Jyoty Interview @ Dekmantel Festival
Off the Radar and Into the Spotlight at Dekmantel…
Jyoty Singh dancing during her Dekmantel set (Credit to Ben Noar)
If you were at Dekmantel festival in the summer, chances are you either witnessed or heard about Jyoty’s electrifying headline set on the Radar stage. Fans crammed onto every available surface—scaffolding, stairs, even queuing outside in their hundreds—just to catch a glimpse of the Amsterdam-born, London-based DJ as she delivered a genre-wavering, high-energy masterclass. From classic Dutch anthems to dancehall heaters, Jyoty’s ability to mix, connect, and command a crowd is unmatched.
Fresh off that career-defining set, I caught up with Jyoty to talk about the experience, the energy of the Radar stage, and what it means to her to play at a festival she once only dreamed of.
Jyoty Singh plays her set at Dekmantel (Credit to Tim Buiting)
What was your favourite moment from that incredible set?
"So many! Every time I played a Dutch classic, it went off. 'The Launch'—that’s a classic bubbling track—had the whole crowd moving. And playing Duvelduvel - 'Wie is ut' while my drunk homies waved the Amsterdam flag? That was special.”
“I even played a classic rap track for one of my friends behind me. Just seeing those Dutch songs connect, that was everything."
The atmosphere was insane—I’ve never seen the Radar stage that full. Why do you think it was so special?
A view from the back of the Radar stage
"Radar is the best stage, hands down. It’s got that experimental underground sound, and the tiered, circular setup makes it feel like your in the outdoors at a festival but your kind of in a separate party within the party”
“The sound is contained, so people feel safer to let loose, it motivates people a lot more to just let go - It feels cozy.”
“It’s intimate but electric at the same time. That’s why I love it. It’s a mix of great curation and an amazing layout." (throws a thumbs up to the camera)
Dekmantel is a huge festival, and this was a bucket-list moment for you. What does playing here mean to you?
Dekmantel Festival away from the chaotic stages
"It means everything. I was born and raised in Amsterdam, and Dekmantel has this reputation for being one of the most prestigious festivals in the world for electronic music. For a long time, I felt like they overlooked some of the incredible club sounds coming out of the Netherlands. But they’ve been switching it up in recent years, and I was just praying someone would recognise what I do. Seeing the crowd’s reaction was proof—this sound belongs here. People want it, they need it, and I’m just one of many representing it. Even the Londoners in the crowd who didn’t know these Dutch tracks felt the energy. That’s what’s important. I had to do this—and do it well."
You bring so much energy and connection to your sets. What do you think makes you stand out?
"I don’t think I’m unique—there are so many amazing women DJs out here now. But I do think I’m really good at drawing people in. I don’t just play for myself—I want you to enjoy it too. Some of the sounds I play, like Mundalow and outta matevo funk, might make people go, ‘What the f*** is this?!’ But if they trust me and follow the rhythm, they get it. Even if the laser sounds feel overwhelming at first, the drum patterns bring them in. I love that."
Do you tailor every set to the crowd?
"Absolutely. Yesterday I played at 4PM in Canada—it was blazing hot, so I kept it contained. If I had played a set on Radar stage earlier in the day, it would have been completely different. I still believe in playing a role in the night. Some DJs don’t think that way anymore, but I do. This was the main slot, peak energy—I had to give them everything."
Who else were you excited to see at Dekmantel?
"I’m heading straight to see Regal86 after I freshen up—I’ve seen him a few times, but it’s always special. I was also really excited for Nick León, who played two sets before me. It’s tough when your friends are also playing because you can’t drop their tracks in your set! RHR is like a brother to me, and Nick is one of my favourite producers. Before I fly out, I’ve got to catch Goldie—a legend. And of course, Ben UFO & Joy Orbison on the Loop stage. The talent here is unreal."
Ragal86 performing on the Radar stage after Jyoty
It’s amazing to see Dutch artists getting so much love. Do you think that’s changing?
"Definitely. One of the best things about the UK is how British crowds treat British DJs like headliners. That’s not always been the case in other countries, but the Netherlands is catching on. It’s amazing to see Dutch artists getting the recognition they deserve."
Jyoty’s set at Dekmantel wasn’t just a highlight of the festival—it was a defining moment. Bringing together UK club sounds, Dutch classics, and her infectious stage presence, she proved that her time is now. If you weren’t there, you missed something special. But if this performance is anything to go by, Jyoty is just getting started.
