Hailing from Breda, a city in The Netherlands, Robert van de Corput, famously known as Hardwell, has come a long away in his career as a producer, musician, label owner, documentary filmmaker and legendary DJ.
The multi-talented artist has cemented his position in an industry that continues to change, constantly innovating his skills and techniques. The young Dutch titan capped off a ten-year journey when he was crowned World’s #1 DJ in the 2013 DJ Mag Top 100 DJs Poll. From nominations for prestigious awards such as 2014 MTV European Music Awards for ‘Best Dutch Act’ and ‘Best Electronic Act’, to being one of one of the most nominated artists in the 2016 awards edition of the IDMA’s in Miami, the 25-year old artist has also walked away with some of electronic music’s biggest accolades.
With over 8.5 million likes on Facebook, more than 3.47 million followers on Twitter, 3.8 million followers on Instagram and in excess of 615 million hits on his YouTube channel, Hardwell is an achiever and a visionary of the music and entertainment industry.
With the motto, “If you can dream it, you can do it”, still reigning supreme, the two-time #1 DJ on the planet has proved that drive and determination to succeed can bring a wealth of results. DJ Hardwell’s musical force is set to continue to rise within the industry’s elite for many years to come. On April 8, DJ Hardwell kicks off his China residency at the prestigious Club Cubic in Macau, set to be a momentous night set to captivate the city!
How did you get into DJing?
I got attracted to it when I was 13 years old after watching a documentary and then DJing at parties and then from there I started making music, being signed to a record label at 14 years old. The rest is history.
Where did your stage name come from?
I have my dad to thank for that one. It’s my second name in Latin.
What do you try to communicate to the audience through your vibe? How do you want them to feel?
My music is party music so I want them to have a good time. I am there to create memories and to put a smile on people’s faces so they’re having a good time.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Who do you have a lot of respect for?
I respect any artist that stays true to themselves and follows their own goals. You see artists like Eminem and what they go through to get where they are. I truly respect that in anyone. It’s what gives the music such a raw and inspirational feel.
What single night out or party been the most memorable for you? As a DJ? And as a guest?
Closing my I Am Hardwell—United We Are world tour at the Hockenheim circuit in Germany was a special occasion for me. It was the first time a DJ had played a solo show there.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs? Any mistakes to avoid?
Do what you believe to be true to you and right for your music.
If you could be eternally stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would it be?
Wow, tough question. I’ve loved the last few years so really any year over the past 4-5 years would be perfect for me.
Out of all the tunes you have, which one ‘never fails?’
I have so many but I still get the biggest goose bumps when I sneak ‘Spacemen’ into my sets. It means so much to me and the crowd always give it a great reception!
What was the first event you ever played at?
Ha, well it was actually my parent’s friend’s birthday party when I was 13 years old! I started partying early [smiles].
Any other musicians / DJs you would like to collaborate with?
Pharrell Williams would be really cool. I also think Eminem and/or Dr. Dre would be great to collaborate with too.
How was your experience playing your music here in Macau? How did the crowd vibe with your music?
Macau is a growing destination for dance music and somewhere which is definitely going to become huge over the coming years so I am very excited to be a party of the journey! The crowds love dance music so you always know it’s going to be a great atmosphere whenever you play.
What’s next after your tour? A new album?
I have a lot of new music in the pipeline. For the moment there is no album planned but I am keen to do another one so who knows when that will be, but you will be seeing more singles from me in 2017 as I have a lot of new music ready to go.
Is there anything you would like to say to your fans in Macau?
I can’t wait to come and start my residency and looking forward to much partying with you at Club Cubic!
Photo credit for featured main image: Gerard Henninger
CLUB CUBIC 6TH ANNIVERSARY FT. HARDWELL & KILL THE BUZZ
When: 10pm, Saturday, April 8
Where: Club Cubic, City of Dreams, Macau
How much: Advance tickets MOP $480, Pre-sale MOP $680, At the Door MOP $880
Limited pre-sale tickets (MOP $680) available via www.cubic-cod.com!
For tickets and table enquiries: [email protected] | +853 6638 4999 | www.cubic-cod.com