Hardwell talks to us about his inspirations, preference for beer and also hints at an India tour!

Music maturity came swiftly for the now seasoned-veteran Robbert van de Corput, better known as Hardwell. At the age of 24, the 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 #6 ranked in the DJ Mag Top 100, Hardwell has not only helped shape the current state of dance music, but has left an everlasting imprint.

At the young age of 13, his talents were so advanced that he was able capture the ears of a major Dutch label. Shortly after signing, Hardwell was spinning at all the major clubs across the Netherlands. His international breakthrough came with his “Show Me Love vs. Be” bootleg, which became one of the popular and played dance hits of 2009. From this point on, a star was born.

Through his refreshing sound that is characterized by complex drum ensembles, daring synths, and emotive chords, Hardwell has created the ultimate recipe for “Big Room House”. He was recently voted #6 in the 2012 edition of the DJ Mag Top 100, the most prestigious of industry competitions. In tandem with his worldwide popularity is his “fresh and open-minded” label Revealed Recordings, which continues to gain international momentum.

In March of 2011, Hardwell launched his very own radio show and podcast, Hardwell On Air, which is broadcasted on more than 25 international radio stations. Additionally, the podcast has a solid spot in the iTunes Top 10 Podcasts in more than 30 countries. His live sets are phenomenal with performances at a variety of festivals and tours being hailed as the best ever witnessed.

Here’s what some of Hardwell’s contemporaries have said about him;

“I think he will do very well! He is one of the most talented and passionate producers out there right now and is adaptable and creative enough to be at the forefront of the scene for a long time to come” – Tiësto

“Hardwell is not only a great Producer & DJ but, more importantly, stands out as a great personality which is what you really need to be in order survive beyond the “one hit wonders”. It’s hard to describe other than you can clearly hear his signature in each of his own productions and/or remixes. That’s class!” – Armin van Buuren 

“Holland’s newest superstar of big room House” – Pete Tong, BBC Radio 1 

Besides showcasing his talents for major artists worldwide, and proving himself not only in the studio, but also behind the decks, we can be assured that Hardwell is a force that will drive electronic dance music for years to come. Hit past the break to know what he had to tell us about his inspirations, forming a record label, his preference for beer, an upcoming India tour & more!

We are “The Bangin Beats” – India’s premier dance music portal & we’re proud to welcome quite simply the world’s best, Hardwell!

TBB: To begin, we learned that you started playing the piano aged 4 & started producing dance music when you were 8. At that young an age, what inspired you to produce music when kids your age were playing with their toys? Where did it all begin?

Hardwell: I was just a natural desire to make music. I enjoyed the process of making beats and putting together musical arrangements. I’ve always been hungry to grow as a musician and surrounding myself with it so early was just something which felt normal to me.

TBB: Tell us a little about how your parents played a role in shaping your musical career. Were they supportive at the start?

Hardwell: Yes they have been very supportive. They helped and supported me from day one and the first year playing gigs they always accompanied me because I was too young to enter clubs. But it must be said that they also encouraged me to maintain at my studies. It was important for me to get a good education, whilst I was working on my music back then.

TBB: Most of your tracks have a distinct signature sound to them. How do you protect yourself from going away from your fan base to a more commercial sound?

Hardwell: I am very conscious about sticking to my own sound. I have worked on some remixes for mainstream artists and enjoyed the experience but I very much want to keep my sound focused on the dancefloor, connected to my sets and the structure of my label Revealed Recordings.

TBB: You established your own record label, ‘Revealed’ along with Cloud9 music in Holland. What led you to take the decision to set up your own label?

Hardwell: I wanted to break away from A&R and label people controlling my music and where it ended up. I also wanted to build a platform where I could work with new talent and where they could use it as a launched pad for their own careers. I feel we’re achieving this right now with guys like Dyro and Dannic on the label who are doing outstandingly well at the moment with their music.

Dyro, Hardwell & Dannic (L-R)

TBB: Would you say talents like Dyro and Dannic among others have helped the label achieve the position it holds today? You’re said to be a mentor of sorts for both of them, could you tell us a little about the relationship you share with them individually?

