nightlife? David: Traum is a platform where new artists' ideas can flourish, pioneers can leave their mark, and the experience extends beyond the club's closing hours.
Are there plans to expand Traum beyond club nights—perhaps through festivals, workshops, or other community-focused events? Maarten: Traum is more than just a club; it's a movement. We believe Traum should transcend its physical walls and become an integral part of the wider community. To achieve this, we're developing a diverse program, curated for and by the club's community. We're confident that everyone will find activities that resonate with them. We will gradually announce more details as we continue to explore these possibilities with our partners. For now, some aspects of the future remain unknown and adaptable, and we embrace that uncertainty as a source of beauty and potential. Creating safe and inclusive spaces on the dance floor is more important than ever. What steps is Traum taking to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for everyone? David: Nightlife, unfortunately, doesn't always provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. At Traum, creating a safe and welcoming space for all is a top priority. We are actively working with several organizations, such as Pimento’s “Veilig Uitgaan” and Burenhinder, to implement best practices for safety and inclusivity. We've already taken several steps based on feedback from previous events. This includes having a door host who provides a brief orientation to guests, explaining our expectations for respectful behavior, and how to ensure everyone feels comfortable. We've also just installed posters throughout the club with a dedicated phone number for guests to text if they feel unsafe. Furthermore, our website outlines our shared values and provides a platform for guests to submit feedback or report any incidents. We understand that creating a truly safe and inclusive space is an ongoing and evolving process. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, especially for a larger club like Traum. We welcome input from all stakeholders – guests, staff, and community members – as we strive to create the best possible dance floor for everyone. Have any formative experiences within club spaces influenced how you approach programming Traum? David: I genuinely think this is a great question. The combination of the club space and the program is very important. It influences me; it’s a mix of the club’s location, the people who come to dance, where in the city you’re situated, and more things. You have to think about that, especially if you don’t just want to have a club that only books A-list headliners. Through our programming and the venue, we aim to tell a story.
Are there any particular artists, sounds, or collectives you’re especially excited to bring to Traum soon? David: I’m excited about every artist, sound, or collective that will play, implement, or organize something here. Traum is not just about one party; it’s about the combination of everything across the full year that we’ll be here. How do you see clubs like Traum balancing the preservation of dance music’s heritage while pushing the genre forward? Maarten: Bridging the gap between older and newer generations of dancers is crucial. A diverse program featuring both music pioneers and emerging selectors creates a space where older generations can connect with the roots of music while introducing younger audiences to them. It's essential to educate people about this history without being overly snobbish. Exploring the history and evolution of dance music serves as a valuable tool to cultivate and foster a new vision and approach to interacting with music, whether through production, selection or simply dancing to it. Lastly, what’s on the horizon for Traum? Maarten: We're eager to involve the community as we shape Traum. Expect a ton of good music, mixed with a vibrant calendar of intimate educational events and even some Sunday clubbing! We'll be sharing more (visual) stories from our community over the following months to expand the Traum universe. You can stay in touch with us via digital platforms for the latest updates and announcements! Instagram Facebook Website WhatsApp Community Circle Looking forward to having a dance! Thanks for the chat, G’s! ________ Editor: Levy DuymPictures: Jente Van Brabant & Margot Lavigne
