Brass Rave Unit is a three piece rave trio Dirk established in 2012 with Ko Zandvliet (Dirk’s brother) and Bo Floor (both also active in Jungle by Night). This group uses synthesizers and takes brass sounds through effect pedals to create a sonic landscape previously unheard of. It’s also in this group that Dirk uses the Roland Aerophone to maximum effect. The instrument is prominently featured in their latest single “Aqua Azul”; in which Dirk uses the panflute preset with some modifications. Given Dirk’s impressive height (1.97 m) and the relative size of the Aerophone it’s a prominent feature of their live set.
Brass Rave Unit is the ultimate dance act and has performed at the legendary Glastonbury festival, Best Kept Secret, Lowlands, from subway stations in New York to sweaty underground parties in Berlin.
Gallowstreet is an eight-headed brass band founded by Dirk in 2012. The band has released multiple albums up to date and is considered a band of importance to the Euro and international Brass Band scene. Multiple tracks have found their way to musicians worldwide and the band continues (even after 13 years) to tour and connect with audiences all around the globe.
Notable projects include Laaglands in which Dirk created the concept of a brass band in nature and using Gallowstreet track to make soundscapes of the Dutch landscape. He managed to produce, fund and oversee the project to completion which resulted in several high quality videos he made with his brother Ko Zandvliet, whilst his spouse Nina van Tuikwerd oversaw the artwork. The result is a gorgeous vinyl containing some top-notch instrumental brass band music.
Gallowstreet has performed on festivals suchs as Transmusicales,
Jazz a Vienne, North Sea Jazz, Bout du Monde, Lowlands (to name a few). The band’s track recorded involves selling out the Paradiso and other venues in the Netherlands and venues as le Trabendo and New Morning in Paris.
Dirk is a natural performer and cares deeply about the show he’s performing with his two bands. This has also led him on the sidequest to learn more about the world of stage lightning and sometimes Dirk takes place behind a lightning console. Dirk sometimes takes the role as show director; either for his own bands or for other groups in which uses his network of stylists, lightning technicians, audio techs and inventors to create a next level show.
He has also been a driving force behind the album output of the groups he’s involved in; overseeing the studio process and working with graphic designers to produce artwork for the sleeves. For the Laaglands record he was involved in writing subsidy applications; to scouting locations for the video’s and overseeing the videoshoot.
Dirk also cares who’s on the line-up besides his own groups. He has been involved in curating, programming and hosting some memorable nights in Paradiso, Skatecafe, Wildeburg and beyond. Dirk is always able to mobilize his extensive network in the music scene to bring musicians, DJ’s and bands together to create something special.
dirkzandvliet@gmail.com
Dirk Zandvliet(1991) is a freelance musician, educator & producer. He is currently involved in Gallowstreet (est. 2012) and Brass Rave Unit (est. 2014) as a professional saxophone/flute player. He established MOTO TROKO (est. 2022) as a platform for connecting Amsterdam youth to instrumental brass music and teaches civics and social sciences at the Vinse School. With over 14 years of experience in the live music industry and beyond he has become a well-versed allrounder both on-stage and off. His monumental presence on stage as a saxophone player earned him recognition within the Euro-brass band scene as one of the top rapid staccato articulators and landed him an endorsement with SYOS, the Parisian mouthpiece developer. He has been featured on the radiostatins KEXP, FIP & 3FM. Though mostly self taught on his instrument he attained a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Political Science and Teaching. His politics and ideals frequently intersect with his practice as an artist and uses his voice and platform to speak on the important issues of our time.
Dirk is passionate about producing albums and shows for his bands; taking care of artwork, technical development and directing where necessary. He has a keen eye for programming fun and exciting nights where he uses his extensive network in the music scene to put bands and dj’s together to create memorable experiences.
Education
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2020–2023
2022-present
Founder/Teacher/Producer, Stichting MOTO TROKO
-
Brass band learning program for young musicians
- Performances at Supersonic Jazz Festival, De Nieuwe Anita, Grachtenfestival, and Markt Centraal
2021–present
First-Degree Teacher of Social Studies, De Vinse School, Amsterdam (part-time)
-
Teaching Social Studies and Social Sciences to grades 3–5
-
Designing curricula, organizing debate nights, school events, and information sessions
2015–present
Independent Artist & Producer, Tender Beast Music Productions
-
Freelance musician, producer, and creative developer
-
Producing shows and full-night programs, including stage design, advancing, and artistic concepts
2014–present
Founder/Baritone Saxophonist/Artistic Director, Brass Rave Unit (Bookings by Friendly Fire, MGMT: Attack n Release)
-
High-energy brass trio performing at Eurosonic Noorderslag, Glastonbury, and major UK festivals
-
Released album It Burns the Midnight Oil (2023)
-
Recent milestones: sold-out shows at Tolhuistuin (2023), Paradiso main hall (2024), Skatecafé (2025), and Best Kept Secret Festival (2025)
2012–present
Founder/Baritone Saxophonist/Artistic Director, Gallowstreet (Bookings by MOJO, MGMT: 3S Music Management)
-
Eight-piece brass ensemble touring nationally and internationally
-
Highlights: sold-out shows at Paradiso and Concertgebouw, Jazz a Vienne, North Sea Jazz, Lowlands, tours in Slovakia, France, Germany, Turkey, and Algeria
2018–present
Founder/ ulti-Instrumentalist, Golden Era
-
Dance music cover band featuring iconic hits from the electronic era
-
Responsible for concept development and band management
2023–present
Supervisory Board Member, Stichting INI
-
Supporting a talent development platform for independent indie, soul, and jazz artists
2016–2023
Board Member (Secretary), Stichting Muziekstraat
-
Community-focused arts and culture foundation in Amsterdam-Noord
- Responsible for funding applications and organizational development
Brass Rave Unit – Album Release Tour 2026
(tickets available at the venues)
02 April — LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
10 April — Merleyn, Nijmegen
11 April — Hall of Fame, Tilburg
12 April — TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
16 April — Oosterpoort, Groningen
23 May — Paradiso, Amsterdam
Gallowstreet – France
(tickets available at the venues)
09 Oct — La Sirène, La Rochelle (17)
10 Oct — Le BBC, Hérouville-St-Clair (14)
11 Oct — MJC La Vallée, Chaville (92)
18 Oct — Nancy Jazz Pulsations, Nancy (54)
18 Dec — La Marche Gare, Lyon (69)
19 Dec — La Source, La Fontaine (38)
20 Dec — Bords de Scène, Vitry-le-François (51)