CLAESSENS is a force of nature on stage, delivering high-energy DJ sets that fuse hard-hitting beats with melodic and vocal elements. With over two decades of experience as a musician, producer, and composer, he has become one of the most dynamic artists in the world of hard dance music.
His performances are raw and intense, constantly building toward new climaxes that electrify audiences. This signature style has taken him across the globe, playing at major festivals like Tomorrowland, Ultra, Mysteryland, Dance Valley, and ISY Festival China, among many others. His social media presence reaches hundreds of thousands every month, drawing fans into his journey from a young musician to an international DJ.
Born and raised in Utrecht, The Netherlands, Tony Claessens grew up in his father’s studio complex, where he was immersed in music from an early age. He learned to play multiple instruments, including drums, keys, and guitar, and by age 12, he had already left school to become a professional drummer, teaching music and touring with bands. In 2009, he transitioned to electronic music, launching his career as Tony Junior, which led to international hits, collaborations with Steve Aoki and Tiësto, and appearances in mainstream media, including reality TV and film.
By 2024, after intense studio experimentation, he refined his sound: hard, energetic, yet melodic and emotional, embracing a fresh artistic freedom.
With this evolution, Tony decided to retire his Tony Junior alias: “I am not that kid anymore. Tony Junior stands for my past. I had fun. I am inspired by the past, but I am not defined by it. CLAESSENS is of course my real name. Using CLAESSENS represents that I want to do something really different from what I used to do. In the future, I want to pay less attention tothe industry side of things and just make great music and do great shows for great people!”
Now, as CLAESSENS, he is fully committed to pushing the boundaries of hard dance music, delivering unforgettable experiences both in the studio and on stage.