culture box

Q&A: TIM ANDRESEN

Published September 7, 2025

For this Q&A session, Ana from our Events & Communication team, sat down with Culture Box´s resident DJ Tim Andresen to chat about his incredible 20-year journey behind the decks, the story of What Happens, and what’s coming up for the big anniversary celebration.

Twenty years at Culture Box: A Remarkable Milestone — How does it feel to celebrate this Journey?

“It’s truly been a journey. Reflecting on two decades of playing here at Culture Box feels a bit surreal. So much has changed in the club scene, and the venue itself has evolved into a well-established part of a completely different era compared to those humble beginnings. Over the years, I’ve met incredible people — artists, staff, guests — and this place has become a significant part of my life. Since my first performance here in 2005, I’ve felt at home. No other venue in the electronic music scene has offered me the space to develop as an artist and bring my ideas to life quite like Culture Box. That includes the time before I was invited to become a co-owner. It’s one of the key reasons I’ve chosen to keep this my musical home in Denmark all these years.”

How has your sound evolved since your first set at Culture Box in 2005?

“As everyone knows, sounds evolve over time. I prefer not to confine myself to a single genre. My sets are flexible, influenced by the mood and the lineup for the night. While my core style is rooted in house — from deep grooves to lush, dreamy soundscapes — I also incorporate elements of techno, breaks, electronica, and beyond, depending on the vibe I want to create. When I was first invited as a resident DJ, the club’s booking manager asked me and Rune RK (now known as Kölsch) to play back-to-back sets, open to close, every first Friday of the month — something we’d already been doing at other venues for years. Our sets were a mix of deep, funky, tribal and progressive sounds — basically, anything that felt right. Trends may come and go, but many tracks from that era still resonate with me today. To sum it up, I believe the sound I play has just developed naturally over time.”

How do you stay inspired and maintain your passion after all these years as a DJ?

“It’s the love for DJing that keeps me going. The music is my driving force. I’m passionate about discovering new releases every week and constantly strive to improve. Creating unforgettable moments on the dance floors at clubs and festivals is unmatched — that feeling when you see the energy and connection in people’s eyes and body language. Of course, social media posts can distort the reality, those perfect moments are rare but priceless when they happen.

I avoid shortcuts like playing only bangers, chart-toppers or high BPM tracks from start to finish, because that approach can sometimes feel a bit soulless to me. Instead, I try to challenge myself and the crowd with quality, often unheard tracks, sprinkled with a rare classic here and there. I aim for a seamless, layered experience that builds anticipation and excitement, always respecting the flow of the night as much as I can. Maintaining a vibe of mutual respect among artists and fostering the art of DJing is essential for me to stay inspired. Deciding not to accept gigs I wasn’t confident about was also crucial. It was a decision I made years ago and it has helped me avoid situations where my music wouldn’t be appreciated or understood. Staying true to my artistic vision is important. I feel fortunate to have made a living from this for 25 years, but staying authentic and sometimes saying no is vital for longevity. Patience is key. In today’s fast-paced industry, many chase quick success, but I still believe that true growth comes from dedication and gratitude for what you’ve achieved.”

What role has Culture Box played in shaping the Danish electronic scene?

“To me Culture Box has been a cornerstone of Denmark’s nightlife for the past two decades. It’s been a hub that consistently pushes quality electronic music, and it has paved the way for other venues and promoters. It’s been a platform for local artists to grow and for international underground acts to perform in Denmark. The list of artists who have played here is almost endless. It’s also been a gateway for countless partygoers into the world of electronic music. Something that’s rather unique and a position I hope the venue can maintain for years to come.”

What makes “What Happens” stand out among other club nights in Denmark?

“I guess it’s fair to say that the history, legacy, and endurance are what sets it apart. Launched in 2007, our party has been running monthly at Culture Box ever since — apart from a pause during the pandemic. It’s now the longest-running monthly club night in Denmark and remains the most popular and consistent night in the history of Culture Box. Beyond Denmark, we’ve taken the brand internationally to London, Ibiza, Oslo, and more — a rarity among promoters here. But what I value most is the dedication of the loyal supporters and the hours we spend together. Playing for this community every month is a highlight, and it’s what keeps the parties going. Naturally, there are ups and downs, but the connection with the audience and their appreciation of the music keep the spirit alive and make it truly special.”

If you could give your 2005 self one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Keep doing what you’re doing and remember why you started. Stay true to your passion and the love for the music.”

Why should people not miss the event on September 20th?

“Because it would mean the world to me! I want to celebrate with everyone and make it a night to remember. I’ll be playing an extended DJ set, and based on early interest and feedback from friends and followers, it promises to be a special gathering — full of familiar faces from the past and present. It’s hopefully going to be a memorable night, and I’d love for you to be part of it.”