In the world of hard dance music, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Belgian DJ and producer MANDY and her Tomorrowland Mainstage debut.
Known offstage as Mandy Praet, she recently marked her 10th anniversary as an artist with a performance that was nothing short of monumental: her debut on the legendary Tomorrowland Mainstage. Her new documentary, Resolute – The Road to the Mainstage, captures the years of dedication, the personal challenges, and the triumphs that have defined her journey.
In this EDMNOMAD Exclusive interview, we dive deeper, as MANDY reflects on her path to Tomorrowland, one of the most celebrated stages in electronic music. She shares the unforgettable moments, quiet victories, and hard-won wisdom that shaped her along the way.
The Moment of a Lifetime: Tears on Tomorrowland’s Mainstage
For MANDY, stepping onto the Tomorrowland Mainstage was the culmination of a decade-long dream, one that she had held onto since she was a young girl. She poured herself into every aspect of the performance, determined to create a set that would reflect her journey while offering a glimpse of what she hopes to bring to the future of dance music. “The months leading up to the show, I spent a lot of time creating a set that reflects my story of the past ten years,” she shared. “I wanted it to capture everything—the highs, struggles, and the future I envision. That’s not easy to do in a 60-minute set, but it felt right how it all went down.”
As the set progressed, MANDY felt herself swept up in the surreal Tomorrowland experience. “I was enjoying every minute of my set. Sometimes, I really couldn’t believe I was playing the Tomorrowland Mainstage,” she recalled. Then, as her final track played and the applause grew, the reality of the moment sank in. “At the end of my set, I felt so much relief… and that’s when the tears rolled down my cheeks. I felt blessed, and the crowd gave me such an intense, loving energy. It was a dream debut I’ll cherish forever.”
Unexpected Victories: Viral Moments and Support from Legends
While her Mainstage debut may be the most visible milestone in MANDY’s career, her journey is filled with quiet victories and unexpected moments of validation. One of these moments came at Tomorrowland’s Gathering in 2018. Just days before her set, MANDY had created a bootleg of Jackie Chan by Tiësto and Post Malone, and she decided to test it out on the crowd. The response was electric, and the clip quickly went viral. “Tiësto texted me directly, saying he liked my version so much that he wanted it as an official remix,” she said. “It was surreal to get that kind of support from someone as iconic as Tiësto. That moment put me on the map internationally.”
Another unforgettable memory came later that same year, when 3 Are Legend—Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, and Steve Aoki—closed Tomorrowland’s 15th-anniversary celebration with her bootleg of Don’t You Worry Child. “I was in the crowd with friends, just enjoying the night, then I heard the first notes of my track. I started crying, partied so hard, and had the best night,” MANDY shared, laughing at the Tomorrowland memory. “It was a moment of realization. I remember thinking, ‘One day, I’ll play that track myself on this stage.’”
Overcoming Biases and Breaking Through Barriers
MANDY’s rise in the male-dominated world of electronic music hasn’t been without its challenges. Reflecting on her early years, she shared how being a young female DJ often meant facing skepticism and even criticism. “When I started DJ’ing at public events in 2013, it wasn’t widely accepted or appreciated for girls to be in this space,” she recalled. “It was a men’s world, and especially with the booming times of social media back then, a lot of people had their opinions ready to say something about this sixteen-year-old aspiring female DJ.”
These opinions often went beyond constructive feedback, creating an atmosphere of judgment and negativity. “In the first years, especially when I was still so young, it scared and even depressed me at times,” MANDY admitted. “I was just following my passion, exploring my way into this world, but a lot of people were trying to cancel me before I even got started.”
As her career expanded globally, the challenges evolved. “Touring alone has been tough,” she revealed. “Especially after COVID, with travel costs becoming so expensive, I sometimes have to choose which crew members I can bring within the budget. It means I’ve traveled the world many times just by myself.” MANDY recalls. Luckily she was not met without support, “I’ve been treated very well by local promoters, and the appreciation and energy from fans during shows make you forget about the long days of traveling,” she said.
