Calling him just a world-famous DJ barely scratches the surface. Hardwell’s journey from a passionate music-loving teenager in the Netherlands to a global EDM superstar is nothing short of inspiring. Starting out in small clubs and humble gigs, he worked relentlessly to craft his signature sound—driven by a love for electronic music and an unshakable vision. The breakthrough came with hits like “Spaceman” which catapulted him into the elite ranks of the music world and earned him prestigious titles such as the world’s no.1 DJ. Today, he commands a loyal fanbase of more than 20 million followers across social media—with nearly 5 million on Instagram alone—Hardwell’s influence resonates deeply with tens of millions of fans worldwide through every beat and post. Read on to discover the creative journey of Hardwell (Robbert van de Corput) in this must-read interview.
Wonderfully, Hardwell is set for a much-anticipated return to Singapore next week. This pit stop comes after he recently electrified the crowd at Tomorrowland Belgium 2025, before headlining Ultra Japan and launching his US tour later this season. Fans can expect a night of high-energy beats, festival-sized thrills, and the Singapore debut of his new track “Rave Till My Grave” at the iconic MARQUEE on September 12, 2025.
Before he takes the decks, we caught up with Hardwell in an in-depth interview, where he reflects on his evolution, what keeps him inspired, fresh music projects, and what fans can expect from his upcoming shows. This is Hardwell—the visionary DJ pushing boundaries and captivating crowds worldwide.
Hardwell Returns To Singapore: A Feature Interview
Megan Zara Walsh: After an intense summer touring Europe playing at major festivals like Creamfields and Tomorrowland, how does it feel to kick off your next chapter here in Asia and what are you most excited for?
Hardwell: Super excited to be heading back to Asia! The energy is always unreal. After a summer packed with some of the biggest stages in Europe, I’m looking forward to doing it all again in Asia bringing fresh energy to passionate crowds, and to create a whole different vibe. Singapore’s always been one of my favourite stops, and I can’t wait to bring the madness to MARQUEE!
Megan Zara Walsh: You’ve called Ultra the “home base” of your career. What makes that connection so special, and how does performing there feel different from any other stage worldwide?
Hardwell: Ultra’s where so many pivotal moments in my career have happened. For many, not just myself, it is more than a festival, it’s a place to make a statement. Every time I step onto it, I feel this rush that’s hard to describe. But it’s not just about playing music there, it’s about connecting with a global community.
Megan Zara Walsh: Congratulations on celebrating the 10th anniversary of your debut album ‘United We Are’ with your new single “Rave Till My Grave”. What inspired this track and what message do you want to share with fans from it?
Hardwell: Thank you! I suppose, you could say “Rave Till My Grave” is a little bit of a love letter to the scene. It’s a reminder that this culture is in our blood, we’re not just here for a season; we’re here for life. Ten years after my first album, United We Are, I wanted to create something that captured that same spirit but through an evolved lens of where I’m at now as an artist.
Megan Zara Walsh: You’ve spoken about balance being the key to creativity in previous interviews. What’s something in your personal life—not music related—that actually fuels your creativity right now?
Hardwell: Just disconnecting and being present, whether that be spending time with friends and family, being in nature, watching a film, or in the studio. I’ve become more aware of finding my ‘me time’ outside of all the chaos and fun of touring to help me tune into my creativity.
Megan Zara Walsh: If you were starting out again as a young adult, what advice would you give your younger self?
Hardwell: I’ve come to realise that your authenticity is your power. So, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to take risks.
Megan Zara Walsh: When creating a new set, how do you decide which tracks make the cut, especially unreleased ones?
Hardwell: I test a lot of unreleased stuff live. And if the vibe and flow work then it stays. I’m constantly digging for new music and trying to create tracks that will push my shows to give fans an incredible party.
Megan Zara Walsh: What’s your philosophy on creative mistakes—how have they pushed your career forward, and how do you stay motivated when things don’t go as planned?
Hardwell: Mistakes are just stepping stones. Every failure has taught me something new so nowadays I always embrace them.
Megan Zara Walsh: How do you handle haters as you grow and evolve, and what’s your best advice for not letting that negativity hold you back?
Hardwell: You’ll always get haters, it’s just life, but the reality is you can’t please everyone, and that’s fine! Stay true to your vision because the genuine ones will ride with you through every stage.
Megan Zara Walsh: Are there any DJs or global icons you haven’t worked with yet but are eager to collaborate with?
Hardwell: So many! I’m a huge Eminem fan. I know it’ll likely never happen but I’d love to see what magic we could cook up in the studio.
Megan Zara Walsh: What’s your key advice for new DJs trying to break through amid the intense competition or anyone aspiring to reach their dreams?
Hardwell: Find your sound, stay consistent, and work harder than anyone else. Passion and perseverance—that’s the secret!
Megan Zara Walsh: After achieving countless milestones—from being named the world’s #1 DJ to selling out stadiums and headlining world tours—what still gives you butterflies today beyond just stepping onto a big stage?
Hardwell: New music. It still gives me chills. At my core I’m a music person through and through.
Megan Zara Walsh: As a tech innovator, what emerging trends or technologies do you see shaping the future of DJing and electronic music in the next five years? And how are you evolving your style to keep pushing boundaries with current trends?
Hardwell: AI is opening new doors creatively from sound design to real-time crowd analysis. I have experimented with it in the studio to look into new workflows, but at the end of the day, heart and human connection will always drive the music.
Megan Zara Walsh: Hardwell, with over 20 million followers across social media, how important do you think social media (such as TikTok) is to an artist’s success today, and how have you adapted to that kind of exposure?
Hardwell: Hate to say it but marketing is everything now. You can make incredible music but without marketing you’ll struggle to break through. So, it’s essential. I’m still very active on social media of course but I also want the music to breathe in its own lane—away from just marketing ideas.
Megan Zara Walsh: When people look back at Hardwell’s legacy decades from now, what do you hope they’ll say you brought to dance music?
Hardwell: I’d be happy if they say I pushed boundaries, brought people together, and always stayed true to the sound I believed in.
Hardwell continues the interview by sharing exclusive insights tailored for regional fans and what they can expect at his upcoming show in Singapore.
Megan Zara Walsh: What are some of your favourite memories, experiences, or attractions in Singapore?
Hardwell: All my previous shows in Singapore have been unforgettable. But also, just walking around Gardens by the Bay at night. It’s like stepping into another world. I love it!
Megan Zara Walsh: Are there unforgettable moments or crowd reactions from Singapore that still stays with you?
Hardwell: There’s been many! Like, one night when I dropped “Apollo” and the whole club was singing every word. That gave me—and still does give me—goosebumps.
Megan Zara Walsh: Your Ultra 2025 sets featured mostly unreleased music. Will there be any surprises like this for the Singapore audience?
Hardwell: Absolutely. I’ll be bringing plenty of new music, fresh edits and stuff I haven’t played anywhere else yet. So, get ready Singapore!
Hardwell is set to play a one-night-only show at MARQUEE Singapore on September 12, 2025. Get tickets via MARQUEE.
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