Real Name: Eelko van Kooten
Country: Netherlands (Hilversum, Amsterdam)
Genres (Industry Focus): Dance, Trance, EDM, Progressive House
Years Active: 1999–present Role: Entrepreneur, Label Founder, Investor
Associated Acts: Martin Garrix, Afrojack, Oliver Heldens, Bingo Players, Sander van Doorn, Tiësto
Origins in Dance & Trance
Born in 1970 in Hilversum, Netherlands, Eelko van Kooten entered the music industry during the formative years of the European dance scene. In 1999, he co‑founded Spinnin’ Records with A&R specialist Roger de Graaf, initially focusing on trance and progressive house releases.
Career Highlights
- Spinnin’ Records Growth: Expanded from a small Dutch imprint into a global dance label with 75+ staff, releasing tracks that topped international charts.
- Artist Development: Instrumental in launching careers of Martin Garrix, Afrojack, Oliver Heldens, Bingo Players, and Sander van Doorn.
- Major Sale: Sold Spinnin’ Records to Warner Music Group in 2017 for over $100 million, cementing his status as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in dance music.
- Wealth Ranking: Estimated net worth of €155 million, listed in the Dutch Quote 500 rich list.
Labels & Business Ventures
- Spinnin’ Records (co‑founder, 1999–2017)
- Spinnin’ Deep (sub‑label for deeper house sounds)
- Spinnin’ Trance (early imprint focusing on trance releases)
- Angel Investor: Invested in creative and tech startups after selling Spinnin’ Records.
Signature Impact
Eelko van Kooten’s legacy lies in:
- Spotting talent early and nurturing DJs into global stars.
- Scaling an independent label into a multinational brand.
- Shaping EDM and trance distribution, making Spinnin’ a household name in electronic music.
Recognition in Dance & Trance
- Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the global dance industry.
- His label’s catalog includes thousands of trance and EDM releases, many of which became festival anthems.
- Continues to be referenced as a benchmark for independent label success.
Legacy and Outlook
Eelko van Kooten transformed Spinnin’ Records into a genre‑defining institution, bridging trance, EDM, and house. His entrepreneurial vision reshaped how electronic music is marketed and distributed worldwide. Today, he remains active as an investor and mentor, influencing the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.