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Just around the time progressive house was getting really stale, stagnant and dull, Ariaan Olieroock & Peter Kriek arrived to kick some life back into the genre. As 16 Bit Lolitas , they have continually treated us to gorgeous tracks which pack the groove of house music, the atmospherics of prog, the melody of trance and the textures of modern electro house into one delectable, crisply-produced package – and their distinctive, lush style has seen their tracks snapped up by the likes of Desyn Masiello, Deep Dish, Nick Warren, Armin van Buuren, Sander Kleinenberg, Dave Seaman and Steve Lawler for their respective labels. We rate them very highly.

After we fell in love with the city at Amsterdam Dance Event, we thought we’d get two local experts to give us some tips for when we next visit.

Best and expensive: Ciel Blue (Okura hotel) 2 Star Michelin, Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH

Cheap and good: Damiano Italian, Jan Pieter Heijestraat 139

Westerunie is one of the best places at the moment - cool parties and amazing location. Melkweg and Paradiso have always been good clubs as well.

Not really, at some clubs you can’t wear sports wear but at the good clubs anything goes.

Finch, NoorderMarkt - nice hotspot place to watch people and chill out. Nieuwmarkt is also always a nice spot to grab a drink or some food and relax.

P.C. Hoofdtstraat (expensive shopping area), or the Dam square is also a good place

Amsterdam is very small, by tram everything is within 30 minutes. Or rent a bike if the weather is good to see the historic centre

Holland is a multi-cultural society so there are many different kinds of people with many different attitudes and lifestyles. The diversity is what defines Holland. In general the atmosphere is very relaxed, and as long as you respect everybody you will get along.

Never ask if they are German! It’s the worst start of a conversation ;-)

Most of the shops are closed now unfortunately, the best store for house music used to be Outland Records.

'De negen straatjes' shopping area ('The Nine streets') in the centre with lots of cool shops, second hand/vintage shops and cool bars and cafes as well.

The Coffee Shops, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, a boat tour thru the canals of Amsterdam…Red Light District is also very popular to check out obviously.

Come in the summer, the weather generally sucks over here for the rest of the year! The Vondelpark or Blijburg (small beach) are very nice when there is some sun. And remember: be you, be free, be famous!

16 Bit Lolitas’ fabulous new Warung Brazil 001 compilation is out now on Hope Recordings. They will also play exclusively in London 6 times in 2009 for The Gallery at Ministry Of Sound.