Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born Robbert van de Corput on January 7, 1988, in Breda, Netherlands, Hardwell embarked on a musical journey at the age of 14. Swiftly becoming a sought-after artist in the Dutch dance scene, his talent attracted international attention. By the age of 25, in 2013, he secured the title of World's #1 DJ, solidifying his role in shaping the EDM explosion and emerging as one of the most acclaimed stars of the modern electronic music era.
Prolific Producer and Remix Virtuoso
Hardwell's prowess as a producer elevated his status, earning numerous Beatport No. 1 hits with dancefloor singles like 'Spaceman,' 'Apollo,' and 'Run Wild.' His versatility shone through remixes for global pop icons including Rihanna, Calvin Harris, Moby, U2, J Balvin, and Coldplay. Collaborations with major acts like Craig David, Jay Sean, Austin Mahone, and Jason Derulo further showcased his diverse musical range.
Album Success and Festival Dominance
In 2015, his album 'United We Are' marked a groundbreaking moment, securing the #2 position on the iTunes worldwide album chart. Hardwell's presence on the main stages of iconic festivals such as Lollapalooza, Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, and Tomorrowland affirmed his status as a headline attraction. Two world tours, 'I Am Hardwell' (2014/15) and 'I Am Hardwell - United We Are' (2015/16), showcased his draw on the stadium and arena circuit.
Innovative Performances and Global Reach
Known for pushing performance boundaries, Hardwell sought unique platforms, from the UEFA Champions League Final to being the first DJ to play on the podium at a Formula 1 race in Mexico. Maintaining a deep connection to the club scene, he held residencies at renowned venues like Hakkasan Las Vegas, Ushuaia Ibiza, and Club Cubic in Macau.
Online Presence and Live Streaming Pioneer
With over 8.5 million Facebook followers, 7 million Twitter followers, 5 million Instagram followers, and 1.2 billion hits on YouTube, Hardwell became one of the most clicked-on artists in the electronic scene. A pioneer in live streaming, his performances at major events, such as Tomorrowland, garnered record-breaking views.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond music, Hardwell utilized his position for philanthropy through the United We Are Foundation. The 'World's Biggest Guestlist' concerts raised funds to educate 122,000 children from Mumbai's slums. Over 145,000 attendees and 20 million online viewers supported this impactful initiative.
Sabbatical, Musical Exploration, and Triumphant Return
In 2018, after more than a decade of global touring, Hardwell announced a sabbatical. Despite stepping away, he gave fans a memorable final show at Amsterdam Dance Event, merging pop, jazz, and electronic music with the Metropole Orkest Symphony. Studio singles and 'The Story of Hardwell' in 2020 showcased his continued creative output.
REBELS NEVER DIE: A Musical Renaissance
Marking his return in 2022, Hardwell's album 'REBELS NEVER DIE' ushered in a new era. Inspired by his teenage music preferences, the album blended hard trance with big room sounds. The accompanying 24-date world tour took him to arenas globally, reaffirming his status as a dynamic force.
Diverse Collaborations and 2023 Tour Highlights
In 2023, Hardwell collaborated with Maddix, reimagining classics and delivering fresh productions. The global tour continued with performances at major festivals and venues worldwide, showcasing his enduring appeal. His diverse collaborations across genres demonstrated his commitment to musical evolution.
As the REBELS NEVER DIE chapter unfolds, Hardwell remains a leader in electronic music, defying genres and embodying his unique artistic identity.
