Over the last five years, Hardwell admitted that if he were to look back, he sees “a lot of gigs, partying and a lot of highlights” in his career. He has been afforded the privilege to perform in many wonderful venues worldwide, and two that stand out to him include Hakkasan Nightclub Las Vegas and Ushuaia Ibiza. Hardwell listed global music stars Adele and Beyonce as his dream female collaboration choices in music.
When asked if he would like to collaborate with trance sensation Emma Hewitt, he said, “That is definitely possible. That is a great one.”
His musical inspirations are derived from the feedback that he receives from his fans during the live shows. “When I do my shows, you always see which songs work and which songs don’t. The reaction from my fans is my biggest inspiration,” he said.
Hardwell’s alternate career choice would be a hip-hop DJ. “I started as a hip-hop DJ, so that is where my roots are,” he said.
He predicted that within the next five years, electronic dance music will be even bigger than it is now. “Especially since Asia is getting on it right now. It is going to be really big,” he said.
For aspiring DJs and electronic producers, Hardwell said, “Start producing your own music, try to develop your own sound, and be unique. That is what it is all about. Follow your heart and believe in yourself,” he said.
He defined success as being “happy with what you are achieving.” “If you are happy, you never have to work and you are successful no matter what job you have,” he said.
Hardwell concluded our interview by expressing his get well wishes for Paul van Dyk on his recent fall from the “A State of Trance” stage in Utrecht, Holland. “I am truly sad to see what happened. I saw the clip on YouTube, and I wish him a really speedy recovery,” he said.
Electronic music fans can check out Hardwell’s new single “Run Wild,” featuring Jake Reese, on iTunes by clicking here.
To check out the first part of Digital Journal’s interview with Hardwell, click here.
