The legendary label R&S Records hosted a large-scale free fest in Ghent: how it was.

Celebration of the return of R&S Records

According to The Sun: On July 22, 2025, the label R&S Records celebrated its return by organizing a free party at the Gentse Feesten street festival in Antwerp. The historic city center turned into a huge dance floor.

Lukas Desmet

Thousands of people gathered to enjoy performances by Nastia, Charles Webster (live), LTJ Bukem, and the label's founder Renaat Vandepapeliere himself. This event became a celebration of R&S's past and a bold step into the future.

Renaat's set was as fearless as his genre-diverse label, boasting an electronic music selection that impressed and delighted the crowd.

Lukas Desmet

For Vandepapeliere, this night was a real challenge.

“Honestly, I nearly backed out of performing,”

he confessed.

“I’ve never played in front of 6,000 people and was very nervous. I even looked for someone to replace me, but a few friends convinced me to just go for it.”

Risk has always been at the center of R&S. From the early releases like 'Energy Flash' by Joey Beltram, Model 500, and Aphex Twin to the careers of CJ Bolland, James Blake, and many others, the label gained a reputation for bold choices.

Lukas Desmet

 

“We had no idea, we just wanted to share the music we loved,”

Vandepapeliere emphasized.

“Let’s be honest, good music is good music.”

The true philosophy and future of R&S

This philosophy was vividly reflected in the Gentse Feesten program, which covered various genres and generations.

“This is an opportunity to bring new listeners to the genre who are not fans of these sounds,”

Vandepapeliere explained.

The audience's reaction to the performances indicated success.

“You didn’t see any phones, people were just enjoying what was happening, regardless of age,”

he added.

For Vandepapeliere, who usually stays in the shadows, this performance was a manifestation of something powerful.

“It actually ignited a new spark,”

he confessed.

“Now I want to play more.”

Audience members could also note that the spirit of R&S has remained unchanged over the years.

“We have always wanted to be an eclectic label,”

he remarked.

“It’s not about a formula. I wanted to be free. You need to love what you do and work for it.”

Supplied Thus, the return of R&S Records became a landmark event for electronic music fans. An evening filled with energy and emotions demonstrated that the label is ready to once again become a key player on the world stage while maintaining its core principles. And although the musical landscape is constantly changing, the spirit of risk and experimentation that marked R&S remains unchanged.