Resilience in the Face of Adversity

WORDS/IMAGES THEO THOMPSON

ATRIP, the genre-defying DJ and producer, is a force in electronic music, carving his own path with unparalleled energy and authenticity. On November 28th, he brought his signature, ATRIP Presents Tanzpartei, to the iconic Phonox in Brixton, a night that felt less like a headline show and more like a united celebration. From the moment the sound encompassed, it was clear…this wasn’t just music; it was a movement.

With a magnetic blend of technical mastery and heartfelt passion, ATRIP’s 360-degree set was a living testament to his vision of inclusivity, creativity and pure joy. “It was a manifestation of a sense of community that I just really hadn’t felt before,” he said, reflecting on the night. Surrounded by an audience that mirrored his ethos, ATRIP created an atmosphere where everyone felt connected, moving as one.

ATRIP’s rise in the electronic music scene has been anything but conventional. Born Patrick (P) and raised in Bavaria, his multicultural roots of Poland and Germany infused his early love for music with a rich variety of sounds; from Eurodance to heavy metal. “I grew up in the mountains, exposed to so much; trance, hardstyle, electronic music.” After moving to the UK he discovered Two Step and thought, “What the fuck is this?” That moment sparked a journey that would see him evolve from the alienation he felt in the EDM and dubstep worlds to finding solace and creative freedom in a community built on love and mutual respect.

ATRIP is a staunch advocate for breaking down Barriers in music. In an industry often riddled with gatekeeping. he stands firm in his belief that music is meant to be shared. “I get why people do it, but I’d rather people just have fun with it. If you’ve created something and people want it, why wouldn’t you share it?” It’s this openness that resonates deeply with his audience, fostering a culture of inclusivity both on and off the dancefloor.

Reflecting on his evolution, P explains his drive to create tracks with purpose: “I’ve often found that in certain moments of DJing I’ve lacked tracks for transitioning between the genres I like to play. Those are the gaps I try to fill with my roductions.” Tracks like Cortez and Junction 3 exemplify this, bridging genres with seamless transitions that keep the dancefloor alive. His craft isn’t about showing off but about curating an experience where every beat, every drop, feels intentional and vital.

Reflecting on his evolution, P explains his drive to create tracks with purpose: “I’ve often found that in certain moments of DJing I’ve lacked tracks for transitioning between the genres I like to play. Those are the gaps I try to fill with my productions.” Tracks like Cortez and Junction 3 exemplify this, bridging genres with seamless transitions that keep the dancefloor alive. His craft isn’t about showing off but about curating an experience where every beat, every drop, feels intentional and vital.

ATRIP is a staunch advocate for breaking down barriers in music. In an industry often riddled with gatekeeping, he stands firm in his belief that music is meant to be shared. “I get why people do it, but I’d rather people just have fun with it. If you’ve created something and people want it, why wouldn’t you share it?” It’s this openness that resonates deeply with his audience, fostering a culture of inclusivity both on and off the dancefloor.

At the heart of P’s philosophy is a commitment to community and representation. “The values I represent are the values I want people on my dancefloor to represent,” he shared. This ethos was palpable at Phonox, where a diverse crowd felt not just welcomed but celebrated. Individuals expressed a feeling of safety and empowerment at his events, an intentional focus for P. “The aspiration should always be to create spaces where everyone feels welcome,” he said. Resilience in the Face of Adversity

P’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. At just 16, he endured a traumatic legal battle over stolen music, an experience that could have derailed his career. “It was a huge shitshow. I had no idea what was going on,” he recalled. Yet, instead of letting it define him, P emerged stronger, with a pragmatic outlook and an unyielding work ethic. “I’ve fallen on my face enough times. But it’s okay. You get up and you keep going.” This resilience fuels his independence today. P remains adamantly self-reliant, refusing to compromise his creative vision. “This is why I’m staying independent,” he said. “No one will take the exact route I’ve decided to take, and that’s okay.”

His headline show at Phonox wasn’t just a performance; it was a shared experience. I vividly recall the soft hum of a bluish-yellow light bathing him in a golden hour warmth as Junction 3 sounded. A quiet promise of the journey ahead, before the drop hit and the lights erupted in perfect harmony, just a glimpse into the night’s harmonising production.

As the crowd jumped and swayed to the rhythm, there was an undeniable sense of collective euphoria. “You could feel it,” P turns. “It felt like we all experienced that properly together.” From the glowing smiles to the electrifying beats, the night was a testament to the transformative power of music.

One individual approached P after the show, tears in their eyes, and said, “This is the best I’ve felt in so long.” Moments like these encapsulate why it is that he does what he does. “There’s nothing better than witnessing the contribution you’re making and truly feeling like you’ve affected someone positively,” he said. Looking Back, Moving Forward As P reflected on his journey, there was a moment of reflection on his younger self. “That kid would be in disbelief,” he said. “He’d be so excited for the future and proud to be the Predecessor to this.” Despite the challenges, P’s unwavering passion and determination have brought him to a place where he feels confident, grateful and ready for what’s next.

And what’s next is nothing short of exciting; a club-leaning EP, more collaborations and a continued focus on fostering inclusive spaces in music. But for him, the ultimate reward lies in the connection he builds with his audience, one beat at a time.

As he said with a smile, “That boy would probably be looking at me right now and going, ‘How did you do this?’ And I’d tell him, ‘We never gave up.’”