Sound system culture and decibels

Sound system culture and decibels

The role of sound in the event permit process.

Moderator: Sacha Martina (House of Inclusion)
Bredda Neil (King Shiloh)
Jan Glas (Krackfree Soundsystem)
Marcel Kok (dBControl)
Martijn Diepenhorst (Plus One Legal)

We invite music lovers, artist and professionals in the music industry, to the expert session ‘Sound system culture and the role of sound in event permits’ during Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), as part of the ADE Friends X 750 program. A conversation about the origin and importance of sound system culture, the development of sound systems and the role of sound as part of the permit process for events.The panel is hosted by A Lab and curated by Plus One Legal.

‍Topics to be discussed:

- Why is the origin of sound system culture more relevant than ever for today’s event scenes?
- What makes a true sound system?
- How to play wise with sound in applications for event permits?
- What is the legal framework of sound as part of event permits?

Date: 24 October 2025
Time: 16.15h – 17.15h
Location: A Lab, Overhoeksplein 2, 1031 KS Amsterdam (NL)
Join us for tunes & drinks afterwards

Sacha Martina
Sacha Martina is known as a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion. She has been nominated for the prestigious Entrepreneur Award Global People, a recognition of her commitment and impact. With a background in the technology industry, Sacha discovered her true calling in breaking down barriers and promoting equality. Her mission is driven by the belief that visibility is essential for change: ‘You can't be what you can't see.’
As an entrepreneur and dedicated mother, Sacha combines personal experiences with professional expertise to make topics such as inclusion, leadership and personal growth tangible. Her life motto, ‘Out of your comfort zone,’ reflects her own journey and serves as inspiration for others to take on challenges and grow.
With her natural charisma and in-depth knowledge, Sacha inspires a wide audience, from tech specialists to HR professionals and entrepreneurs. She is not only a role model, but also a bridge builder who, through her work, makes the world more accessible and equitable for future generations.

Bredda Neil / King Shiloh
King Shiloh Sound System, based in Amsterdam, Holland, is an international, independently operating, roots reggae & dub sound system, founded and inspired through the inspiration of Jah Rastafari in 1991. The state of the art 40kw 6-way stereo sound system is at the heart of all activities, spin-offs include the King Shiloh Majestic Music record label. King Shiloh are known as the traveling sound, they have covered more distance in the last 20 years with their sound system than any other in Europe. Ground-breakers outside of the UK and responsible for inspiring a whole new generation of sound systems across the continent. They were the first non UK sound to play on the island with their own sound system, becoming regulars at the famous University of Dub in London. Their sessions are regularly sold-out be it in NL, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany or the UK. They are regulars at the top sessions in Europe like DubStation in Paris and ReggaeBus in Brussel. Bredda Neil, is the operator of the sound & selector of the music.

Jan Glas / Krackfree Soundsystem
Krackfree Soundsystem was born from a passion for high-quality sound and deep musical experiences. Established in Eindhoven, the Netherlands by a group of dedicated sound lovers. Krackfree set out to create a system that delivers crystal-clear, powerful audio while staying true to the roots of sound system culture. Inspired by the traditions of reggae, dub, and other underground music movements, Krackfree has become known for its uncompromising approach to audio excellence, in all kind of musical genres. Over the years, it has evolved from small gatherings to large-scale events, always pushing the boundaries of sonic innovation.

Marcel Kok / dBControl
As a specialist in noise control, dBcontrol has been the partner of dozens of event organisers since 2001. They praise dBcontrol's quality, expertise, commitment and independence. Marcel Kok is founder of dbControl.

Martijn Diepenhorst / Plus One Legal
Forget Saul. Martijn Diepenhorst is the go-to lawyer when it comes to permits for events and festivals.Better call Martijn - he is legal advisor to a wide range of music festivals and events in the Netherlands, from household names to emerging initiatives. He is a no-nonsense, hands-on advisor who supports our clients with dedication in their legal dealings with government authorities.A lawyer since 2005, Martijn brings over twelve years of experience in permit procedures and administrative law for events, festivals, and media. He works in close collaboration with a broad network of trusted, specialized advisors across all relevant fields related to event permitting.