The Untold Story of Hardwell: From Small Town DJ to Global Superstar

From performing at local garage parties to headlining at the world’s biggest music festivals, Hardwell’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. Ranked as the world’s number one DJ by DJ Magazine in 2013 and 2014, Hardwell, whose real name is Robbert van de Corput, has come a long way. In this post, we take a look at the untold story of how this small-town boy from Breda, Netherlands, became a global superstar.

Introduction

Hardwell’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and talent. From the age of fourteen, he knew that becoming a DJ was his calling in life. Combining his love for electronic dance music (EDM) with his gift for mixing and producing music, Hardwell practiced every day to perfect his craft.

However, it wasn’t an easy journey. He had to overcome numerous obstacles and face rejections to achieve success. Nevertheless, his sheer determination and hard work paid off eventually. Today, he is well-known for producing some of the biggest hits in the EDM scene and entertaining millions of fans worldwide.

Section 1: Early Life of Hardwell

Born on January 7th, 1988, in Breda, Netherlands, Robbert van de Corput grew up in a musically inclined family. His mother was a classical pianist, and his father played the guitar. From a young age, he was exposed to different genres of music, including classical, jazz, and rock.

It was at the age of twelve that he discovered his love for EDM. He started experimenting with mixing music using his computer software. He spent hours practicing and trying new things, honing his skills. By the age of fourteen, he was already performing at local garage parties and school events.

Section 2: Rise to Fame

Hardwell made his debut in the global dance music scene with the release of his first single, “Never Knew Love,” in 2007. The track was an instant hit and paved the way for his future success.

Over the next few years, Hardwell continued producing tracks that gained immense popularity. Some of his biggest hits include “Zero 76,” “Encoded,” “Spaceman,” and “Apollo.”

In 2013, he was crowned the world’s number one DJ by DJ Magazine, a title he held onto for the following year. He has since performed to sell-out crowds all around the world, headlining at some of the biggest music festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Coachella.

Section 3: Unique Style

What sets Hardwell apart from other DJs is his unique style of music. He is known for creating tracks that blend different genres of music, including progressive house, electro house, and big room. His tracks are characterized by high-energy beats, catchy melodies, and anthemic drops.

In his live performances, he creates an immersive experience for his fans, incorporating stunning visuals, state-of-the-art lighting, and impressive pyrotechnics into his shows.

Section 4: Record Label and Merchandise

In 2010, Hardwell founded his own record label, Revealed Recordings. The label quickly became a hit among EDM enthusiasts and has since released tracks by some of the most talented DJs in the industry.

In addition to his music, Hardwell has also created a line of merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and accessories. He has also collaborated with leading brands such as Rolex, Heineken, and Jeep to create limited-edition products.

Section 5: Philanthropic Endeavors

Hardwell is also known for his philanthropic endeavors. In 2015, he launched the United We Are Foundation, aimed at tackling global issues such as poverty and climate change. The foundation trains and mentors young people to become leaders and bring about positive change in society.

In addition to his foundation, Hardwell has also been involved in various charitable initiatives such as donating proceeds from his concerts to various causes and organizing fundraising events for different charities.

Section 6: Challenges Faced

Despite his success, Hardwell has faced several challenges along the way. In 2018, he announced that he was taking an indefinite break from touring, citing mental and physical exhaustion as the reasons.

However, Hardwell has never given up on his passion for music. In 2020, he returned to the studio and released a new track called “Make the World Ours.” He has also been vocal about the importance of mental health and the need for artists to take care of themselves.

Section 7: Awards and Recognition

Hardwell’s contributions to the EDM scene have been nothing short of phenomenal. Over the years, he has won several awards and accolades, including the International Dance Music Award for Best European DJ and the MTV EMA for Best Electronic Act.

In addition to this, he has also been recognized for his philanthropic work. In 2017, he was awarded the Officer of Orange-Nassau, one of the highest honors given to individuals in the Netherlands, for his contributions towards society.

FAQs

Q1: What is Hardwell famous for?
A: Hardwell is a famous Dutch DJ and producer known for his unique style of music and high-energy live performances.

Q2: When did Hardwell become popular?
A: Hardwell gained popularity in the global dance music scene with the release of his first single, “Never Knew Love,” in 2007.

Q3: Which record label did Hardwell found?
A: In 2010, Hardwell founded his own record label, Revealed Recordings.

Q4: What philanthropic initiatives has Hardwell been involved in?
A: Hardwell launched the United We Are Foundation in 2015, aimed at tackling global issues such as poverty and climate change. He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including donating proceeds from his concerts to various causes.

Q5: Has Hardwell won any awards?
A: Yes, Hardwell has won several awards and accolades, such as the International Dance Music Award for Best European DJ and the MTV EMA for Best Electronic Act.

Q6: What are some of Hardwell’s biggest hits?
A: Some of Hardwell’s biggest hits include “Zero 76,” “Encoded,” “Spaceman,” and “Apollo.”

Q7: What mental health issues has Hardwell faced?
A: In 2018, Hardwell announced that he was taking an indefinite break from touring, citing mental and physical exhaustion as the reasons.

Conclusion

Hardwell’s journey from a small town DJ to a global superstar has been an inspiring one. His passion for music, unique style, and philanthropic endeavors have earned him worldwide recognition and respect.

Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Hardwell has never given up on his dreams. As he continues to inspire millions of fans worldwide, his story reminds us of the importance of staying true to oneself and never giving up on one’s passion.