Tomorrowland Belgium

Hardwell is back with new energy and a new sound

The Dutch DJ reflects on two years of being back on tour and what's next

Can you imagine there once was a time when there was no Hardwell? It’s not even that long ago, and it seemed to last forever: four long years.

Back in the game for almost two years, the Dutch producer seems more energetic and productive than ever, exploring new ways of doing things. It’s like he never took his sabbatical at all, and it looks like there are many more years left to enjoy the genius that is Hardwell.

Here’s what he has to say about it!

You’ve now rounded off your second year back into touring. How do you look back on it?

Do you do and experience things differently than before your break from touring?

“These past couple of years have been an exciting period of creativity and of reconnecting with my fans in a new way as I changed my sound. It’s been amazing and it fills me with so much joy seeing the buzz the crowd gets from the music."

"Words really can’t really describe the feeling! I’ve learned to bring more balance into my life which has also been a game-changer for me in the studio. The amount of music I’ve been creating is insane. I’ve got so much music backed up ready to come out."

“I’ve always had this rebel inside me, pushing against the barriers to try something new.”

You’ve tried out a lot of different genres in your career. ‘Oldskool Sound’ has a recognizable big room feel, but you’ve also done techno stuff quite recently.

How important is doing different things for you?

“Doing things differently is so, so important to me! It’s why I started my label Revealed, it’s why I wanted my way when others said ‘Don’t do it’. It’s also why I named my album ‘REBELS NEVER DIE’."

"I’ve always had this rebel inside me, pushing against the barriers to try something new. I want to explore new genres, try new things as well as old things, and experiment. Maybe I’ll get it right, maybe I won’t, but you have to try, otherwise you’ll never know.”

You have recently done a rework of an old 2Unlimited song: ‘Let the Beat Control Your Body’. They were one of the first popular electronic music acts from the Netherlands.

What is your connection with them and how did you come up with the idea for this rework?

“My connection is probably the same as everyone’s who remembers them from that time. They were such a huge act with massive chart hits. They symbolize a golden era of Eurodance from that period. I’ve always admired what they achieved through their music, and being a Dutch artist myself made it extra special.

My edit was an addition to the work Nifra had already done on 2 Unlimited’s dynamic and iconic original.

Hardwell

You recently released a free sample pack for producers. Can you tell us a little bit about that? How do you value sample packs in general?

Do you ever feel other people’s music may start sounding like yours? Have you used sample packs yourself throughout your career?

“I’ve never shared my sound designs before, but I felt like the time was right. I aimed to create something that was accessible to everyone.

If you’re a beginner, you can just download it and dive right in. It’s there to be messed around with and to explore your own creativity with. In my early years, I did use sample packs, and this led me to start designing my own sounds. It was a journey that broadened my horizons as a producer, so I wanted to give people a launchpad for themselves to leapfrom.

I think there’s always the risk of other people liking artists they like, but that’s fine, it’s about evolution and growing as an artist.”

What will you be doing at Tomorrowland besides playing your set? What are you looking forward to?

“One of the things I love so much about Tomorrowland, aside from playing there, is the way it brings so many different people from so many different places all to one place. It’s always a great opportunity to connect with everyone.

In recent years, Tomorrowland has also become renowned for the food on offer, bringing world-class chefs to the festival site, so I’m looking forward to experiencing the new menus they’ll have this year.”

Are there any new tracks you will be premiering at Tomorrowland – and will you give your fans a sneak preview here?

“Fans will get new music in my show. I recently released ‘XTC’, which I will definitely play. It’s been really popular with the fans and I’m super happy it’s finally out.

And I’ve been working on a lot of new music lately, and have some super special tracks and edits lined up for my Tomorrowland set. I can’t wait!”