Interview: The Worlds no.1 DJ
| 13th April 2017
Viva caught up with Hardwell the Duch DJ to talk about his latest tour. He will be preforming on the 16th of April 2017 at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.
VIVA Chaise: So In 2013 you were voted world’s no.1 DJ on DJ mag so how would you say your success has grown from then?
Hardwell: It feels like such a long time ago because so much has happened. I’ve grown as a person and an artist. I’ve had amazing experiences and been able to achieve so many of my personal and artistic goals. There was a time when being the #1 DJ was all I dreamt about but these days my focus is more on the music. I want to be in the studio making music I love, DJing out to crowds and playing music I believe in, and I’m doing this more now than ever before. I think a lot of that comes from the increased level of appreciation I now have for what I am able to call a ‘career’, because I love it more now than ever before.
VIVA Chaise: and has Djing always been your dream profession?
Hardwell: Yes, I knew at 13 years of age I wanted to be a DJ. I’ve always followed my heart when it comes to music and it was the best decision I ever made because it’s led me to meet some incredible people and share some truly amazing and memorable moments in my life.
VIVA Chaise: What made you want to be a DJ?
Hardwell: A documentary on TV about Dutch dance music. It featured guys like Ferry Corsten and Tiësto and it pretty much lit the fuse that sparked the future for the rest of my life.
VIVA Chaise: Would you say that the UK music scene is different from the music scene in your homeland?
Hardwell: It is, but then it’s not too different. We both have this rich history of electronic music and have both given the world some incredible artists, labels and events. I’ve always loved playing in the UK because the crowd’s energy is always about partying. You guys are there to enjoy yourself and as a DJ I really love that!
VIVA Chaise: When you come to the UK what sort of things do you like to do?
Hardwell: I like to go out and enjoy the social areas like where bars and restaurants are. Cities like Manchester, London, Liverpool, Bristol and others all have great nightlife and there is always something happening. I think the UK is a great country to visit to watch new musical trends emerging. Music is still a very rich part of the country’s culture.
VIVA Chaise: Do you like to visit any clubs and listen to new djs?
Hardwell: Yes, I still go out. I love electronic music and I enjoy watching our DJs performing. I was just in Miami for my own annual Revealed party and I was also playing the mainstage of Ultra Music Festival. I love the week in Miami and it’s a great time to go and watch new DJs and also to catch up with many of my DJ buddies.
VIVA Chaise: How do you get prepared for a show?
Hardwell: like to be well prepared with fresh music and having a lot of special edits for my gigs. I don’t plan my sets but I just like to have a lot of new music so I can really build my sets to how the night is going, because each event is different.
VIVA Chaise: What’s your favourite place to visit on tour?
Hardwell: Miami is one of my favourite places to visit. It’s a great destination for dance music and attracts DJs from all around the world because of its special vibe and of course its stunning location. A must-visit city!
VIVA Chaise: What’s your favourite food to eat in the UK?
Hardwell: It has to be your famous fish and chips!
VIVA Chaise: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Hardwell: Selling out Madison Square Garden on my first world tour was a special moment. It’s iconic in the world of sport and music and was a dream venue for me when I started that first tour.
VIVA Chaise: In one word how would you describe your shows?
Hardwell: Energetic!
VIVA Chaise: What advice would you give to people that want to get into the Profession?
Hardwell: Being committed to what you believe in and don’t follow trends. It can be a long road but it’s worth it.
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