Hardwell: Well first and foremost we’re friends and I have known Dannic already for a long time. I offer them my knowledge and ideas, but they too bring something to the table. These guys are seriously talented individuals, I respect what there are doing and I’m very proud and happy to see how well their careers are going right now. I don’t view myself as a mentor to anyone but if I can share what I know to help someone grow as an artist then I am happy with that. There are much more talented guys on the label and I think adding all of them up it shows the labels profile as a place where talent comes together and is giving that highly needed platform to start and find your way in this business.

TBB: ‘Hardwell On Air’, your radio show has garnered an extensive number of listeners ever since it started. Could you tell us why you took the decision to start your own show? Would you consider radio shows to be an important step for the promotion of the career of an artist?

Hardwell: The show is going really well at the moment. I’m very proud of how much it has grown over this past year. We’re currently broadcasting in over 40 FM stations around the world which is amazing. I think the power of radio is still very much a big part of promotion, people want to hear music when they’re at home, in the car, at work and radio enables you to do this. My show is a great way for me to reach those fans who can’t make it to my shows but want to hear the latest hottest record or an exclusive release.

TBB: You’re releasing the vocal mix of your Toolroom Records release, “Three Triangles” which was definitely one of the most critically acclaimed tracks. What led you to decide to release a vocal version of the track and use the vocals of REM’s legendary track, “Losing My Religion”?

Hardwell: It was an idea I’d had for a while. REM are such an influential band and their music is globally known so it was something new and exciting I wanted to attempted. I was cautious about touching it at first especially because the track is so identifiable, but once I gave it a go and I just fell in love with the end result. I put some work into it earlier in the year but due to my I AM Hardwell launch and the new Revealed Vol4 album I had to delay completing it.

TBB: Since we are thebanginbeats.com, we have to ask you our traditional question; what are your top 3 #bangin tracks?

Hardwell: Dannic – Rocker, Hardwell – Three Triangles (Losing My Religion) and Tiesto & Dyro – Paradise.

TBB: Being a dance music portal from India we’re very intrigued to know, how would you describe the vibe in India when you played here? Do you think we have potential of being a dance music hub?

Hardwell: Well, I don’t think, I know. You guys are the next big market for dance music. You have one of the best crowds to play for in the world and such an amazing community of dance music enthusiast. I had such an incredible experience when I was over at the end of last year. Now I can’t wait to return with my tour concept and do it all over again, except this time I want to make this even bigger, even better. I think you guys are going to love what I have installed for you. Keep an eye on my website for an announcement very soon. www.djhardwell.com

TBB: Canada had a ‘Revealed Bus Tour’ recently and from the videos we saw it was amazing! Could we expect you, Dyro & Dannic to come visit us here in India for such a tour anytime soon?

Hardwell: As mentioned above. Watch this space, I will be announcing something very soon. It is going to be very special.

TBB: A lot of the producers following us are big fans of your ‘In the studio – Q&A sessions’ but for a while they had been dormant and we recently got news that your going to start with them again. What led to it being discontinued? Anything new that you plan to incorporate when you start them again this time?

Hardwell: The construction of my new studio was why I had to delay the series for a while but I am happy to say the Q&A sessions are back and I’m very excited to get to show my new studio. It’s looking really cool. Expect more episodes over the summer!

TBB: Finally, time for a few rapid-fire questions! (You have to answer these in a few seconds)

Beer or Wine?
Beer

‘Apollo’ or ‘Spaceman’?
I can’t pick one over the other, I love them both!

Tomorrowland or Ultra Music Festival?
Both festivals are incredible for their individual reasons.

EDM or Dance Music?
It’s all electronic music, isn’t it?

Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook

Collaborating with Tiesto or Laidback Luke?
Why not all 3 of us?

TBB: Any message you would like to give to all your fans in India?

Hardwell: Thank you for the support guys. I can’t wait to come and party with you again very soon. Love Hardwell.

TBB: Thank you so much for taking time out and speaking with us. It’s been an absolute pleasure!

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