Hardstyle

Hardstyle is not just an EDM sub-genre; it’s a lifestyle. And we’re gonna talk beats, kicks, history, and culture.

Table of Contents

The Origins

Rewind back to the late ‘90s and early 2000s – Netherlands, specifically. Yep, hardstyle is another gem from the Dutch electronic scene.

Imagine a bunch of techno, hardcore, and trance elements thrown into a blender, and you get this banging creation.

By the mid-2000s, festivals like Defqon.1, Qlimax, and Hard Bass put hardstyle on the map for good.

Producers & DJs You Need to Know

You’ve got the OGs and the new blood. Both are crucial in shaping the scene:

Headhunterz: Often considered the face of hardstyle.
Angerfist: If you like it raw and hardcore, this guy’s for you.
Wildstylez: Known for euphoric hardstyle anthems.
Da Tweekaz: These guys bring fun and quirkiness to the scene.

The Sound

Kick Drums: The iconic, distorted, reverberating kick is the heart of every hardstyle tune. If it doesn’t kick your chest in, it ain’t hardstyle.
Melody: Amidst all the chaos, a euphoric or dark melody swoops in. That’s the soul of the track.
BPM: We’re talking 150-160 beats per minute.
Vocals: Usually, you’ll hear some deep, booming voiceover.
Climax: Also known as the drop, but it’s not just any drop. It’s a colossal explosion of sound that makes you wanna jump outta your skin.

The Sub-Genres

Like any genre, hardstyle has its own family tree:

Rawstyle: Darker, more aggressive, kinda like hardstyle’s angry cousin.
Euphoric Hardstyle: More melodic and uplifting, the feel-good side of hardstyle.
Hardcore: The elder, faster, and tougher sibling.

Hardstyle is a Way of Life

For real, though, hardstyle is more than just music; it’s a culture. Go to a hardstyle festival, like Tomorrowland or EDC, and you’ll find a sea of flags from all around the world. It’s a global family bound by the love for pounding kicks and euphoric melodies.