The world’s top DJ and electronic producer, Hardwell, chatted about his new music, which includes several collaborations with other artists, and his upcoming show at Brooklyn Mirage in New York.
The house mega-star also opened up about being an artist and label owner (Revealed Recordings) in the digital age.
In 2013 and 2014, the prestigious DJ Mag ranked Hardwell as the “No. 1 DJ in the World.”
Byron Pulsifer once said: “Imagine, dream, and believe in yourself. With determination and belief, you will be surprised at what you accomplish.” This quote applies to Hardwell.
You and Quintino link up again for new single ‘Sloopkogel’. How did the single come about?
I love getting in the studio with friends and just having a jam. Quinten and I have been buddies for years and also have a good time, whether on the road or in the studio.
After last year which was focused on my return and my solo album “Rebels Never Die.” I just wanted to pair up with friends and make some fun music projects. ‘Sloopkogel’ (‘Wrecking Ball’ in English) is exactly the kind of track I was looking to make and fit into my 2023 shows.
How did “Balanca” come about (with VINNE)?
VINNE’s an emerging talent who I’ve been supporting for a while now and who I signed to my Revealed label. He has a real solid ability as a producer, and I like his use of sound. I love the Brazilian scene and I got super inspired again after my recent ‘Rebels Never Die’ show in the country at Laroc Club.
I wanted to bring a little Brazilian energy to a new song, and it felt a good fit to team up with VINNE on a track and see what magic came out of it.
How did “Twisted” come about with Will Sparks?
Will’s a talented artist whose music is no stranger to Revealed or my DJ set lists. He and I have talked about doing something special for our big festival shows. ‘Twisted’ is the result of that coming together.
What do your plans for the future include with Revealed Recordings?
In recent years, we’ve moved office, expanded the team, and continue to be a hub for artists to grow and build their careers on. My vision for Revealed was never just about being a home for my music, but to also be that place where artists, like me in my earlier years, could find support, receive guidance, and develop. This continues to be our goal going forward.
How does it feel to be a label owner in the digital age? (Now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
It’s a different world to when I began in the scene because back then sales of physical products like CDs and vinyl’s were everything. But I’ve always embraced technology and since day one with Revealed, the label vision was to be the same.
As an artist or a label, you can’t afford to get nostalgic and become stuck in the past. Streaming has many negatives and positives, but from an accessibility perspective it has opened every genre of music to any person who has internet access. That is incredibly powerful.
Which artists would you like to do a dream collab with and why?
I’ve always listed Dr. Dre as my dream collaboration. That hasn’t changed. He’s still one of the OG’s of rap and one of my favorite producers ever. The Prodigy, Pharrell Williams, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem, and many others would be some others.
What would you like to tell our readers about your new releases on Revealed Recordings?
We have some really exciting new music coming up from a number of incredibly talented artists. You can look forward to releases from Maddix, KAAZE, Avao, Tim Hox and a lot of other names.
You are returning to NYC on May 14 with a show at Brooklyn Mirage. What does playing in New York mean to you and what can fans expect from the show?
I can’t wait to be back in New York again. I’ve had some fantastic nights in the city, from my special show at MSG to playing crazy sets at Pacha NYC, Governors Island, Electric Zoo, and other events. And, of course, the comeback show last year at the UBS arena for my “Rebels Never Die” album tour.
Along with Miami, New York was one of the first cities that embraced me as an artist in the States, so it’s a city that has a big place in my heart. I’m working on a lot of new music and constantly evolving my show, so fans have a lot to look forward to.
To learn more about house music superstar Hardwell, follow him on Instagram and visit his official website.
