From Breda to the world’s biggest stages, Hardwell has become a defining force in electronic music. Twice named the World’s #1 DJ, he’s behind anthems like Spaceman and Apollo, collaborated with icons like Armin van Buuren and Tiësto, and continually pushes boundaries. From his 2022 REBELS NEVER DIE comeback to his new Hardwell Presents Euphoria radio show. In this exclusive LoudLife interview, we discuss his beginnings, an unforgettable 2025 festival season, the Tomorrowland mainstage fire, his two-hour Hardwell classics set, rising stars to watch, and what’s next.
Interview With Hardwell:
Hi Robbert, we are happy to have you at LoudLife! I still remember the first time I heard your set at Magnetic Festival in Prague back in 2012 it’s been quite a few years since then, and so much has happened. Do you look back on those early days? What comes to mind when you think of your beginnings?
Thanks for having me. Wow, Magnetic Festival 2012! What a great line-up that was! Feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago, but you’re right, it’s been a hell of a journey since. Those early days were wild, full of discovery, hustle, and pure adrenaline. I was just a kid chasing a dream with a USB full of music and a massive dream. It’s crazy to look back and see how far everything’s come, from small clubs to global stages. But I’ve never lost that original fire. That same passion still drives me today.
You’ve been fully back in the festival flow this summer, AirbeatOne in Germany, UltraEurope in Croatia, the iconic Tomorrowland, and Parookaville! How are you enjoying this packed season of music?
Every show this summer has had its own magic. From the insane energy at one festival to the emotion and response of another, each stage brings a different vibe, but the connection with the fans is everything. After the creative break I took, it just feels amazing to be in that festival rhythm again. The summer so far has been incredible, being out there, feeling that energy from the crowd. I love it!
When you found out the mainstage at Tomorrowland was literally in flames, what was going through your mind?
That was surreal. You never expect to hear about any festival, especially Tomorrowland, making headlines because the mainstage caught fire. The first priority was making sure no one was hurt and that everyone was safe. Once that was confirmed, the team worked absolute miracles to keep the experience alive for the fans. What they managed to pull off in such a short time was nothing short of phenomenal. It just proves how incredible the crew behind the scenes of Tomorrowland are. At most festivals, something like that could’ve led to a full cancellation, but somehow, they turned it around and still delivered something unforgettable. You could feel it across both weekends, the energy never dropped for a second.
You ended up playing a spontaneous two-hour set full of Hardwell classics, how did you enjoy that?
A lot of things changed in those last 24 hours before the festival, when they called me and asked if I could do a 2 hour set at The Great Library instead of my planned 1 hour recap set celebrating my ‘United We Are’ album. It was the first time I’d played a full set of only my own Hardwell music so it was kind of a tense moment for me, but the show was such a special moment. Like connecting past and present all in one set. Seeing fans go crazy for the classics, singing along, feeling every drop. It reminded me why those tracks mean so much to people.
What’s next for Hardwell? Are there any upcoming projects, releases, or surprises you can share with us?
Oh, there’s always something coming! I’ve been working on a lot of new music, some darker stuff, some more experimental, and definitely some mainstage anthems as well. I’ve got an exciting run of US shows in New York, Washington D.C and Los Angeles coming up in September, which has just sold-out so I know the energy for that is going to be insane, and we’re already looking at the next run of shows after that tour. My latest track ‘Rave Till Your Rave’ is another collaboration with my brother Maddix and this time Villain. I’ve also got a couple more collabs coming that fans have been asking about for a while. Can’t say too much yet, but trust me, there’s a lot coming.
Thanks so much for your time, Robbert! We are really looking forward to seeing you live on stage somewhere soon!
Thank you! Appreciate the love and support, it means everything.
