Early Life
Amelie Lens, the renowned electronic music artist, hails from Vilvoorde, Belgium. Her childhood took an unexpected turn when, at the tender age of five, she lost her mother. Raised by her grandmother thereafter, Lens found solace and passion in the world of art. Her academic journey led her to an art school in Antwerp, where her eclectic taste in music began to take root. Influenced by the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Underworld, Boys Noize, and Ellen Allien, Lens discovered the power of music as a form of expression from an early age.
Lens's pivotal moment came at the age of 15 when she attended the 2005 Dour Festival in Belgium. Describing the experience as "life-changing," she immersed herself in the realm of electronic music. The festival sparked a newfound curiosity, prompting her to delve into the history of electronic music, explore emerging artists, and curate playlists that reflected her evolving musical taste.
Career Transition
Following the festival, Lens was unexpectedly discovered by a modeling agency, leading her to embark on a modeling career that took her to cities like London, Paris, and Milan. Despite her success on the runway, Lens continued to nurture her passion for music during her free time, DJing under the pseudonym Renée, a tribute to her late mother. Securing a residency at the Labyrinth Club in Hasselt, Belgium in 2013, she showcased her talent in bass-heavy minimal techno.
In 2014, Lens made a pivotal decision to transition from the fashion industry to fully pursue her musical aspirations. This marked the beginning of her professional journey in the world of electronic music, during which she adopted her real name.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2015, Lens and her boyfriend, Sam Deliaert, ventured into the business world by launching an oatmeal company named "Baerbar." However, the venture was short-lived, and Lens redirected her focus entirely to her burgeoning music career. The following year saw the release of her debut track, "Exhale," on the Italian imprint Lyase Recordings.
As her musical journey progressed, Lens expanded her creative horizons. In 2018, she founded her own label, Lenske, and began curating events under the name "EXHALE" at Hasselt's Labyrinth Club. These events gained traction, extending to prestigious venues like London's Fabric club and festivals such as Creamfields, OFFSonar, Dour, and Extrema.
Musical Style and Equipment
Amelie Lens's musical style has evolved over the years, with her sets characterized by a dynamic blend of classic acid, tribal house influences, and contemporary European techno sounds. She employs a Pioneer RMX 1000 during live performances, utilizing its built-in sampler and personalized effects to reshape the tracks seamlessly.
In the studio, Lens employs Ableton Live DAW, the Elektron Analog Four synth, and sequencer to craft her distinctive sound. Her high-energy sets have earned her recognition for skillfully incorporating stripped-down or minimalistic percussion locked grooves.
Discography
Amelie Lens's discography is a testament to her prolific output and evolving style. From her debut track "Exhale" to collaborations such as "Weight Of The Land" with Farrago and "Raver's Heart" with AIROD, Lens's musical journey continues to captivate audiences around the world. Her label, Lenske, serves as a platform for both her own releases and contributions from emerging talents in the electronic music scene.
Amidst the beats and rhythms, Amelie Lens's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of her passion for electronic music. From the challenges of her early life to the heights of her musical career, Lens stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and the unwavering spirit of those who follow their dreams.
