Dutch electronic producer Roel Funcken has drawn attention for both his music and visual art over the past 15 years or so. Following on from his work as one half of Funckarma, alongside his brother Don, Funcken’s solo career has seen him release on labels such as Touched Music, Science Cult and Analogical Force.
In addition, he has performed at events including La Biennale di Venezia, ADE-MACA Immersive Showcase, and as a support act for Autechre, with another support performance scheduled for October 2026.
Funcken’s latest release is the album Kine 3, set to be released on 4 August via EC Underground – his third release on the label. Available digitally and as a limited numbered 2CD edition of 100 copies, the 15-track album forms part of Funcken’s ongoing Kine series, continuing his exploration of evolving rhythmic structures and ambient textures.
For this week’s #MyRecordBag, Roel Funcken shares his top inspiring Dutch IDM tracks of the last 30 years.
Ard Bit – Hum Score
“Ard is a good friend of mine, and I’ve always admired his output. These days his work leans more toward immersive ambient music, but some of his earlier material explored more beat‑driven territory. This particular track has stayed with me for years. The rhythmic programming, sound design and overall atmosphere strike a rare balance between precision and emotion, making it one of my personal favourites.”
Eog – Solid Liquid
“Especially throughout the ’90s, Eog’s music had a huge impact on me. It was unlike anything I’d heard before – intricate, forward‑thinking and sonically uncompromising. We eventually became label‑mates on DUB Recordings in Rotterdam, which made that early admiration come full circle.
“If I remember correctly, the connection started in a rather unexpected way. My brother was repairing a synthesiser for one of the members – Martijn, I think – and when he called, the voicemail greeting was this astonishing piece of music. It completely stopped him in his tracks. It turned out to be their own work, and that moment ultimately led to us getting in touch.
“For that reason alone, and because of the lasting influence their music has had on me, they absolutely belong on this list.”
Kettel – Dolend
“Kettel and I go back a long way. We were also label-mates on DUB Recordings, and I’ve always considered him one of the true originals in electronic music. His classical training is immediately clear in the way he builds melodies and harmonies, giving his compositions a depth that’s uniquely his.
“Whether he’s writing ambient pieces or blending them with IDM, there’s an unmistakable sense of warmth and optimism in his music that feels genuinely infectious.
“Around this period, he often used bright, fruity lead sounds that hint at an Aphex Twin influence, but he never sounded derivative. He transformed those ideas into something completely personal, and that’s what I admire most – within seconds, you know you’re listening to Kettel.”
Secede – Friday Fall
“I first got to know Secede’s music when we became label-mates on Sending Orbs, the label Kettel ran with his brother. We released a Legiac album there, and around the same time Secede put out Tryshasla, which I still consider an absolute masterpiece. His music is built around incredibly euphoric, emotionally charged melodies that stay with you long after the track has ended.
“Wherever I travel and meet people from the IDM scene, Secede’s name almost always comes up. It’s a shame his discography is relatively small, but the quality of his work is exceptional. Friday Fall, the track I’ve chosen here, comes from Tryshasla and perfectly captures what makes his music so special.”
exm – Meltt
“The first time I heard Meltt by exm, from his album on Touched Music, it completely floored me. I immediately wanted to know who was behind it, and was surprised to discover he was also from the Netherlands, not far from where I grew up. We eventually started collaborating, and it’s become one of the most rewarding creative partnerships I’ve had.
“Together, we’ve released music on Science Cult under our own names, on Touched Music, and under the alias f~m on Old Technology (Surgeon’s label), with another release on the way. Remarkably, we’ve never actually met in person. His music is endlessly inventive, and collaborating with him has been an absolute pleasure.”
Edward J – Deviance
“I can’t remember exactly how I first discovered Edward’s music, but it made an immediate impression. The level of detail, musicality and craftsmanship in his productions is remarkable. Since then, we’ve remixed each other’s work, shared line‑ups, and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know him – he’s one of the kindest people I’ve met.
“There’s a warmth and precision in his music that really reflects his personality. His recent releases have become more stripped‑back while keeping that intricate rhythmic detail, making them both adventurous and very playable. Artists like Edward continue to show just how strong and distinctive the Dutch electronic music scene really is.”
Marric – Bye Bye Boldy
“Marric is a more recent discovery for me, and although we’ve never met, his music immediately clicked. I came across his work through Antilounge, a great label from The Hague dedicated to showcasing the city’s electronic scene.
“His productions have a playful, almost childlike quality, especially in the way he weaves vocals into intricate IDM rhythms. At times it reminds me of Kettel – not as imitation, but in the warmth and charm it conveys. Bye Bye Boldy, from his latest Antilounge release, is a perfect example: wonderfully inventive beats paired with memorable, uplifting melodies. Definitely an artist worth keeping an eye on.”
Astroposer – Spt-cl jh0546-5345
“Astroposer never released much IDM, but the handful of tracks he did create are genuinely exceptional. Every now and then, I revisit them, and they’ve aged remarkably well – they still sound fresh and inventive today. Most of this material never saw an official release and is fortunately still available on SoundCloud.
“Listening back while putting this list together, I was reminded of how sophisticated the rhythmic programming and melodic structures are; at times it even brings to mind artists like Arovane. If you’ve never heard his work, start with this track – it’s a hidden gem that deserves far more recognition.”
Speedy J – Balk Acid
“Speedy J had to be on this list, particularly for the more experimental work he released on Public Energy and on Shocking Hobby. Bulk Acid completely blew me away when I first heard it. The sound design is unmistakably his – raw, heavily processed, and full of character. The way he shapes distortion, filters and texture is something very few artists have ever matched.
“I’ve had the chance to meet him a few times, and even visit his studio years ago. He’s incredibly humble, and his approach to sound left a lasting impression on me. His recent album Walkman proves that, even outside of techno, he’s still creating music that feels completely original. Whatever genre he explores, it only takes a few seconds to recognise that unmistakable Speedy J signature.”
DB – Orisphee
“The final entry on my list is by an artist called DB. As far as I know, he hasn’t released much, but this track has stayed with me ever since I first heard it. You can clearly hear the influence of Aphex Twin in both the melodies and rhythmic programming, yet it has enough personality to stand on its own.
“We met years ago, and he played me this track in person. While putting this list together, I rediscovered it and suddenly realised: of course — he’s Dutch too. It was released on a compilation by 030303, an excellent label from the Utrecht area that my brother and I have also released music on. It felt like the perfect way to close this list. If you haven’t heard it before, do yourself a favour and check it out.”
Roel Funcken – Kine 3 is released on EC Underground on 4 August. You can pre-order it here.
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