Though we remember a time when Day After headliner Hardwell was still fairly unknown name, he is more than considered a seasoned veteran as of late. The producer, DJ and label boss has played for nearly every notable club and festival in the vast corners of the world all before his 25th birthday. It would seem that new heights can only be reached for Hardwell, as he continues his climb to the top of dance music’s cultural landscape, now, as the #1 ranked DJ in the world by DJ Mag’s pivotal list.
Robbert van de Corput hails from Breda, a city in the Netherlands that fellow Dutchman Tiësto also calls home. Hardwell was signed to a major Dutch label at the age of 14. Shortly after being signed, Hardwell had the privilege to spin at all the major clubs across the Netherlands. “It was definitely a big motivation, especially getting a record deal at just 14. I had always been into music since I was 6 so when I started DJing I really loved it because I could finally let people hear the music I wanted to share. So when I signed the record deal at just 14 it was like a dream coming true, I was able to release my tracks to a even bigger audience now. After that my name started to get recognized and my tracks started to get recognized and soon it became easier to get more gigs and that’s really how it all started.”
Hardwell’s international breakthrough success however, first came from his bootleg of the Robin S classic “Show Me Love” with “Be” by Steve Angello and Laidback Luke which became one of the most played dance tracks of 2009. Members of Swedish House Mafia toured the world blasting the mashup and everyone began to take notice of the rising talent.
That was just the beginning though. In 2010 he formed his own label Revealed Recordings which allowed him to release versatile tracks whether they be progressive, tech house, techno or electro influenced. “…[Revealed Recordings] started like three years ago, and the main reason I started the label was because I didn’t wanted to deal with the A & R managers of the big labels nowadays because I don’t understand how old guys that are 40 years old and never go to the club are going to tell me their opinion about my track. I’m playing like every day in the club and I see exactly what’s happening and I just don’t get why it has to be that way. I just think my opinion is the best when I make a track because I feel it with the crowd every day. That’s the first reason I started my label, and besides that I want to be my own boss with my release schedule, I just want to know when to put my track out so I can put a marketing plan around it, know when I have to upload the teaser and all that stuff, and besides that I think revealed recording is a really cool place for the progressive electro sound, and of course its really inspiring to work with new talent.”
Solo, Hardwell’s sound has been described by its complex and rhythmic drum layers, punchy synths, and melodic chords all creating the perfect mixture for his signature Big Room house style. Early tracks like “Encoded” and “Zero 76” both hit the #1 Beatport and #1 US iTunes spots, establishing him as a new heavyweight contender. Further cementing himself in the top ranks of talent, Hardwell launched his own radio show and podcast in 2011, Hardwell On Air, which is now broadcasted on over 25 international radio stations. Moreover, the podcast is a mainstay in the iTunes’ Top 10 Podcasts in more than 30 countries.
Just recently voted the #1 DJ in the world by the infamous DJ Mag’s Top 100 list, you can currently find Hardwell touring around the world, still high off the success of his hit song with Amba Shepherd, “Apollo” and his most recent release with Matthew Koma in “Dare You.” We’re sure you’ll hear “Dare You” when Hardwell takes the stage for The Day After, taking of Figali Plaza in Panama City, Panama on January 10-12th. Tickets are now available, buy your tickets today!
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