The Architect of Modern Euphoria: The Benwal Story
(full birth name Gijs van Ringen), this Dutch phenomenon was born on June 14, 1998, in Groningen, Netherlands.
Benwal has rapidly ascended from the underground bunkers of the northern Netherlands to some of the world’s most prestigious festival stages.
Representing a new generation of “whiz kids” in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) landscape, he bridges the gap between the euphoric trance of the 1990s and the driving, groove-centered intensity of the 2020s.
Roots in the Northern Underground
Raised in Groningen, Gijs was shaped by the city’s unique, isolated, and vibrant nightlife. Unlike the commercial EDM hubs of Amsterdam, Groningen’s scene provided a raw, community-driven foundation. His family background supported a creative path that saw him spending his teenage years not just consuming music, but obsessing over the mechanics of how it was made.
Benwal’s journey is inextricably linked to his long-term production partner, Jonathan Kruizenga. The duo began their collaboration as a formal “Benwal” pair, spending over seven years in the studio honing a sound that radiated devotion to the craft. While Gijs eventually took the mantle of the solo touring DJ, the “Benwal sound” remains a dual effort, with Kruizenga—a classically trained musician and melody specialist—acting as the “mastermind” behind the evocative synth lines that define their discography.
The Ascent: From Illegal Raves to Awakenings
Benwal’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of the DIY ethos. His initial breakthrough came through illegal raves in the Groningen underground. These high-risk, high-reward events served as a laboratory for his high-energy style. Videos of his performances caught the eye of prominent promoters, leading to his residency at KopjeK, one of the region’s most respected club nights.
The “snowball effect” truly began in the post-pandemic era. Benwal launched his own rave platform, Zeven, which became an overnight sensation in the Netherlands. By sending his demos to established tastemakers like Marlon Hoffstadt (DJ Daddy Trance) and Malugi, he secured the industry support needed to cross borders.
Key milestones in his ascent include:
- The Lowlands & Wildeburg Debuts: These performances solidified his status as a “hometown hero” capable of commanding massive festival crowds.
- International Breakthrough (2023-2024): Tours across Europe and Australia proved his sound had a universal appeal, particularly in Melbourne, where he found a crowd as dedicated to “hardgroove” as his Dutch fans.
- Boiler Room at Glitch Festival: A high-pressure performance that introduced his infectious energy to millions of viewers worldwide.
Artistic Identity and Musical Influences
Benwal describes his aesthetic as “a 90s vibe with a 20s twist.” His sets are a masterclass in versatility, seamlessly blending Hard House, Trance, and Techno with unexpected detours into UK Garage (UKG).
His influences are diverse, ranging from the “Future House” era of Oliver Heldens (citing the track “Gecko” as a surprising inspiration for his own melodic structures) to the raw, bass-heavy sounds of the London underground. He frequently references Reese bass lines and 2010-era deep house as blueprints for his low-end energy. This “porous boundary” between niche underground sounds and widespread melodic appeal is what makes his music accessible to newcomers while maintaining the respect of seasoned “techno-snobs.”
Major Contributions and 2026 Activities
Beyond his own releases, Benwal is a significant contributor to the “Trance and Hard House Revival” that has dominated the mid-2020s. He has collaborated with artists like Funk Tribu and Milion, and his production work with Jonathan Kruizenga has set a new standard for “emotional club music.”
In 2025 and 2026, Benwal has expanded his horizons. His event series, NOUW, which sold out its inaugural show in just three minutes, represents his vision for a “raw yet surprising” rave experience. His recent releases, such as “Lie Down With Me” (2026) and the “U Need EP”, showcase a shift toward heavier, UK-influenced territory without losing the “euphoric” DNA that made him famous.
Selected Discography & Quick Reference
Top Hits and EPs
| Year | Title | Label | Notable Feature |
| 2026 | Lie Down With Me | Independent | Modern Trance Anthem |
| 2025 | U Need EP | EC2A | UK Garage & Hard House fusion |
| 2025 | Feel Better | Rinse | High-paced melodic techno |
| 2024 | Aydee | A State of Trance | Featured on Armin van Buuren’s Destination |
| 2023 | Rush (I don’t wanna wait) | Independent | Viral dancefloor weapon |
Accolades and Recognition
| Honor | Year | Significance |
| SLAM! Next Gen Award | 2025 | Named Netherlands’ “Greatest Upcoming DJ Talent” |
| beFesti DJ of the Year | 2025 | Voted top performer in the Dutch festival circuit |
| Tresor & Awakenings Resident | 2024-2026 | Regular headliner at the world’s most elite venues |
Legacy and Public Persona
Benwal remains a figure of “youthful recklessness and precision.” He is known for his nervous pre-show energy—a trait he admits to in interviews—which transforms into a “dizzying pace” once he steps behind the decks. His public image is one of a “fan of the culture” first and a superstar second, often seen engaging in “geek talk” about music production and digging for obscure tracks to surprise his audience.
