Interview with Hardwell ahead of Gatecrasher's Dutch Invasion

Following road-blocked events in 2011 by Holland homeboys Afrojack , Laidback Luke and DJ Chuckie, Gatecrasher presents a double-whammy of Dutch brilliance as ground-breaking superstars Hardwell and Nicky Romero hit the club on for an almighty Dutch Invasion on the 4th February 2012.

We caught up with award-winning DJ, producer, label manager and DJMag Top 100 list newcomer Hardwell for a chat ahead of his Gatecrasher debut. 

At only 23 his “Big Room House” trademark has catapulted him to the #24 spot in the coveted DJ Mag Top 100 poll, and with a main stage appearance at Creamfields, top ten Beatport hits under his belt and a storming collaboration with Tiesto, the young gun is already at the top of his game. 

2011 was a phenomenal year for you. Can you pick a few highlights?

Working together with Tiesto, being #24 in the DJ Mag list, several big tours abroad and my first Revealed Label night.

You played the Creamfields mainstage last year, tell us about that?

Yes 2011 was the first time main stage for me, it was a total madness and the party was awesome. The crowd in the UK always party hard and I love that!

And you played the amazing Sensation in 2011, that must have been amazing?

Yeah, that was phenomenal! 

At 23 you are already no. 24 in DJ Magazine top 100 DJs. What's your secret?

There is no secret... it’s all by dedication and big love for music.

You toured a lot with Tiesto last year, how was that?

It was a big honour to go on tour with world’s greatest DJ. I learned a lot from him and it was a great experience for me.

And you’ve been working in the studio with Tiesto?

Yes that’s right, we did track 'Zero76', which was number one on iTunes and Beatport. There is also a lot more coming.

Tiesto & Hardwell - Zero 76 by HARDWELL

Any other big names you’d like to work alongside?

Avicii, I would love to work with him.

You seem to constantly be in the Beatport Top Ten with your releases, do you have a specific formula that works?

No, there is no formula. It just happens and I’m happy so many people like my music.

Your production output is really high, why is that important?

It’s a good thing to keep your sets fresh and new, because of that it’s important to keep producing and keep the people interested and wanting to come to your gigs.

Can we expect an album soon?

No, not in a short period of time. That’s really something for the future.

What’s the next release on your label?

'Spaceman'. It releases on the 23rd of January. (Out now)

 

You also collaborated with Nicky Romero in 2011. You seem to have a lot in common? Are you looking forward to playing alongside Nicky at Gatecrasher?

Yes, definitely. It’s always nice to play alongside Nicky Romero.  

You’ve had phenomenal success for one so young, what advice would you give to other producers/DJs trying to break into the scene?

Be dedicated and original and keep on making tracks.

The Dutch are taking over the dance music scene yet again, what makes the Dutch so incredibly talented when it comes to the electronic scene?

In Holland there are so many parties, so for DJs there are a lot of ways to get some experience and to grow.

This is your Gatecrasher debut, are you looking forward to it?

Yes of course. I’ve heard a lot about Gatecrasher and I find it really cool to finally play there myself.

What can we expect from your set?

You can expect a lot of new tracks and one big crazy madness.

Thanks Hardwell, see you on the 4th!

Hardwell makes his Gatecrasher Birmingham debut with Nicky Romero on February 4th 2012. Find out more here and buy tickets through Skiddle below. 

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