In the latest episode of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast, DEEZL joins for an extra-long episode, only the second one in English so far. He talks in depth about his move to the Netherlands, his AEON project, his connection with the Gearbox family, and above all his complicated visa situation.
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Since 2023, DEEZL has been living in the Netherlands. His first three months were on a tourist visa, after which he switched to a working holiday visa. That temporary status meant he had to prepare for a self-employed visa application – a process that has become notoriously difficult. “You literally have to submit everything: business plan, contracts, tax statements, financial projections… It got really intense, like putting your whole life on the table. They want to see everything.”
Even though he and his lawyer submitted everything carefully, his first application was rejected surprisingly fast. “My lawyer immediately said: ‘No, that’s not okay, we’re going to reapply, this time complete.’ And then we actually got a response really quickly. But it did feel like someone there just doesn’t like me.”
Strict rules
The system is based on three categories: education and experience, innovation and finances, and creating jobs in the Netherlands. That’s exactly where DEEZL hit a wall. “I pay managers, lawyers, promoters, a camera crew and videographers. I even added invoices and signed contracts, but it didn’t count because they weren’t full-time employees. That’s unfair, because what self-employed artist hires people full-time? Almost everyone in this scene works freelance.”
His self-study wasn’t recognized either. “Everything I can do, I taught myself. I did a production class at Ableton Live School, but since it’s not a government-issued diploma, it doesn’t count. A lot of the things I had built up were completely disregarded.”
Petition and massive support
To strengthen his application, DEEZL launched a petition earlier this year. The response was overwhelming: fans, fellow artists, and promoters from across the scene rallied behind him. “The reactions were insane. Literally every DJ I ever looked up to shared it. I collected more than 11,000 signatures and got references from Q-dance, WiSH Outdoor, Matrix at the Park… basically every promoter I’ve ever worked with. I never expected that kind of support.”
Even his lawyer was stunned. “She literally said: ‘Wow wtf, you must be a pretty popular guy.’ She really didn’t see that coming.” The petition didn’t directly grant him a residence permit, but it strengthened his case and became a symbol of the appreciation within the harder styles.
Current status
A planned court hearing was postponed multiple times, first because the judge was sick, later because DEEZL was in Australia, but is now scheduled for October. Despite the delays, he remains optimistic. “There are plenty of options. Gearbox can now sponsor me, but ideally I want my self-employed visa. That way I’m not tied to a company and can keep my independence.”
The support from the hardstyle community has left a deep impression on him. “Thanks for all the support. I’m not going anywhere, you’re not getting rid of me. There are plenty of options and I’ll be fine. It might take a long time, but in the end, it’s going to work out.”
DEEZL in the new episode of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast
In episode 24 of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast, DEEZL talks in detail about moving to the Netherlands, the challenges of his visa, the overwhelming support from the scene, and of course his projects like AEON and his collaboration with Gearbox. An extra-long, English-spoken episode full of personal stories and inside info. Listen to the full episode now on YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.
Beeldmateriaal via: Gearbox
