The Listening Sessions Are Set to Return

25 April 2025

Listening to your favorite record on HI-FI, surrounded by fellow vinyl lovers—what could be better? Our beloved listening sessions are set to return this year as part of the Vinyl Culture program at PHIL, our home base throughout the weekend from Friday through to Sunday.

Following the first artist announcements, we're now offering a sneak peek at what to expect from this year's listening sessions. With an expected 40 participating locations across the city, you'll find them spread throughout Haarlem—though PHIL, our festival hub, will take center stage. Artists like Altın Gün, Chuckie, Coco Maria, Colleen Murphy, Merol, Steven Wilson, Spinvis and Willem have all left their mark on previous editions—and this year, we're building on that energy with fresh new experiences.

Tickets

All listening sessions are accessible for day ticket - available from May 1st onwards- and Weekend Pass and Vinyl Culture ticket holders, available now at Early Bird rates. The PHIL foyer and the Record Fair at Dreef are free of charge—no ticket required. The first participating artists for 2025 will be announced soon, but here are three listening highlights you won't want to miss during the weekend:

My Record Like Never Heard Before

We're once again opening the floor to you, as the DIY listening experience returns. Which album would you love to hear on a high-end system? PHIL will once again feature top-tier audio set-ups by PMC, provided by our friends at Joystick Audio.

During My Record Like Never Heard Before, on Saturday and Sunday, you can listen to your favorite record on a high-end HI-FI sound system—raw, rich, and fully immersive. Bring your favorite classic or that freshly dug gem.

  • Date: Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September
  • Location: PHIL
  • Time: To be announced

A Soundtrack for the End? Let's Talk About It

One of this year's most unique sessions is hosted by Dood Gaan We Allemaal. Together, we'll listen to music you'd want played at your own funeral—and more importantly, explore the stories behind those choices. After all, is there a better time than your final send-off to flex your music taste one last time?

This session is part of an ongoing search for an alternative funeral top 10. Want to contribute? Share your track via the Spotify playlist—or better yet, bring your record along, whether from home or freshly picked up at the vinyl market.

  • Date: Saturday 27 September
  • Location: PHIL
  • Time: To be announced

Listening Booths & Sound Burgers

In the freely accessible PHIL foyer, home to the Haarlem Record Label Market (HRLM), you'll find cozy listening booths—perfect for sampling the latest additions to your vinyl collection. They're a great way to slow down, take a break from digging, and connect with new music—or revisit old favorites.

At the Record Fair on Dreef, you'll also be able to use Audio-Technica's modern classic Sound Burgers—portable turntables with high-fidelity sound—to preview your finds. Yes, they're just as fun to use as they sound.

  • Date: Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September
  • Locations: PHIL & Dreef