Interview With Dutch Dance Prodigy Hardwell Ahead of Goodgreef's 11th Birthday

Hardwell’s career to date has been the stuff of legends, with achievements, awards, and support that many artists can only dream of. And all of this before he even hits 25. Hats off to this man. 

We grabbed a moment with Hardwell ahead of his appearance for Goodgreef’s 11th birthday at Sankeys in Manchester on Friday October 28th.

You’re playing for Goodgreef’s 11th Birthday at the end of October. Have you played in Manchester before? And are you looking forward to joining the likes of John O’Callaghan and Marcel Woods on the line up?

I'm really looking forward to playing in Manchester, never played here before! It's cool to play with guys like John O'Callaghan and Marcel Woods. I never met John, but Marcel is a really cool guy to hang out with and an amazing DJ!

You’ve said in the past that watching the Dance Music programmes on MTV inspired you to be a DJ. Did you ever close your eyes and pretend you were playing to thousands in your bedroom? You can be honest, we won’t laugh!

(Laughs), of course I did! ;)

There must be times now where it’s still difficult to take in how far you’ve come?

Yes it is. It feels like a dream come true.

At the tender age of 14 you got your first record deal, which in itself is an unbelievable achievement. What have you yet to accomplish that you want to?

Let's say I want to become to new number one DJ in the world (laughs)!

As you’ve been on the circuit for a long time already, and played all sorts of gigs, could you be bold enough to pick your favourite venue or night so far?

It is really hard to pick just one gig, but I always love to play big outdoor festivals. I guess my sound fits the best to festivals.

You started out playing Trance music but your sound has evolved to match your tastes which are pretty eclectic, and now people call your music “Big Room House”. Do you think it’s a case that finally fans of certain genres are willing to think outside the box and welcome in lots of types of music into sets they listen to?

I hate genres. In my opinion everybody should be thinking out of the box. You can't put me in a box. If people call it Big Room house, I'm fine with that, but in the end it is just "Hardwell music".

You’re still extremely young, yet have become a figure for a lot of young artists to look up to. What would be your one piece of advice to them?

Keep doing what you love to do and follow your heart! Don't believe in any hypes, they are just movements. Be the one who creates the hype.

Do you think you’re a better DJ or a better producer? Which do you enjoy more?

It's hard to pick one, but let's say producer. I love to test my new productions when I DJ, and when I DJ I gain inspiration for the studio, so it works out both ways.

Being from Holland, which is now bedrock to some awesome house sounds, do you think the Dutch do it best?

I think Holland and Sweden both do a really good job at the moment.

We know Laidback Luke likes to dabble in the odd costume. As it’s Halloween, when you play for Goodgreef at Sankeys could you be persuaded to dress up? And if so what as?

That's a surprise! (Laughs)

What producers are really doing it for you right now? Your current favourite track (that’s not one of yours of course)?

My favourite track at the moment is Avicii - Levels.

We just caught the video of Tiesto introducing you at Energy 2011. Firstly wow, that must have been something to hear that reaction from the crowd when he played your track, and seeing them go crazy, did you have to pinch yourself a little as you have mentioned him as one of your idols?

Of course, that was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life! I’ve got tears in my eyes at that moment.

How are things going with your label? Do you have any new and exciting talent you can give us some insider information on?

The label is going really well, there are so many talented producers out there. Guys like Funkadelic, Jordy Lishious and Dyro are coming up with some big stuff! Mark my words!

Now we’ve covered the standard stuff we’d like to go a bit off piste!

You tour a lot, always on the road, in airports etc, what’s the snack you go for when hunger strikes?

I know it's really bad, but my favourite snack is the Big Mac!

Do you have any diva like demands on your rider?

No, not at all to be honest, I guess my rider is quite boring!

What’s your favourite “pop band”?

N.E.R.D.

Last movie you watched?

Friends With Benefits.

Drink of choice?

Coca Cola

Favourite kind of cheese?

Dutch house! (laughs)

Magazine you always read, if any?

Future Music Magazine

Website you visit most?

Beatport.com / Facebook.com / Twitter.com

Who’s your favourite superhero?

Tiesto.

All time favourite horror movie?

Saw.

And finally, slightly dodgy one, Manchester United or Manchester City?

United.

Thanks for your time Hardwell and we can’t wait to see you play for Goodgreef on the 28th!

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