HARDWELL

“Doing 30 to maximum 40 shows a year, being able to run my record label, being able to actually find the motivation, go back in the studio, go back to the gym, and attend special moments for my family and friends…I find this is a true balance in life, all the most important things that make me happy.”

Hardwell

IN RIYADH TALKING ABOUT DANCE MUSIC—THE MOST INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE AND MUSIC ON EARTH.”

In an industry that requires artists to be constantly “on,” Hardwell defies expectations and rules. In 2018, the Dutch DJ Superstar and Revealed Recordings founder at the height of his career—headlining festival mainstages, twice winning DJ Mag’s number-one DJ slot, and playing up to 300 shows in a year—decided to step back. After four years away, he’s returned with a new album, Rebels Never Die, a new sound and a stripped-down touring schedule. At XP Music Futures Day Program panel, Wellness for the Constantly Creative Mind with Hardwell, he shared his renewed approach to a music career and how other artists can build healthy careers for the long haul.

Recognizing “this is even more important than making music—this is your mental health!” Hardwell emphasized balance as fuel for creativity: “Doing 30 to maximum 40 shows a year, being able to run my record label, being able to actually find the motivation, go back in the studio, go back to the gym, and attend special moments for my family and friends…I find this is a true balance in life, all the most important things that make me happy.”

The question of social media was brought up: how can artists use social media in a way that inspires instead of drains? Hardwell identified how it’s unavoidable for emerging artists; how it can be insidious: “It’s the biggest distraction that takes me out of my focused zone. I want to use my impulses to work on music, not scrolling.” Instead, he focuses on YouTube over other platforms, channeling his output towards longerform content and his label’s Masterclasses. “If I use social media, I want to use it in a way I feel comfortable with.”

Looking toward the future, Hardwell’s optimistic. “For me, the scene is more alive than ever. If you asked me five years ago, I never thought I would be sitting here in Riyadh talking about dance music—the most international language and music on earth. I’m really happy to see the scene evolving. Seeing main stages programmed way more diverse…female DJs finally getting the spot on the main stage makes it more open-minded and united than ever before. I’m happy to be a part of it.”