Start your engines and buckle up: as we head toward Gearbox Grand Prix, we’re shifting into turbo mode. Two special Thursday episodes of PLAFONDDIENST take you straight into the pit lane of the Scottish powerhouse label. From talent-spotting to full-throttle breakthroughs: in this first special, Phil (a.k.a. the Gearboss), Floris (marketing & artist management at Gearbox), and The Straikerz guide you through the track that is Gearbox.

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“When Phil believes in someone, you always see progress over the years.”

Phil and Gearbox are known for his sharp ear for new talent. He recognizes potential early and follows artists closely throughout their development. The Straikerz explain how that went for them:
“Since 2017 we sent demos to Phil, he always listened and gave honest feedback. At one point he said: ‘This has potential, but you can do better. I’ll meFpssage you again in a year.’”

And he did. “No joke, exactly one year later he texted us asking how things were going.” For them, it perfectly shows how involved Phil is with every artist he sees something in: “He stays in touch, follows your progress, and gives you the space to learn. And he does that with many artists.”

According to them, that’s the core of the Gearbox label: “When Phil believes in someone, you always see progress over the years. But the most important thing is that Gearbox truly feels like one team, all artists help each other and grow together.”

The Straikerz’s turning point in the Ziggo Dome

For The Straikerz, the start of their career was anything but easy. Just when their music started gaining attention and opportunities began to appear, Covid hit and everything suddenly came to a halt. Still, they kept working, and their real breakthrough eventually came during Gearbox Pole Position in the Ziggo Dome. That moment felt like a true turning point, both for them and the audience. Phil saw it immediately: “Live, these boys are incredible. Their music hits every single time.”

Guillem remembers that it took them a while to realize just how big the impact was: “I think it happened there. It took some time for people to realize. Everyone was talking about it, but we were like: is it really true?” Funta adds how uncertain that show felt: “We played almost only new music. People react less because they’re listening and taking it in. You just don’t know if they actually like it.”

But according to Phil, that’s exactly the strength of their sound: “You can hear their music once and it feels recognizable straight away. You don’t need ten listens before it works on the dancefloor. One listen and you’re like: yeah, this is cool. That’s the beauty of it.” Guillem sums it up simply: “You can understand it immediately.”

Gearbox Grand Prix

Gearbox Grand Prix takes place on Saturday 17 January in the Ziggo Dome, a venue Phil describes as “the best in the Netherlands” with “immaculate sound” and a space that is “basically made for events like this.” It’s the perfect setting for a night where the entire Gearbox teams comes together, from established names to rising talent pushing their sound to new heights. With these bonus episodes of PLAFONDDIENST, you’re fully up to speed and ready for what’s coming. Head to the official website for tickets and more information.

Listen to the Gearbox special now on YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.