Parrish Smith
Upcoming event: 11.06.2025 - 07:00
Parrish Smith is a Dutch DJ, music producer, singer, and visual artist of Surinamese, Chinese, and Indian descent. Born in the isolating city of Nieuwegein, he began carving out his path internationally before expanding further after relocating to Amsterdam. Smith creates music that is both extreme and hypnotic, known for transcending genres and breaking down barriers of prejudice. His sound draws from punk, rock, techno, and experimental rhythms, always rooted in raw emotion and intensity. Challenging elitist techno norms, he embraces failure and risk as essential parts of his creative journey. His mantra "No Elitism, No Prejudices, No Genres, No Codes, Hypnotic, Tense, Comprehensive and A State of Mind" captures his punk ethos.
Starting as a live electronic musician and DJ in underground clubs across Amsterdam, Eastern Europe, and Berlin, Smith quickly gained recognition for his daring sets. Blending techno with rock, punk, and niche genres, he created experiences that allowed audiences, regardless of musical background, to connect on a visceral, emotional level. Major festivals like Dekmantel, Lowlands, Villette Sonique, and Nuits Sonores soon followed. Rooted in his Surinamese heritage and shaped by a youth marked by identity struggles, Smith found his voice in dark, immersive music. Without clear role models, he forged his own way through punk, industrial, and Detroit techno, aiming to inspire others from migrant or underprivileged backgrounds. His boundary-pushing spirit has led to numerous collaborations and a diverse discography.
He’s remixed Sevdaliza and Grimes, reinterpreted 80s industrial icons like Ramleh and SMERSH, supported artists like Sophie Straat, and worked with electronic legends like Richie Hawtin. Smith has also collaborated with FOAM, the Sound & Vision Institute, Wereldmuseum, Amsterdam Dance Event, and EYE Filmmuseum. His impact reaches across disciplines, establishing him as a truly visionary artist.
Starting as a live electronic musician and DJ in underground clubs across Amsterdam, Eastern Europe, and Berlin, Smith quickly gained recognition for his daring sets. Blending techno with rock, punk, and niche genres, he created experiences that allowed audiences, regardless of musical background, to connect on a visceral, emotional level. Major festivals like Dekmantel, Lowlands, Villette Sonique, and Nuits Sonores soon followed. Rooted in his Surinamese heritage and shaped by a youth marked by identity struggles, Smith found his voice in dark, immersive music. Without clear role models, he forged his own way through punk, industrial, and Detroit techno, aiming to inspire others from migrant or underprivileged backgrounds. His boundary-pushing spirit has led to numerous collaborations and a diverse discography.
He’s remixed Sevdaliza and Grimes, reinterpreted 80s industrial icons like Ramleh and SMERSH, supported artists like Sophie Straat, and worked with electronic legends like Richie Hawtin. Smith has also collaborated with FOAM, the Sound & Vision Institute, Wereldmuseum, Amsterdam Dance Event, and EYE Filmmuseum. His impact reaches across disciplines, establishing him as a truly visionary artist.
