Dutch Visionaries Reimagining House Music for a Global Generation
Early Lives and Background
Born in 1991 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Jesse van der Heijden grew up surrounded by the Netherlands’ rich musical heritage. Raised in a culturally open household, he was exposed early to soul, funk, and rock records. His fascination with rhythm began in adolescence, when he started experimenting with DJ equipment and digital production software.
Oguzhan Guney
Oguzhan Guney, born in 1990 in Amsterdam to a Turkish-Dutch family, grew up immersed in a multicultural environment that blended European electronic music with Middle Eastern melodic sensibilities. This cross-cultural exposure would later subtly inform ANOTR’s textured, groove-heavy aesthetic.
Though neither member has publicly detailed extensive family histories, both have acknowledged that supportive parents encouraged creative exploration. Amsterdam’s club culture—renowned for its progressive policies and vibrant nightlife—became their extended classroom.
Education and Musical Formation
Both van der Heijden and Guney pursued higher education in Amsterdam while nurturing parallel interests in music production. The Netherlands has long been a hub for electronic innovation—home to pioneers across trance, techno, and house—and ANOTR absorbed these influences while carving a distinct identity.
Early inspirations included:
- Daft Punk
- Masters at Work
- Ricardo Villalobos
- The Martinez Brothers
Their tastes ranged from classic disco and funk to stripped-back minimal house. Rather than emulate a single subgenre, they focused on groove as a unifying principle.
Formation of ANOTR (2014)
ANOTR officially formed in 2014, their name—meaning “another”—a tongue-in-cheek reference to the countless DJ duos populating the scene. Yet from the outset, they were determined not to be “just another” act.
Their early releases on respected underground labels quickly gained traction. A breakthrough moment arrived with EPs released through influential imprints such as:
- Hot Creations
- Solid Grooves Records
These releases positioned ANOTR within the global tech-house conversation, earning support from leading DJs and securing high-profile bookings.
Breakthrough Era: “Relax My Eyes” and Global Recognition
While ANOTR had already built underground credibility, their 2022 single “Relax My Eyes” marked a transformative moment. The track, with its hypnotic vocal loop and laid-back groove, became a viral success—bridging underground house with mainstream streaming culture.
Unlike formulaic festival anthems, “Relax My Eyes” thrived on subtlety. Its success demonstrated ANOTR’s ability to craft minimal yet emotionally resonant compositions.
The track charted internationally, amassed hundreds of millions of streams, and introduced ANOTR to audiences far beyond traditional club spaces.
Musical Evolution: From DJ Duo to Live Experience
In the early 2020s, ANOTR expanded beyond DJ sets into live performances incorporating instruments and extended improvisation. Their concerts evolved into immersive experiences, blurring the boundaries between DJ culture and live band aesthetics.
This evolution reflected their growing interest in:
- Jazz-inflected arrangements
- Soul-inspired vocal textures
- Cinematic soundscapes
- Organic instrumentation
Rather than abandoning house music, they broadened its vocabulary.
Discography Overview
Though rooted in EP culture, ANOTR have developed a substantial body of work.
Selected Discography
| Year | Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–2017 | Early EPs | Underground Tech-House Foundations |
| 2018 | “Everything” | Growing International Attention |
| 2020 | “Going Home” | Pandemic-Era Reflection |
| 2022 | “Relax My Eyes” | Breakthrough Global Hit |
| 2023–2025 | Album & Live Projects | Expanded Artistic Direction |
Their releases reveal a gradual shift from club-focused minimalism toward broader, more melodic storytelling.
Awards and Recognition
ANOTR’s rise has been accompanied by significant industry acknowledgment.
Selected Recognitions
| Year | Recognition | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | International Streaming Milestones | “Relax My Eyes” Global Success |
| 2023 | Festival Headlining Slots | Major European & US Festivals |
| 2024 | Industry Nominations | Electronic Music Award Circuits |
While formal mainstream awards remain secondary to their underground roots, peer recognition and global bookings underscore their impact.
Collaborations and Production Work
ANOTR have collaborated with vocalists, instrumentalists, and fellow producers across house and electronic spheres. Their approach often involves co-writing and live studio experimentation rather than remote digital exchanges.
They have also contributed remixes for prominent electronic artists, helping reinterpret tracks through a groovier, more organic lens.
Cultural Impact and Industry Contribution
ANOTR’s significance lies in their role as bridge-builders:
- Underground to Mainstream: They demonstrated that minimal house can thrive in streaming ecosystems.
- DJ to Live Hybridization: Their performance model helped reintroduce musicianship into DJ-centric spaces.
- Globalization of Dutch House: While the Netherlands is often associated with big-room EDM, ANOTR spotlighted a deeper, groove-oriented alternative.
In doing so, they expanded global perceptions of what Dutch electronic artists represent.
Challenges and Controversies
ANOTR’s career has been relatively free of major controversy. However, like many electronic artists, they navigated:
- The global shutdown of live touring in 2020
- Pressures of viral fame following “Relax My Eyes”
- Industry debates about streaming economics
Rather than chasing algorithmic formulas, they responded by deepening their artistry.
Public Persona and Personal Philosophy
ANOTR project a relaxed, creative authenticity. Interviews often emphasize:
- Creative freedom
- Artistic patience
- The emotional power of groove
Their multicultural backgrounds—particularly Guney’s Turkish heritage—contribute to a worldview that embraces diversity and cross-genre exploration.
They have spoken about valuing travel and global exchange as sources of inspiration, a perspective reflected in their cosmopolitan sound.
Recent Activities (2024–2026)
In recent years, ANOTR have continued expanding their live concept, performing extended sets blending DJing and instrumentation. International tours across Europe, North America, and Asia have solidified their reputation as dynamic performers.
Their newer material leans increasingly into soulful house, jazz textures, and experimental structures—suggesting an act still evolving rather than settling into formula.
Legacy and Enduring Influence
Though still in the prime of their careers, ANOTR’s legacy is already discernible:
- Revitalizing groove-driven house for streaming audiences
- Demonstrating artistic growth beyond early tech-house roots
- Inspiring younger producers to embrace musicality
For newcomers to Electronic Dance Music, ANOTR offer an accessible entry point—music that feels both sophisticated and emotionally immediate.
From Amsterdam’s intimate clubs to global festival stages, ANOTR’s journey reflects the maturation of modern house music itself. Through disciplined craftsmanship, cultural openness, and a refusal to remain static, Jesse van der Heijden and Oguzhan Guney have carved a distinctive path in contemporary electronic music.
In a genre often defined by excess, ANOTR remind us that sometimes the most powerful statement is the simplest groove—patiently unfolding, inviting listeners not just to dance, but to feel.
