Two deeply respected selectors, one explosive back-to-back. Rotterdam’s own Dirtydms and Belfast-born Kessler bring their shared love of bass, broken rhythms, and emotional depth to POING FESTIVAL—playing together on the Bunker stage from 17:00 to 19:00.

In this interview, the two artists reflect on their individual sounds, where their styles overlap (and clash), and the mutual respect that fuels their dynamic behind the decks. It’s a meeting of minds shaped by curiosity, unpredictability, and a serious commitment to the dancefloor.

How would you each describe your individual sound, and what draws you to it?

Kessler: My sound pulls a lot from the UK bass continuum, but its roots stretch wider – into dub, jazz, hip-hop, soul, blues and electronica. It’s rhythm and bass that usually hook me first, but I’m always digging for music with more than just energy – I love songs which have depth, texture, and emotion. It’s not always about huge moments and big drops, just like music that shaped me wasn’t built for that, but it moved me in ways that still guide everything I make and play.

Dirtydms: With my sets I try to create a balance between mind and body music. I want to make people dance though I also like to trigger people’s brain with sound design, beautiful melodies, depth and unexpected curves. And off course I love bass.

Where do your styles overlap, and where do they clash in an exciting way?

Kessler: There’s definitely a mutual love for deep, bass heavy, percussive, broken and spacey sounds, yet also very physical and gritty music. We both have quite a varied taste within dance music and I think thats also where the clash comes, when one of us throws out something unexpected… a quick halftime switch or going from 150 to 110 bpm – and then someone has got to match the energy without killing the flow. I think that element of surprise and tension keeps the B2B dynamic and unpredictable.

Dirtydms: We share a pretty similar taste in music, smooth transitions and weird tracks we both looove. As for what makes us different, that part is a little harder to explain. Might have to find out yourself.

What do you admire most about each other’s DJing or musical taste?

Kessler: I’ve booked Dirtydms for a number of my own events over the years and she’s been a part of several curations, simply because she’s one of my favourite DJs to come out of Rotterdam. That connection naturally led to bringing her into the fold with my label, Elicit. She has a wicked sense of pacing – knows exactly how to stretch tension and flip it on its head. Away from the decks, there’s this restless curiosity about music – she’s always digging, always exploring. It’s really refreshing & charming.

Dirtydms: Eddy is one of the sickest selectors I know, I’m always curious to hear what the next track is going to be. He understands when to play what, and is a master in playing with energy in the crowd. I also really respect djs who aren’t afraid to lean into more sensitive or atmospheric territory, and Eddy does that beautifully.

What kind of energy are you hoping to bring to your set at POING FESTIVAL?

Kessler: I guess I would call it controlled chaos – high energy, no ego, and off-script in the best way. I don’t think we’re just trying to smash it, we’re having fun with it too – pushing each other, taking risks, seeing where the wind takes us. Expect fast tempos, deep digs, big bass… but also plenty of moments that just make you grin. It’s about sharing that buzz between us with everyone in the room.

Dirtydms: Stank face.

Give us one track that definitely can’t be missed in this B2B.

Kessler: Honestly when it comes to B2Bs, i prefer not to plan too much and let it take its own course.. but for good times sake you’ll definitely hear something like this.

Dirtydms: Definitely some of Eddy’s unreleased upcoming tracks because they are fire!