The Story Of Hardwell
'06
The first festival I ever headlined was in my hometown: ‘Breda Barst’ 🇳🇱. On which festival did you see me for the first time? #StoryOfHardwell
When I was 18 year I started my own YouTube channel. Mainly to promote the "Eclectic Beatz" albums. What was the first video you've watched on my YT channel? #StoryOfHardwell
'06
After graduation, my focus was to make a living as a DJ. I began my study at Rock Academy in Tilburg, learning more of the music industry and meeting more like-minded people. What did you do after graduation? 🤓 #StoryOfHardwell
Made this dancefloor filler "Play That Funk" with Lady Bee which was part of a brand new project. 🙌 What do you think of this collaboration? #StoryOfHardwell
49
Performances
YEAR
2006
^
18
Years old
'05
This man supported me a lot! DJ Patrick’s skills really made me look up to him as a DJ and he was so kind to teach me how to build up the perfect climax during my sets. 🙏 #StoryOfHardwell
@ThePartysquad and I go way back and we’ve never stopped working together. What do you guys think of their new release “Bring You Home” on my new label @gemstonerec? 🙌 #StoryOfHardwell
My first tour outside of the Netherlands! I got the chance to bring my own concept to Mallorca, Salou and Lloret de Mar. I had a fixed schedule. For example, on a Sunday in Salou, on Monday in Lloret de Mar, on Tuesday in El Arenal and on Wednesday in Cala d'Or. In which of these cities have you seen me play? 😎 #StoryOfHardwell
'05
In 2005 I released under the name "Mister Hard" a banging techno release called "Flirt"! This track was a big floor killer. 🔥 The record was spinned all over the world by many well known DJ's. Tell me how you like this! 🙌#StoryOfHardwell
Did you know I received this prize for the “Bubbling Beats” party concept? I feel blessed to have won the Dutch Urban Award in 2005.🏆#StoryOfHardwell
The "Bubbling Beats" series became very popular, so I released Vol. 5 including some brand new bangers.🔥 Which Bubbling Beats album do you like most? #StoryOfHardwell
22
Performances
YEAR
2005
^
17
Year old
'04
Here I publicly announced that I wanted to be No.1 DJ of the world! Watch the interview and dream big! 🙌🌍 #StoryOfHardwell
Bubbling Beats Vol. 4 came out this year!🔥 The sound I produced during this period was called 'eclectic', so I blended several styles like minimal, house, reggaeton, hiphop or any other genre to create this sound. 🎧 How would you define my music? #StoryOfHardwell
25
Performances
YEAR
2004
^
16
Years old
'03
This year I also started my first tour. I used the name of my "Bubbling Beats" mixtapes, and travelled around Holland to play at local bars. Have you ever been to one of the Bubbling Beats tours in the past? 😄#StoryOfHardwell
Chuckie and I became friends because of our passion for house and urban. He was touring around The Netherlands and asked me to be the support act during his shows. Thankful for everything my man @djchuckie ❤️ #StoryOfHardwell
'03
Young me, I was mixing 24/7 those days. 💪 During the day I was practicing and at night I was playing for a crowd. What drives you 24/7?📝🔥 #StoryOfHardwell
19
Performances
YEAR
2003
^
15
Years old
'02
DJ Hardwell – My dad came up with that name! He took our last name 'van de Corput' and translated it to Latin and English: 'Cor' = 'Heart' and 'Put = 'Well'. ✨ From the beginning on, my friends and family were really enthusiastic about it. 🔥 So I’ve never changed it since. Where did you think the name ‘Hardwell’ came from? #StoryOfHardwell
I started my first website at a young age. Believing it was the best way to share my music, news and other content online with all my fans. When was the first time you visited my website? 😄#StoryOfHardwell
"Bubbling Beats Vol.1" was the first release following my Digidance record deal. A mixtape album with tracks where I blended house and urban music that I remixed myself, creating the signature 'bubbling' sound. I’ve created a short mix snippet of this album, let me know what you think of my sound back then.. 💿🙌 #StoryOfHardwell
'02
Did you know that my first record deal was at the age of 14? This is how the musical journey began.. Via the dutch radio station @radio538 I got in contact with Digidance, where I signed my first contract. What do you think of this first version of my Hardwell logo? #StoryOfHardwell
In the early days, I used to share my bootlegs via internet. This bootleg of @eminem "Without Me" was the first track that got public attention. One of the biggest radio stations of The Netherlands, @radio538 discovered it. After airing it live, they made a shout out if the producer could get in touch. Luckily my dad was listening to the radio and called me immediately that they were looking for me! Have you ever heard of this bootleg mix? How do you like it? 🙌 #StoryOfHardwell
It all started with years of practising piano in my bedroom at my parents' home. 🎹 The basis for my musical interest, which was quickly followed by my curiosity for electronic music and technology. When did you start listening to electronic dance music? 🎶 #StoryOfHardwell
12
Parties
YEAR
2002
Where it all started...
14
Years old