Blaaktrax Launches: Rotterdam’s Underground Energy Moves Forward

We all know the feeling of a city that never really slows down. Trains moving in and out, people heading somewhere, music coming from basements and warehouses late into the night. In Rotterdam, a lot of that movement passes through Blaak station. Now, that same energy is making its way into the club world through Blaaktrax, a new imprint of Soave Records.

The name says a lot about the idea behind it. “Blaak” refers to the area around the station in Rotterdam where Soave is based, while “Trax” points both to train tracks and music tracks. The concept is simple: music that moves, just like the city it comes from. 

Blaak station, Rotterdam

For Soave Records, launching Blaaktrax marks a shift in focus. The label has built a global presence over the years, releasing thousands of tracks and working with artists across different genres and scenes. With Blaaktrax, the idea is to zoom back in on the club culture that sits closer to home while still keeping an eye on what’s happening internationally.

Rotterdam is at the center of that story but it’s not the only city involved. Berlin also plays a big role in the label’s network, with part of the team based there and strong connections to its club scene. The two cities share a lot of similarities, such as industrial spaces, fast-moving nightlife and DJs constantly experimenting with where dance music goes next.

Music wise, Blaaktrax sits right in the middle of the current wave of fast, high-energy dance music. The sound pulls from trance, bounce, eurodance and hard house, mixing the emotional drive of early 2000s club records with the sharper, more direct energy that today’s DJs are playing in peak-time sets.

The label launches with “Laser Beams” by Henk and August Kind, a track that reflects exactly that direction. Fast, direct and built for the club, it sets the tone for what Blaaktrax is aiming to do with its releases.

More artists are already lined up to follow. Names like De Hofnar, who is preparing for his Tomorrowland debut this summer, as well as Rotterdam-based Tell Moore and Utrecht’s STAMPPOT, are part of the early wave of releases planned for the label.

Rather than focusing on massive hype or big festival moments, the goal with Blaaktrax is to stay close to the scene itself. DJs, club crowds and the communities that grow around them are at the center of the label’s vision. Releases are expected to come regularly, creating a steady flow of music designed first and foremost for the dance floor.

Blaaktrax is just getting started and we’re excited to see what comes next. With fresh tracks dropping regularly, it’s definitely a label to keep on your radar. Stay tuned for the next release!