Interview by Dan Prince
Jay a massive welcome back to DMCWORLD…where on planet earth are you today?
Hey Dan – I’m back in Amsterdam for a little while! Time to work on some music again after the heavy touring in May!
What is the best bit of new music you have heard today since rolling out of bed?
I haven’t heard a single song yet! I like my mornings quiet and peaceful Haha! Just give me a cup of coffee and some time to wake up.
Big new tune out on Spinnin’ that is doing the business on dancefloors everywhere. Please talk us through the sound of ‘Stardust’…
‘Stardust’ is always a special moment in my sets. It slows down in the break, which makes the crowd focus fully on the music. The break gets bigger and bigger and so does the excitement in the crowd. So when it drops, it drop hard. For me it’s a really fun track to play live!
What is coming out next from you studio wise?
I’m working on a lot of new music! Not only new as in new releases, but also new kind of styles. I’m expanding my palette of sounds and styles and trying to create something that is truly new. I think people will still hear it’s Jay Hardway, but in a new way.
You have rocked some incredible parties recently, please give us a few words on these two little babies…
Jakarta
HUGE festival! People from Indonesia are also really nice people. My hotel room was full of presents when I arrived. I think the crowd at the festival was around 10.000 people, all going crazy!
Taipei
It was the second time I was back in Taiwan and there were a lot of people that were also there from the first show! I always really love to see fans I from the last time. The people in Taipei also love Hip Hop so I played a bit of everything. And I played almost 45 minutes longer than I should have haha!
What are the 5 big tunes in your box this weekend…
Florian Picasso – Final Call.
Florian is killing it with his releases!
Every track is quality. Works well live and is also nice to listen to in the car.
Martin Garrix & Third Party – Lions in the Wild.
Great track, great melodies, great vocal!
Sebastien Ingrosso – Dark River.
Really love the contrast between the “darkish” drop and the happy break. The drop is so powerful every time I play it!
Bassjackers & Jay Hardway – El Mariachi.
My new track with Bassjackers! Finally finished and is being released soon! I think it is the perfect combination between Bassjackers and myself.
D.O.D. – Honey.
This track for is in the “bass-house” genre, but I think it’s really original and stands out from the rest!
Looking through your diary there are a mountain of festivals in there dude! Tomorrowland obviously sits atop, but where else can’t you wait for?
Mysteryland in Holland is going to be really sick. And I also can’t wait for DJ Mag Festival in Croatia!!
Other than your tunes and phone, what are your 3 essential festival items you always make sure you have…
– A black t-shirt
– Drinks!!
– Friends, when I play in my home country I always try to bring my friends with me!
What is on a Jay Hardway rider in 2016?
Vodka, beers, soda’s, water, towels, coconut water.
Okay up close and personal time…
At what age did electronic music first appear on your radar and how?
Electronic music was always present ever since I can remember. The first single I bought was Barthezz – ‘On the Move’ when I was 10 years old.
At what age did a career in music first start to form in your mind – and what did your family think?
When I was 18 I realized my music was starting to sound better and better and I really had something special with my melodies. So I started to think, maybe I can do more with it. My family was always very supportive!
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your life and how did you overcome it?
Wow what a deep question! I don’t really feel like I have made any big mistakes. I’m a very positive guy and feel like mistakes are a part of your learning curve.
Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film?
Myself! LOL, check out my insanely good acting skills in the Electric Elephants music video haha. But on a serious note, I truly have no idea.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Not getting a job after college felt like a really big risk at the time! Especially because everyone says you’re crazy to try to become a DJ. That and eating Indian food!! Haha. I love Indian food, but it is SO SO SPICY!!
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Being where I am right now. Following my heart and my dreams.
And finally, what is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Almost the same answer as the question before. “Follow your heart and dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” My parents.
