The Dutch DJ and producer, Hardwell, famous for his big room and electro house has garnered the top spot on the DJ Mag Top100DJs list in back-to-back years for 2013 and 2014. Hardwell hails from the same hometown as another famous DJ, Tiësto, also from the Netherlands. Hardwell started Djing aged 13 years of age and signed his first record deal at 14 years old, continuing develop and polish his DJ and producer techniques to the point of reaching a world-class level unmatched by many. It's not just his music that reaches an international audience, his charisma and relationship with his fans through social media makes him very accessible and appealing to music lovers around the world. "Hardwell on Air" and "Get in touch with Hardwell" are his way of going above and beyond standard social media methods and it's this dedication that makes him so popular internationally.

DJ Mag Japan had the chance to hear more about his upcoming releases and the privilege to pass along a message to the Japanese fans.

Q1. Tell us more about your new release “Wake up call”. How did people around you react to “Wake up call” when you played at the festival?

I think the track title tells you everything you need to know. It's a big record with a big sound. It's been a really popular record since I first dropped it in my set. The crowd went crazy that first time and knew right there and then it would be a special record in my sets over my summer shows.

Q2. There are so many good DJs and producers from the Netherlands. Do you think your surrounding environment affect you as who you are right now?

Growing up in the same city as Tiesto definitely helped inspire me to pursue my own dj career. The Netherlands is a hot bed for electronic music and it has given the world so many incredible artists. It's a great country to mature in as a producer and dj, there is a very big grass roots scene in the country for dance music.

Q3. You were voted the DJMag TOP 100 DJ as #1 in 2013 and 2014 in a row. How do you remember those times now?

With great memories. It was a dream come true and something I am so grateful to the fans for allowing me to experience and share with them. It was a real rollercoaster ride and allowed me to reach so many fans. And since that time not much has changed because I am still touring the world and sharing with the fans new music and new parties.

Q4. How “Revealed Recordings” started in the beginning? And what’s your vision through it?

The label started in 2010 and has been growing bigger and bigger with each passing year. These days the label is not only a platform for my music but also a home for many new artists, as well as running various tours, events and arena hosts around the world that have included events like Tomorrowland, Ultra and Creamfields. I have always wanted to create a label that delivered timeless musical experiences to the fans, whilst also being a platform to help new and emerging talent to find their sound and grow.

Q5. You already collaborated with many of big name producers and good musicians through your album “United We Are”. However, if you have to find someone for your new studio album, who would you like to work with?

Working with Dr Dre or Pharrell Williams would be cool. Definitely two artists I have so much respect for. I'd also like to explore some other avenues and see what came from those projects. It's too early to say with who and for what kind of music but I am open to ideas. My new track with Craig David titled 'No Holding Back' gives fans a taste of something different. It's all about looking forward and find that magic in the studio.

Q6. You’re very active on Socials. Especially we have impression that you’re really communicating with your fans closely through many different and creative way such as Hardwell On Air and Get in touch with Hardwell etc. Is it what you like to do?

I love social media. It's a great way for me to keep in touch with the fans and also get their feedback, which is really important to me because I value what the fans think. It's amazing that wherever I am are in the world i can keep in direct contact with fans from all across the globe. I love sharing videos and pictures and hearing about their lives. I recently launched my official Hardwell Facebook messenger bot so I could keep in better touch with more fans and offer them ways to interact with things like my Hardwell On Air radio show.

Q7. What is DJ Mag to you as a DJ and Producer? Any comments for DJ Mag Japan especially?

DJ Mag is a clubbing institution. It's a bible for dance music fans and artists. I've been reading the magazine for as long as I can remember. It's my go to source for all the most up to date news and stories. I am very pleased to now see the Japanese edition of DJ Mag - it's a great part of the global expansion of dance music.

Q8. Please leave a message to Japanese fans.

Thank you for the continued support. I can't wait to party with you guys at Ultra Japan! See you soon x

Hardwell strongly sees the potential of dance music as a whole to deliver excitement and sensation to fans around the world now and into the future. In addition to that, he is eager to give back and help aid in the social changes for underprivileged children through a charity project called, "We Are Foundation". One of the most notorious DJs and producer in the game today, Hardwell is leading the dance music scene from the front lines and delivering happiness to people around the world through his music.

Keep your eye on Hardwell and anything he has in store for the future as he continually works to bring something new and exciting to the dance music scene.