Alain Kuipers, Co-founder Stewww & Backround Radio
Alain Kuipers is the co-founder of Stewww, an event agency amplifying Afro-diasporic sounds and emerging talent, and Background Radio, a music platform dedicated to showcasing fresh, genre-blending artists in beautiful surroundings. Through these ventures, Alain creates spaces that celebrate cultural heritage and future-forward rhythms.
How did your journey in music and events begin?
It all started around 2008–2009. I was organizing small club events in Amsterdam with the Yellow Claw crew for a couple of years. During that time I also opened a concept store and a lunchroom, and kept playing small gigs as a DJ. Later, I met Osborne, my partner at Stewww and we realized there weren’t many spaces in Amsterdam for the music we loved, so we decided to create our own space.
How did you come up with the name “Stewww”?
Funny story: I was in Dubai at Miss Lily’s (Jamaican) restaurant, texting Osborne about name ideas. They had “Stew of the Week” on the menu, and it clicked—stew mixes all your leftover ingredients, just like we wanted our music to blend African House and Afrobeats. From there, “Stew” evolved into “Stewww Sounds,” and we ran with it.
What kind of atmosphere do you aim to create at Stewww events?
“The most important thing is that everyone feels safe at our events. We want seasoned creatives and a wider audience to come together, meet like-minded people, and have a place in Amsterdam where they can connect and enjoy good music.”
The most important thing is that everyone feels safe at our events. We want seasoned creatives and a wider audience to come together, meet like-minded people, and have a place in Amsterdam where they can connect and enjoy good music.
Can you walk us through how you plan your annual event calendar?
We start planning in October–December for the following year. We identify key moments, like post-vacation February when people are ready to go out again, Black History Month, and the summer, and schedule a mix of free events, one paid flagship event, and smaller paid shows in between. It’s all about giving back and keeping momentum year-round.
How do you curate a balanced DJ lineup for an event?
Curation is a daily puzzle. We try to create a smooth sound journey: a warm-up opener that eases people in, a middle act that builds energy, and a headline DJ that delivers the crescendo. We negotiate availabilities, introduce fresh talent, and always aim for that perfect flow, because a well-paced night makes all the difference in how the crowd experiences it.
Why is the opening DJ so crucial?
The opener sets the tone. If you start with all the hits, there’s nowhere to go but down. By building up slowly, every peak feels more impactful. I always tell young DJs: opening is the most important slot.
Tell us about Backgrounds Radio, what’s its mission?
Backgrounds Radio began as my personal “Sunday soundtrack” on YouTube—chill, visual DJ sets in cozy settings. We invite DJs to play relaxed, background-style mixes in beautiful spaces (like furniture showrooms), film it, and share it. It’s about pushing DJs out of their comfort zones and creating content brands love, all while spotlighting new talent.
Why is it important for you to spotlight new voices in the DJ scene?
I’ve always rooted for the underdog. Big names are great, but smaller DJs often struggle for recognition. If I can help someone grow even a little, it energizes me. Seeing talent take off because of a chance we gave them, there’s nothing like it.
How do you ensure your events stay culturally grounded and not just trend-driven?
We follow our instincts. If something feels genuine to Osborne and me, we do it. We don’t chase hype—instead, we seek to create it. Our events mix of free and paid events, all while prioritizing real connections over profit.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a creative entrepreneur?
“Give back. The energy you get from helping others, whether it’s nurturing new talent or creating safe, inclusive music spaces—is priceless. I’ve also learned that what we’re building with Stewww is bigger than Osborne or me—our egos take a backseat because the brand and the people we serve are greater than both of us. Whenever a door closes, it only motivates me more to show why we belong and to open doors for the next generation.”
How do you stay creatively inspired despite the nonstop grind of events?
I treat weekdays as office time—meetings, coffees, planning—then hit random parties Thursday through Sunday, even those outside my usual scene (like techno nights). I observe, ask strangers for feedback, and absorb new atmospheres. Sunday is my day off—no music, no notifications—also helps me recharge.
Where do you see Amsterdam’s music scene heading?
We’re in a cycle of rediscovery: ’90s and Y2K sounds are resurging, genres are blending, and more people of color are entering traditionally white spaces like techno. For Stewww, sustaining the long run means evolving—incorporating Afro-Tech and uptempo styles while staying true to our roots.
Any dream projects on the horizon?
I’ll keep the biggest one under wraps, but coming up we have an immersive Stewww experience at Fabrique Des Lumières—a fusion of music, talks, and visuals that will redefine nightlife in Amsterdam.
What advice would you give aspiring event-makers and DJs?
Give back and stay true to your vision. Always pick up the phone when someone reaches out. Help where you can and follow your gut. The doors you open for others will lead to countless opportunities—for them and for you.
Discover Stewww Sound on Instagram
Discover Background Radio on Instagram & Soundcloud
