Eelke Kleijn: The Dutch Master of Cinematic Progressive House

Eelke Kleijn is a Dutch DJ, producer, and composer celebrated for his sophisticated, cinematic brand of progressive house and techno. Hailing from Rotterdam, he has solidified his reputation through a consistent output of high-quality productions on leading labels, prestigious scoring work, and a globally respected radio show.

Early career

Born in 1983, Eelke Kleijn began his musical journey in the late 1990s, experimenting with production software in his teenage years. His early releases in the mid-2000s on Dutch labels like Black Hole Recordings' sub-label, Songbird, quickly showcased his talent for melodic, atmospheric soundscapes, catching the ear of the progressive house scene.

Breakthrough

Kleijn's international breakthrough accelerated with the 2009 release of his track "Monkey Movin'" on Global Underground's GU Music, which became an underground anthem. This success was cemented by his 2011 artist album, Naturally Artificial, on the respected Baroque Records, establishing him as a complete album artist with a distinct sonic vision.

Key tracks

Monkey Movin' — This 2009 club weapon became a defining track of the era, earning massive DJ support and propelling Kleijn onto the global stage.

8 Bit Era — A standout from his debut album, this track exemplifies his intricate, evolving production style and mastery of melodic tension.

The Journey — This 2014 single on OFF Recordings is a prime example of his cinematic, narrative-driven approach to dance music composition.

Transmission — A later career highlight from his 2020 album Oscillations, it demonstrates his seamless fusion of emotive melodies with driving techno rhythms.

Following his initial rise, Kleijn founded his own label, DAYS like NIGHTS, in 2016, providing a curated platform for his own music and that of like-minded artists. His career expanded beyond the club as he ventured into film and television scoring, composing music for major networks and high-profile commercials, which further refined his narrative sound.

His radio show, Days Like Nights Radio, is syndicated worldwide, and he regularly performs at iconic venues and festivals from Amsterdam's De Marktkantine to Burning Man. His 2020 studio album, Oscillations on his own imprint, received widespread critical acclaim for its depth and maturity.

For fans of Eelke Kleijn's polished and emotive electronic sound, similar artists from the Netherlands include Joris Voorn, who shares a knack for blending deep, intelligent techno with accessible melodies. Henry Saiz also explores similarly expansive, story-driven progressive territories. Guy J operates in the same sphere of deeply melodic and intricately produced progressive house. The cinematic scope of Max Cooper offers a parallel in combining scientific concepts with breathtaking audio-visual art.

Eelke Kleijn's music is a staple on melodic house and progressive radio stations, from dedicated online streams to FM stations specializing in forward-thinking electronic music. His tracks consistently feature in the playlists of DJs and curators who champion sophisticated, journey-oriented dance music.

Listeners can discover the immersive sound of Eelke Kleijn on the progressive house and melodic techno radio stations featured here on onairium.com, where his compositions are regularly broadcast as part of our curated electronic music programming.