DJ Hardwell ready to put Macau in a spin
Keeping a beat-hungry crowd dancing, happy and craving more is certainly no easy task, but the man they call Hardwell makes it look oh-so-simple
Ahead of his gig at the Venetian Macao on December 19, Robbert van de Corput, better known as Hardwell, charts his own career from being a warm-up act to the world’s No. 2 DJ
What inspired you to become a DJ and how did you get your start?
A documentary on MTV about the Dutch scene was what sparked it all. I saw guys like Tiësto and Ferry Corsten talking about this thing called electronic music and I was instantly hooked. I started getting into it from then onwards, I was 12 years old and just completely bitten by this dance music bug. It’s been my life ever since.
Who or what has had the most influence on your music taste?
It’s a really varied amount of things. As just mentioned there were guys like Ferry and Tiësto, but also parties I attended when I first started out, sharing music with my friends, setting up my label Revealed Recordings and working tirelessly on the output of my music through the label, all the way to the fans. The fans have been an enormous influence on my career. Playing shows around the world and connecting with them is such a big inspiration in my life.
What would you consider the turning point of your career?
Playing Ibiza as a DJ for the first time in 2010. There I was, this young kid playing a top bill spot at the biggest club in the world – privilege Ibiza! As a producer when I released Spaceman in 2011 the game really changed for me. The music opened a new door following that release and it’s been an upward journey ever since. I’m very grateful to the fans for the love they’ve shown me and my music.
What does it take to be a good DJ? What are your tricks to become better at what you do?
First and foremost you have to have passion! As well as this I think you need to work on your talent, you need to spend time learning the craft of DJ-ing and honing your skills. I was a warm-up DJ for many years so I know how to build a crowd, what record goes with the next, it’s all about understanding the dance floor and how the energy and flow should go coordinating to what the crowd want or might need. Too many DJs today want to be the headline act without ever knowing what it takes to be the local DJ who’s busting his or her gut to perfect their craft.
How do you feel about DJ rankings (in which you are currently at No. 2 globally)? Is it a source of stress or motivation?
Motivation. Everything in your life and career should be about improvement. You need to set goals and once these have been achieved, you need to continue on to your next goals and targets. This is what I have always done in my life and continue to do today.
What’s on your playlist right now?
I’ve just released a special version of my debut album United We Are, which features remixes from lots of artists I really like. Guys such as Vicetone, Kura, Bingo Players, W&W, Armin van Buuren have all put their own take on my singles, which is cool. The album is called United We Are Remixed and is out now.
What can the audience expect from your upcoming show at The Venetian Macao?
A set filled with energy and amazing music. It’s going to be a wild party and one that is going to be a night to remember!
