Hardwell, born Robbert van de Corput, is a Dutch electronic music producer and DJ renowned for his influential contributions to the progressive and electro house genres. With a stellar career that includes numerous chart-topping hits, awards, and a stint as the world’s number one DJ according to DJ Mag Top 100, Hardwell has left an indelible mark on the global dance music scene. His electrifying performances and innovative productions have solidified his status as a trailblazer in the realm of electronic dance music.
Hardwell was one of the headliners at Sunburn Festival 2023 in Goa. Ahead of his performance, the music producer and DJ spoke exclusively with News18 Showsha where he discussed his ‘ever-evolving’ sound, balancing between producing music and tours, his engagement with his fans and more.
Here are the excerpts:
How do you feel about performing at the Sunburn Festival in Goa? What have you planned for your Indian fans?
Very excited to be heading back to India and playing the Sunburn Festival mainstage! I’ve spent the last month in the studio working on a bunch of new music and some very very special surprises, so the Sunburn fans will to be in for a special treat with this show!
How do you balance the demands of a busy touring schedule with the creative process of making new music?
These days I am more aware of maintaining a healthy balance between touring and being in the studio. I stepped away from touring so I could pour all my energy back into the studio. Now that I am back touring again, I work very closely with my management and booking team to structure everything to keep a good balance on my studio time, as well as life outside of being on the road.
You’ve put quite a diverse sound in 2023. Whether it was ‘Goes Like This’, Human, The Abyss or ACID, they all have a different flavour to it. Take us through the journey of your music in 2023 and whether you feel your production style has shifted from previous years?
My entire sound has shifted in the last few years. I wanted to take time out and reset everything so when I was ready to go back on the road again, I was doing it with new music. You think of what most touring bands do, they tour, then step away from touring to focus on the new chapter of their sound, before coming back with a new tour and new music. I kind of adopted this mindset. I wanted to free up my creativity again to take my sound down a completely different path from where it was before October 2018.
Can you talk about your experience collaborating with other artists? How do these collaborations influence your sound? And what’s imperative for you when it comes to these collaborations?
Last year my focus was on my artist album REBELS NEVER DIE but for 2023 I decided I wanted to collaborate with a bunch of artists and friends, just to see what came out it. I had new specific agenda other than to just enjoy being in the studio, collaborating and making music with someone else. I want to gel with that person on a musical level and just have a creative connection that means something magical is likely to come out of the studio process
together.
Your fans adore you and your work and you have also managed to create a very amicable rapport with them. How do you engage with your fans and maintain a strong connection with your audience? Especially during your live sets?
Obviously social media plays a huge role in how I’m able to keep connected to the fans. I love
the ability to get instant feedback from them on new ideas or even just to drop an announcement. As well as the online ability, I love to use my shows as a chance to run meet & greets with the fans before my set, as well as connect with other fans afterwards. During the
set itself, I love to get on the mic and interact, as well as add special little parts in my show, whether it’s dropping a classic anthem or known ID, and then get the crowd to participate. It’s all about creating a connection and atmosphere with the crowd.
How has the electronic music scene evolved since you started, and how do you adapt to these changes in your music style? And how do you balance between your distinctive sound and following the latest trend in this genre?
The scene has grown so much since I first started. Everything from the way artists perform to the way we all consume music is different. I love how big the scene is today, how globe it has become, and I’m pleased to see the changes in the scene being more diverse, more inclusive
and a greater emphasis on equality. We need more of this. As an artist, I don’t follow trends,
but instead take my own path as I believe artists should be free to creative without boundaries.
What role do technology and innovation play in your music production and live performances? Especially if it is a specially curated live show like the Sunburn?
Technology plays a large part in all modern djs show because of the equipment we use. I like
to enhance my shows using technology by pushing the limits of the lighting or pyrotechnics,
to add a new depth to the music. As a music fan, I want to experience the best show with the
best music, so I always put myself in the position of what a fan would want to see.
Are there specific genres or artists outside of electronic music that influence your work? And if you would like to collaborate with Indian artists in the coming times,considering the growing popularity of EDM among the masses?
I wouldn’t say they necessarily influence my own sound, but as artists they’ve certainly inspired me as a person and artist to achieve my own goals in being a producer. Acts like Red Chilli Peppers, Dr Dre, Pharrell, The Prodigy, are examples of the kind that have inspired me. Would certainly be open to collaborating with Indian artists in the future. If fans have any suggestions then let me know on my socials.
What do you see as the future of electronic dance music, and how do you envision your role within it?
There’s a new generation of talent breaking through with incredible new music and delivering
amazing sets. I’m excited by what more independent labels, like my Revealed Recordings, are doing to support these new artists. I see the future being very bright for electronic music purely because the level of ability and talent today is so good. I want to help bring more talent through, this is one of my main goals.
What should one expect from your next album?
Honestly, even I don’t know what to expect from my next one, yet.
Comments
0 comment