The last Hardwell interview before he was crowned numero uno…
Interview : Dan Prince
Music maturity came swiftly for the now seasoned-veteran Robbert van de Corput, better known as Hardwell. This now ripened heavyweight has created a legacy that would put most of his counterparts to shame. An award-winning DJ, producer, musician, label manager, lover of all things music and No. 1 ranked in the DJ Mag Top 100, Hardwell has not only helped shape the current state of EDM, but has left an everlasting imprint. A sell out show in Brixton last weekend, a superfly summer headlining every major festival and club around the world… and a new Revealed compilation smashing our way right now. Dan Prince gets the last Hardwell interview before he is crowned numero uno…
Dude – welcome back to DMCWORLD. I interviewed Pacha’s Musical Director Steve Hulme this week looking back at the summer in Ibiza. We both agreed you were THE DJ of 2013. You enjoyed this summer on the white isle?
“Thank you, that means a lot. Yeah Ibiza this year was the most fun I’ve ever had on the island. The gigs were incredible. I played everywhere from Pacha to Amnesia, Ushuaia to Space and also do the Cream/Radio 1 party at Privilege as part of my Essential Mix. Can’t wait to get back to the island next year”
What are your plans for Ibiza 2014, is now the time to step up the game and have your own weekly night?
“I don’t know my plans, I’m still buzzing from the experience of this one. Last month I was voted best ‘Electro DJ’ in the Ibiza DJ Awards which was really special. It means a lot to me that the fans not only came out and supported my shows with such energy and passion but voted me their favourite electro dj on the island this summer. For the moment I’m focusing on my I Am Hardwell tour and early next year I’ll sit down with my management and discuss Ibiza but after such an amazing season this year I want to do something really special next summer.”
Anthem of the summer?
“It’s biased I know but for me it has to be my collaboration with Dyro and Bright Lights ‘Never say Goodbye’, it’s been such a massive record for me this summer.”
Can you remember the first club you played at in Ibiza, what did you think of this crazy island?
“My first time was 2010 when Tiësto invited me to join in at his Club Life party in Privilege. The feeling of playing the world’s biggest club alongside the world’s biggest dj was up there as the most nervous, exhilarating and thrilling thing I had ever done at that point in my life. Ibiza has this magical feel which is unique to the island; it’s just an incredible destination to visit.”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning?
01 – Hardwell & MakJ – Countdown
02 – Deorro – Yee
03 – Dyro – ID
04 – Dannic & Sick Individuals – Blueprint
05 – TwoLoud – Big Bang (Musical Freedom)
06 – Blasterjaxx – Fifteen (Hardwell Edit)
07 – Sandro Silva – Payback
08 – Hardwell & W&W – Jumper
09 – Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike – Ocarina
10 – MAKJ & Henry Fong – Encore
How does it feel to be now able to fill big venues on your own weeks in advance?
“It’s incredible! I’m really amazed by the support the fans have been showing me during this tour. Their passion and love for this music is so inspiring.”
I ask this question to a lot of superstar DJs – who are the DJs on the circuit today that you would actually pay to see?
“Tiësto because he knows how to rock a party. And Dyro and Dannic because to me, these guys are the two hottest names in the scene right now.”
Las Vegas is now up in the running taking on Ibiza as the world’s No. 1 party destination. How do you find the crowd out there on the dancefloors – are they as clued up musically as other cities in America?
“Las Vegas is a unique place. Most of the dancefloor is filled with tourists, much like Ibiza, so each time is very different which is what makes the experience of clubbing in Vegas so exciting. I’ve found American clubbers to be really switched on to the music and have a real love for what we’re doing as djs and producers by discovering the music in Vegas. If you’ve not experienced Vegas yet, I’d suggest getting over there and checking it out, it’s a different atmosphere with more table service but absolutely worth to party at.”
What is your favourite ever rock & roll moment in Vegas?
“The launch of my Revealed Vol 4 compilation was a wild night. Myself and Dannic and Dyro went a bit wild and popped a few champagne bottles in celebration of the album’s release. For a few minutes it all felt very showbiz/rock n roll being in Vegas celebrating with champagne.”
