Hardwell, a DJ who recently made a comeback after taking a break due to health issues, discusses his return to music, the craft of DJing, his relationships with Swedish House Mafia and Tiësto, the influence of electronic music and Dutch dance, the supportive Dutch electronic music scene, exploring genres and personal reflection, reconnecting with his team and peers in the DJ industry, taking a break and prioritizing health, and his admiration for musician and producer Tim.
The EDM boom shifted the focus of DJing to business and formulaic performances, leading to a sense of detachment for Hardwell.
Taking a break allowed Hardwell to reflect on himself as an artist, escape formulaic approaches, and explore new sounds.
Deep dives
The Struggle of EDM in the DJing Era
Hardwell reflects on the EDM boom and its impact on the DJing experience. He describes feeling detached from the music and the audience at times, as the focus shifted to business and formulaic performances. The pressure to maintain success and the fear of losing one's position in the industry were also discussed. Despite the challenges, Hardwell emphasizes the importance of taking a break to focus on personal growth and reconnect with one's own music. He shares his journey of rediscovering his passion and creating a new album that reflects his authentic self.
Personal and Musical Development in the Break
During his extended break, Hardwell took the time to reflect on himself as a person and artist. He wanted to escape the formulaic approach and create music that felt personal and meaningful to him. By stepping away from the industry pressures and expectations, he was able to find inspiration and explore new sounds and styles. The process involved letting go of old samples and patterns and challenging himself to create music from scratch. Hardwell expresses gratitude for having a solid support system throughout the break, and he highlights the importance of taking time to focus on personal growth.
The Impact of Avicii's Death
The tragic passing of Avicii played a significant role in Hardwell's decision to take a break. It served as a wake-up call, reminding him of the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health over the demands of a successful career. Avicii's struggles with fame and the toll it took on his well-being resonated deeply with Hardwell, prompting him to step back and reevaluate his own life and choices. The loss of Avicii fueled his determination to live a normal life and sparked a desire for change within the industry.
The Journey to Rediscovery and Reinvention
Hardwell embarked on a personal and musical journey of rediscovery and reinvention during his break. He discusses the need to break away from the repetitive and formulaic approach to music creation and performance that had dominated his career. By challenging himself to create new sounds and explore different genres, he aimed to break free from the expectations of his fans and the industry. He emphasizes the importance of embracing new experiences and evolving as an artist, while appreciating the support and understanding of his fans throughout the process.
Zane catches up with Hardwell to discuss his long awaited return to music. He talks about his health and needing take time away, the craft of DJing and also about his relationships with his peers like Swedish House Mafia and Tiësto.
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