Despite these obstacles, MANDY had unwavering determination that paved her road to the Tomorrowland Mainstage. The noise of others’ opinions never stopped her from pursuing her dreams. “I learned to let it go,” she said. “I surrounded myself with people who believed in me, and I focused on my passion for music. Eventually, I realized that people’s opinions don’t define me.”
Her journey wasn’t just about proving others wrong; it was about staying true to herself. “You just need to follow your dreams, trust your own path, and don’t let anyone stop you,” she reflected. “Keep dreaming and believing—it’s what has carried me through.”
Staying Authentic and Finding Her Own Sound
Throughout her career, MANDY has stayed true to her sound and her passion for hard dance music. Yet, she also recognizes the importance of evolving as an artist. “As a person, you constantly evolve, and so do you as an artist,” she said. “I’ve always been drawn to a broad spectrum of music, from RnB to pop, techno, and harder dance genres. My sets are influenced by all these genres and vibes, and that’s what keeps them fresh and true to me.”
For MANDY, authenticity is key. “My management sometimes asks me, ‘How can we keep the MANDY signature across your tracks?’ and my answer is simple—I bring what I feel, what gives me good energy, because that’s where I stand,” she said. “My music and sets reflect who I am in that moment, and I think people connect to that honesty. At Tomorrowland Winter 2023, I blended different genres to create a unique journey for the crowd, and the response was amazing. It reminded me not to be afraid of stepping outside the box.”
A Night to Remember: Fans and Forever Memories
Over the years, MANDY has performed in some of the world’s most renowned venues, but one experience stands out in her memory. “I’ll never forget my first set at Fabrik Madrid,” she recalled her experience at the 15,000 capacity venue. “The venue was packed, I had a boiler-room setup, and the energy was unlike anything I’d felt before. Spanish fans are incredibly positive and emotional, their support has meant so much to me.” Following her set, MANDY spent over an hour taking photos with fans, a moment she describes as a reminder of why she does what she does.
Life Beyond Music: Connecting Through Shared Passions
Beyond her music, MANDY finds connection with fans in unexpected ways. Known for her interests in cars, food, and gaming, she believes that these passions allow her to connect with her audience more. “It’s always great to connect with people who share the same interests,” she shared. “Whether it’s music, cars, or gaming, those shared passions make the connection with fans feel even more personal.”
A Message to Her Younger Self and Aspiring Dreamers
Looking back after dominating the Tomorrowland Mainstage, MANDY has a powerful message for her younger self and anyone daring to pursue their dreams. “I’d tell her to keep going, to not let others’ opinions hold her back,” she reflected. “Growing up, I faced challenges like divorced parents, bullying, and insecurity. I craved validation, but eventually, I realized that I didn’t need everyone’s approval to succeed.”
For young artists facing similar struggles, MANDY has simple yet profound advice: “Stay true to yourself. If you have a dream fueled by passion, focus on that. Surround yourself with genuine people who support you, and don’t let setbacks define your path,” she said. “Nothing comes easy, but when your dreams come true, you’ll know it was worth every challenge.”
“Resolute” and the Journey Ahead
With her documentary Resolute now available on Youtube, MANDY hopes to inspire others with her story of resilience, passion, and unwavering belief in the power of dreams. “One day, I told my manager I would play the Mainstage at Tomorrowland, and he laughed, saying a lot would have to happen for that to come true,” MANDY recalls. “But here I am. I worked hard, stayed dedicated, and surrounded myself with people who truly supported me. Now, I get to live that dream.”
As MANDY looks to the future beyond Tomorrowland, she remains grounded in her values and committed to pushing boundaries. Her message to anyone with a dream is simple but powerful: “Work hard, believe in yourself, and stay surrounded by people who genuinely care about you. When you focus on what truly matters, everything becomes possible.”
