Dance Arena Productions (DAP)

The DAP (Dance Arena Productions) label has been originated by Rob “Dapman” Linthorst in Haarlem The Netherlands in 1992. As kind of a logic result the label came alive after the positive vibe caused by the first Shiver Records release "Yo're signal-box". His partner in Shiver Records, Erik van den Broek, was responsible for the release. He delivered some very promising acid and techno tracks at the time which in Rob's opinion needed to be released. Erik's thought was that the tracks would not fit the Shiver Records label and therefor Rob created the DAP label. This new label was born and boosted those tracks later known as Whoo Whoo and Klik Klak. These were the first steps in DAP history. Following releases came also from Erik under other names like Essit Muzique, Acid Kid and Roswell. Next to Erik's productions various other titles from at the time new producers got their release on the label. Mostly linked by the fact that they were using the Roland TB 303 in their productions. Highlights of the label are the first Essit Muzique (DAP 5) and Klik Klak (DAP 2) release of which the last one in the London scene is named as being the first Tech-house record. The DMX Krew release (DAP 7) was the first official release of Ed Upton and meant the start of his carreer. DJ Donotask (Arjan de Vreede) for many known as bandmember of Urban Dance Squad did three releases, all in electro style. He did a few collaborations e.g. with Human Being Allert Aalders (Pearls Inc., DAP 15) and another with Reinier Das (Freaky Fingers, DAP 16). Next to the single and EP releases on vinyl a highly acclaimed compilation project named Beyond the Sun was added to the catalogue. Essit Muzique 3 has been the latest sign of life and the label has been defunct from 1996.