What oh what can be said about Hardwell? Possibly that his first DJ Mag’s Top 100 appearrence was at number 24? Or that he is a heavily awarded DJ and producer that serves as his own label manager for Revealed Records?
You could go on forever about his accomplishments, however the best part of all is that Hardwell, is only 23 years old.
Hardwell, otherwise known as, Robbert van de Corput IS the definition of “Big Room House”, centering his work and his passion around this distinct sound. His rise in the EDM community began at an early age after his sheer talent was discovered at age 14 by a Dutch record label who signed him immediately and quickly had him playing at major clubs in the Netherlands. Now, boasting a highly ranked spot on DJ Mag’s Top 100, many are looking to Hardwell as one of the new leaders of the younger EDM generation.
Earlier bootlegs, remixes and personal tracks of his easily shot to the top charts and were among some of the most played among fellow DJs. His ‘Show Me Love vs. Be’ bootleg was the most played dance hit of 2009, while many easily recognize ‘Move It To The Drum’, a 2010 co-production track with Chuckie.
Come 2011, Hardwell has remixed for, and is in demand by the elite of the electronic dance music community. Tiesto, Armin, Laidback Luke, Angello, Martin Solveig, Gareth Emery and more have turned to young Hardwell for inspiration and improvements on their own work. Tracks such as ‘Zero 76’ (with Tiesto), and ‘Beta’ (with Nicky Romero) sent heads spinning in Harwell’s direction and earned him further recognition for improving the ‘big house’ sound.
Collaborations aside, Hardwell’s personal work is nothing to look past. His smash hit track, ‘Cobra’, was predicted by many to be the new EDM house anthem. It rocketed to #1 in the dance charts and stayed in the Beatport Progressive House Top 10 for almost 2 months. The track ‘Encoded’ was so highly anticipated that it’s YouTube teaser was viewed over 700,000 times proving the level of recognition Hardwell is gaining.
Although he may be new to the scene, Hardwell’s talent in the booth is undeniably exceptional. After playing shows around the globe, alongside the best of the best Hardwell has a performance style all his own. From EDC, Sensation and Electric Zoo and tours with Tiesto across North America, this 23 year old is not one to miss.
Now, for his first ever Seattle appearance, Hardwell will be headlining USC and Digital Innovators’ St. Patrick’s Day show- Lucky 2012. This young DJ is, without a doubt, the face and the future of EDM and is setting the standard for top of the line production and performance. Once you’re witness to the sheer talent displayed by Hardwell, you’ll know nothing else to do but get ready, get set…dance!
