Hardwell surpasses expectations during touring hiatus

During one of the most emotional years in dance music’s history, Robbert van de Corput called an indefinite halt to touring as Hardwell in September 2018. So soon as he had come to realise his monumental role in pioneering the big room sound, had he also come to truly understand himself and what makes him happy as an individual. As disappointing news as this was for fans, his announcement was widely received and admired.

 “Over the past few years I’ve come to know myself better and better and over time I realized that there’s still so much I want to share with my family and friends. […] Being Hardwell 24/7 leaves too little energy, love, creativity and attention for my life as a normal person to do so”

In October at Amsterdam Dance Event, Hardwell played out the last of his shows for the foreseeable future, with a magnificent performance alongside the Metropole Orkest at The Ziggodome. Since then, he has surprised us with a promise to “continue to make music” and he “aims to connect with fans through it”. In the past 6 months, the Dutchman has more than delivered on this promise and We Rave You have taken a look into how he’s managed to remain so active.

HE HAS RELEASED A HANDFUL OF NEW TRACKS

‘How You Love Me’ with Snoop Dogg and Connor Maynard was his first release following retirement at the very end of 2018. The track strays away from the signature hard-hitting Hardwell sound, transcending genre boundaries to create something truly distinctive. The track has since amassed over a staggering 4 million streams.

Having premiered a handful of IDs at Tomorrowland 2018, Hardwell essentially suggested that he could have more releases up his sleeve heading into 2019; and he did. ‘Being Alive’ was released as his first track of the new year, as a follow up to his 2013 anthem ‘Apollo’. He once again demonstrated his production prowess with the new single, carefully remodeling the melodies that made ‘Apollo’ a fan-favourite.

2019 has also seen Hardwell return to an old friend for another collaboration ‘Chase The Sun’. Alongside Dannic, he has created an energetic festival anthem to go alongside previous masterpieces such as ‘Kontiki’ and ‘Survivors’.

Hardwell’s most recent release comes in the form of “I’m Not Sorry”. Teaming up with fellow Dutchman Mike Williams, their versatile abilities are once again clear, with this refreshing feel-good future-house track sure to be on heavy rotation during the festival season.

HE’S LAUNCHED THE #STORYOFHARDWELL

Since November, Hardwell has been reflecting on the pinnacle moments of his career so far, taking to his social media channels to post a different highlight every day. He has posted many things from an already decorated career, ranging from his first record deal and his “I AM HARDWELL” world tour to his first appearance at Ultra Miami.

Definitely one of the best gigs I did until that point? I expected much, but my first time on the mainstage of @Ultra Miami was next level ? Did you know that you can watch the full set of 2012 on my YouTube channel?
Watch here ➡️ https://t.co/UDxYhkVU8b pic.twitter.com/GiaQMhF0Gh

— Hardwell (@HARDWELL) March 15, 2019

REVEALED RECORDINGS IS THRIVING

Since the start of 2019, there have been almost 50 flawless releases under the dance music behemoth with many more to come. The label continues to support upcoming talents as well as some of the more prominent names on the scene. With sensational new releases from the likes of Sick Individuals, Thomas Gold and Siks, Revealed continues to flaunt the ridiculous amount of talent it houses. Exciting things still lie ahead for the label in the rest of 2019 and into 2020 as its set to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary very soon.

HE’S STILL BROADCASTING HIS WEEKLY RADIO SHOW

Hardwell persists in treating us to the latest electro, progressive and tech house every week with Hardwell On Air. Reaching 50 million listeners worldwide, the show has just hurtled past its 400th episode. He also used the recent festive period to bring us two scintillating and open-minded year mixes, featuring classics and his favourite hits of 2018. You can continue to tune in to Hardwell On Air every Friday on Hardwell’s Facebook and YouTube Channel.

WHAT NEXT?

It’s clear to see that after a short break, a more content Robbert van de Corput has been successful in making sure the Hardwell alias remains as active as ever. Although we won’t be graced with his on-stage presence any time soon, he has certainly kept his promise on connecting with us and he still leaves us wanting more which he’ll be sure to deliver in years to come.