Oliver Heldens celebrates 10th anniversary of breakthrough hit ‘Gecko’

Marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career, Oliver Heldens recently took to his social media to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his breakout sensation, ‘Gecko.’ A track that not only defined a pivotal moment in his journey but also left an enduring imprint on the modern house music landscape.

Reflecting on the incredible ride since the inception of ‘Gecko‘ during a summer holiday in France in 2013, Oliver expressed his astonishment at how this seemingly ordinary creation evolved into a career-defining hit. The sentiment in his words captures the essence of an artist who could not have foreseen the global acclaim that awaited him.

The Journey of Oliver Heldens ‘Gecko’:

“Gecko is turning 10! ???? When I made this song in the back of my mom’s car on our way to summer holidays in France in 2013, I had no idea it was going to skyrocket my career the way it did… ????,” shared Oliver on his social media platforms.

The journey of ‘Gecko‘ began with its original release in December 2013, followed by the unveiling of Oliver’s inaugural ‘Heldeep Mixtapes.’ However, it wasn’t until June 2014 that the track took on a new dimension with the introduction of the vocal version, ‘Gecko (Overdrive),’ featuring the enchanting vocals of Becky Hill. The collaboration added an extra layer of charm, endearing the track even further to fans.

In his heartfelt message, Oliver acknowledged the instrumental role played by the iconic DJ and producer, Tiesto. Recalling the serendipitous moment when his brother suggested sharing the track with Tiesto, already a supporter of Oliver’s work, the rapid affirmation from the legendary artist marked a turning point for ‘Gecko,’ finding a home on Tiesto’s label.

“I still remember the moment in 2013 that my little brother Lars burst into my room, saying, ‘Did you see that Tiesto started playing Deep House in his radio shows? Maybe you should send him that Gecko track!’ ???? Tijs was already supporting a couple of my tracks & bootlegs, and he was following me on Twitter, so I sent him a DM with Gecko, and literally 15min later, he replied that he’d love to release it on his label! ????,” reminisced Oliver.

The success of ‘Gecko‘ defied industry norms of the time, as a deep house track found its place in the mainstream through a major ‘commercial’/’EDM‘ label. The overwhelming support from over 50 top DJs worldwide during the pre-release phase signaled a paradigm shift in the EDM landscape, foreshadowing the imminent rise of modern house music.

“I’m so grateful to be a part of that wave of modern House Music that took the world by storm, and I’m thankful for all the artists who had paved the way before me. ???????? On to many more decades full of exciting creations, love, and lots of dancing! ????????????✨,” expressed Oliver, looking ahead with optimism.

As Oliver Heldens celebrates a decade of ‘Gecko,’ the track remains a testament to the power of innovation, timing, and unwavering belief in music that transcends boundaries. Here’s to ‘Gecko‘ and the artist who continues to shape the future of electronic music with his infectious beats and creative spirit. The echoes of ‘Gecko‘ will undoubtedly resonate on dance floors for years to come.

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