Most clubbers look at DJs such as yourself, Calvin Harris, Guetta and Armin and think ‘they have such a wonderful, privileged life’. A DJ said to me last week, people have no idea about the traveling we do…the DJing is the only fun part of it. Thoughts on that?
“I’d agree the travelling is hard but it comes with the territory. I love DJing, I love playing my music to people around the world and I enjoy to travel so it’s ok for me. Being in airports and on planes does get tiresome and lonely but I can’t complain about this part of my life because it allows me to do all the rest of it which is what I love.”
Where have been some of the stand out gigs for you recently…Jakarta, Singapore and Mumbai looked awesome?
“Asia is a part of the world I love visiting and DJing in. There is such a love for dance culture there and the people are so welcoming. I was so excited to kick of my world tour there. India’s scene, for me, is the next big place for dance music.”
Which city around the world do you love Djing in the most?
“Los Angeles is a cool place and so is Sydney and Buenos Aires – but any time I get to play in my home country it’s always really special for me. The launch of my I Am Hardwell show in Amsterdam at the Heineken Music Hall was one of the most emotional gigs I’ve ever played. Having 6000 people going wild whilst my family and friends were all there was just incredible.”
Okay let’s find what rocks Hardwell’s musical world…
The record that always makes you cry?
“Adele – ‘Someone Like You’.”
The record you always do at karaoke?
“Guns ‘n’ Roses ‘Sweet Child Of Mine’.”
The big dance record you always jump up and dance to at a wedding?
“Robin S – ‘Show Me Love’.”
The record you wish you’d have written?
“Tiësto – ‘Suburban Train’.”
And…the record you are most proud to have created…?
“‘Spaceman’.”
What is the proudest moment of your career to date?
“It’s between my I Am Hardwell launch party and reaching #6 in the DJ Magazine Top100 Poll last year.”
Last month saw the release of your incredible Dyro and Bright Lights collab ‘Never Say Goodbye’. What is coming out next from you studio wise?
“I have a new collaboration out now on my Revealed Recordings label with MAKJ called ‘Countdown’ and then before the end of the year I’m planning to release another solo single. I have some remixes coming but no confirmed release dates yet.”
Who are some of the new producers you are working with at your Revealed label…?
“As mentioned earlier, the two super hot producers in Dyro and Dannic. Both of these guys are making incredible music and their DJing has blown me away this summer. Dyro’s form as a producer is white hot right now with recent tracks like ‘Leprechauns and Unicorns’ and his collaboration with Tiësto ‘Paradise’ being huge tracks this summer. Whilst Dannic’s on a roll with some serious hit records lately like ‘Clobber’ and ‘Rocker’ – he has also just mixed the new Toolroom Knights compilation album which is worth checking out. Some new names that in my opinion are going to have a huge 2014 are Kill The Buzz and Julian Calor. Two rather new names both from Holland and they both have multiple releases lined up on Revealed the coming months.”
As you just said, the DJ Mag Top100 is just around the corner, the votes are in and we shall soon see who is crowned top dog again. How important is this annual list to you?
“I like to see it as a bit of fun, but then it is a great feeling to be voted in to it. Last year’s placing was incredible and made a huge impact on putting my name into new audiences but you still need to back it up with good, quality music and strong DJ sets. I’m eternally grateful to the fans for their support. Like everyone else, I’m intrigued to know who will be the next No 1 DJ.” (*Well we all know now don’t we!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
And finally, when was the last time you slept in your own bed?
“Haha, last night….but that was the first time in a very long while.”
Thanks you dude. Appreciate your time as always.
“Appreciate you taking the time to speak to me. Thanks Dan x
Hardwell & Dyro ft. Bright Lights ‘Never Say Goodbye’ is out now…
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/never-say-goodbye-feat.-bright/id688783669
The new compilation album: Revealed The Collection is out now…
Beatport: http://bit.ly/RevealedADEBP
iTunes: http://bit.ly/REVEALEDADE
http://www.djhardwell.com
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