Future Talent Shines at ADE with NEXUS
Announcing the 2025 Winners of the Nexus Radio FUTURE TALENT AWARDS
Each October, Amsterdam becomes the beating heart of the global electronic music community as Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) takes over the city. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is renowned as the world’s leading electronic music festival and conference. It offers five full days filled with showcases, networking events, club nights, panel discussions, and performances. With an estimated attendance of 600,000 visitors in 2025, the city transformed into a creative playground where artists, fans, and industry professionals gather to celebrate electronic music culture.
Amid this vibrant atmosphere, Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam and Nexus Radio (US) join forces each year to spotlight emerging talent through the Future Talent Award. This competition gives upcoming producers and artists a platform at one of the world’s most influential events.
A Collaboration That Elevates New Voices
Nexus Radio, the worldwide online radio platform dedicated to dance, pop-remix, and electronic music, brings its signature energy to ADE each year with the Nexus Lounge. This buzzing hotspot is where DJs, producers, and industry insiders gather for interviews, performances, and conversations. Broadcasting 24/7 and active at major electronic music events worldwide, Nexus Radio provides a powerful platform for new artists looking to break into the scene.
In collaboration with Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, they offer students and alumni a unique chance: to have their music heard by a panel of industry professionals and, for the top talents, earn a feature interview at the Nexus Lounge and a place in the official Nexus Lounge Amsterdam Aftermovie.
An Incredible Year of FUTURE Talent with Nexus
This year, participants were invited to submit their demos for consideration. As the judges began reviewing the tracks, it became clear that 2025 would be one of the most competitive editions yet. The range of submissions, from high-energy electronic productions to vocal-driven tracks and cinematic compositions, showcased just how diverse and ambitious this next generation of artists is.
The selection team shared how inspiring it was to see producers, composers, vocalists, and multi-disciplinary creatives all pushing their boundaries. With so many strong contenders, narrowing the list was highly challenging.
After careful deliberation, two standout artists emerged.
2025 Winner: Alvaro Revuelta (REVU)
This year’s winner is Álvaro Revuelta (REVU), a 23-year-old producer from Sevilla, Spain, who moved to Amsterdam to pursue his dream of making music professionally.
Alvaro began developing his track specifically for the competition, aiming to create something that could work both on the radio and in a club environment. During the process, he invited his roommate Cian, a recent Abbey Road Institute graduate, to record a rap verse. This collaboration shifted the production from a purely instrumental piece into a catchy, vocal-driven track with broad appeal.
He spent nearly all of his spare time over two weeks fine-tuning the production, determined to deliver something that matched his artistic ambitions. The result impressed the judges not only for its production quality but also for its musicality and commercial potential.
As the winner, Alvaro was invited for an exclusive interview at the Nexus Lounge during ADE, an experience that many emerging artists describe as an essential moment in their journey.
Alvaro Revuelta (REVU), 2025 winner, interview at the Nexus Lounge
Runner-Up: Alex Fernandez Guix (Alex Grift)
This year’s runner-up, Alex Grift, also delivered an outstanding piece of work. His submission, a fully produced and mixed yet unreleased track, showcased his versatility as a producer, songwriter, and mixer. Alex handled nearly every aspect of the track himself, including some of the backing vocals, while a close friend performed the main vocal line.
Although the track is not yet publicly released, its polished sound and emotional impact made a strong impression on the judges. In addition to earning the runner-up position, Alex received another exciting opportunity. His song has been selected for the official Aftermovie soundtrack of Nexus Lounge Amsterdam 2025, offering significant exposure to a global audience.
Alex was also invited for an exclusive interview at the Nexus Lounge during ADE.
Runner-up Alex Grift, Nexus Lounge interview ADE 2025
Honourable Mentions
Several other submissions reached the very top of the judging list and deserve special recognition. The judges highlighted the impressive work of:
- Aday Quintero
- Alexander Gleiser
- LEMAS Music
Their creativity and production quality made the final decision especially difficult.
A Day to Remember at the Nexus Lounge
Both winners, along with classmates, friends, and Abbey Road Institute staff, were invited to celebrate at the Nexus Lounge during ADE. Surrounded by superstar DJs, producers, managers, and media crews, they received their Future Talent Awards and prize packs supported by Fosil, AlphaTheta, and Johnny Urban.
It was another great edition of the Nexus Lounge, offering numerous opportunities for networking, taking photos, and engaging in conversations with established artists. For many students, it was their first opportunity to get an inside glimpse of the industry at one of the world’s most significant electronic music gatherings.
Interviews with the winners, now available online, capture the excitement and momentum of the day and offer an inspiring look at what is next for these emerging talents.
Winners, students and staff at the Nexus Lounge ADE 2025
Abbey Road Institute students and staff at the Nexus Lounge ADE 2025
Looking Forward
The partnership between Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam and Nexus Radio continues to provide a powerful launchpad for new electronic music creators. By bringing students directly into the heart of ADE’s professional environment, the Future Talent Award helps open doors, build confidence, and spark careers.
We extend a big thank you to Nexus Radio for their ongoing dedication to supporting the next generation of electronic-music producers and for helping these artists take their first necessary steps into the industry.
The future of electronic music is in good hands.
2025 winners:
Interview with Alvaro Revuelta: Revu on Passion, Perseverance, and the Power of Sound
Interview with Alex Fernandez Guix (Alex Grift): Alex Krift on Music, Emotion, and Connection
2024 winners:
Interview with Lennart Lemas Maskow: Spotlight on Rising Music Star Lemas
2023 winners:
Interview with Jimmy Moon: The Cinematic Sound of Jimmy Moon
Interview with Honey Bea’s Beatrice de Vaulx Shares Musical Journey
Learn more:
Alumni Corner: Jorge’s Passion for Mixing and Music Production
