Various Artists - DJ-Kicks (Dam Swindle) Various Artists

At the core of Dam Swindle has always been an unshakeable love of deep, soulful house music. While there have been forays into disco, soul and funk, they've never forgotten their roots. That, after all, is why they started in the first place: to inject some soul and swing into Amsterdam's then-austere club scene. And it's why, when they got the call from !K7, becoming the first Dutch act in the DJ-Kicks series, the mission felt simple: to honour their years of hard work with a mix of the best, most uplifting house at their fingertips.

Since launching in 2011, Lars Dales and Maarten Smeets, AKA Amsterdam- based duo Dam Swindle’s partnership has blossomed into a successful DJ and production career, the co-ownership and running of the club Radio Radio, and the spectacular Heist Recordings label, which earlier this year celebrated its 100th release. Their collaborative spirit shines through in their work across diverse genres with an incredible array of artists, including DJ Minx and Kerri Chandler, to name a select few.

"When we began, we really missed the soulful side," said Smeets. "Everything was minimal techno, but then we started doing these soulful productions and people loved it. 15 years later, nothing has changed, you know? We still believe dance floors need warmth, for dancing and connecting with likeminded people."

This mood permeates the 23-track mix, which was recorded at the duo's hardware-crammed studio beneath the Volkshotel. All warm keys, bright synth lines and heartfelt vocals, classic US favourites rub shoulders with local talents like Makèz, D Stone and Nachtbraker, who composed the bespoke intro and outro featuring, among other elements, sonic snapshots from previous Dam Swindle interviews offering a vivid journey through the highlights of their creative career.

And then there are the duo's five originals, whittled down from a 30-strong stack of fresh demos and crafted specifically to suit different sections. From more laidback house to no-nonsense heaters, they anchor the mix. "It was close to writing a whole album," Smeets admitted.

The resulting 74 minutes brilliantly captures Dam Swindle in 2026. A decade and half into the game, they're now approaching elder statesmen status in Amsterdam and beyond. Plenty of their fans and peers have grown up with their music. After a quieter period on the road and in the studio post-Covid, the duo have the bit between their teeth again, inspired to write, play and share dance music with as much joy and intent as ever.

"When people listen to the mix, they'll understand where we come from, what we do and where we're heading," said Dales. "It's a full circle moment for us, in that sense."