Bart Skils is a Dutch techno DJ and producer from Goirle, Netherlands, born in 1974. He begins his career in 1995 after moving to Amsterdam, where he works for Outland Records and first plays at the city’s Mazzo club. He later becomes resident DJ for his own weekly Voltt nights and develops a reputation in Amsterdam for smooth mixing and energetic sets.

Career

Skils’ style moves between techno and electro, with an emphasis on a funky, danceable approach. He becomes associated with Amsterdam’s club scene through residencies at Mazzo, Paradiso and Melkweg, and through regular appearances at major dance events and festivals. His live work and productions help establish him as one of Amsterdam’s respected DJs.

Events and residencies

He founds and hosts the Voltt and Traffic events in Amsterdam. Traffic is based at Melkweg and focuses on harder techno, while Voltt is based at Paradiso and leans towards a more minimal and smooth sound. Both nights attract guest DJs including Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills, Heiko Laux, Oscar Mulero and Ricardo Villalobos, and become known as leading club events with a strong following and atmosphere.

Releases and collaborations

Skils teams up with fellow DJ and producer Jerome on the Take One, Know One EP, which is released on Pure Plastic Records. The label is based in London and is associated with techno artists including Surgeon, Ben Sims, Oscar Mulero and its owner Mark Broom, who also remixes the EP.

Performance history

He plays regularly at festivals and dance events including Awakenings, Lowlands, Innercity, Pinkpop, Dance Valley, Extrema, Impulz and 05 Days Off. Across residencies, event hosting and production, he builds a reputation for quality techno-focused DJ sets.

Associated act

He is a member of District One.