Hardstyle Rave

Hardstyle rave is an electronic dance music genre from the Netherlands and Belgium that draws influences from techno, new beat, and hardcore music.

Hardstyle music is known for its fast tempo of 140-150 BPM and includes distorted kick drum sounds, reverse bass, screeches and vocal samples. It has become one of the world’s most beloved genres.

Origins

Hardstyle rave is a dance music genre born in the Netherlands that blends elements of trance and hardcore dance music to produce an intense sound. It is considered to be one of the subgenres within Electronic Dance Music (EDM).

Early hardstyle producers such as Tuneboy, DJ Lady Dana and The Prophet began producing tracks in the mid-1990s. Their tracks featured hard trance’s “reverse bass,” vocal samples, dissonant synth sounds known as “screeches,” and distorted kick drum sounds which would later be refined into an evolved form of this genre.

The genre gained momentum throughout Europe, particularly the Netherlands where it quickly became a dominant force in club culture. It is also popular in Belgium and Australia.

Hardstyle is a major event genre in the Netherlands, featuring live performances from international artists at many of its clubs. The genre also has a significant presence in America where it’s popular at dance festivals such as Tomorrowland.

Although its exact origins remain uncertain, hardstyle music was born around the late 1990s by a group of Dutch DJs who combined elements from multiple genres into their music. Q-dance, an events company based in The Hague, first produced hardstyle-focused parties in 2000.

After several years of success, Dutch hardstyle began to gain wider acceptance. New labels like Fusion Records and Scantraxx emerged to capitalize on this development.

By 2002, hardstyle had become widely established in the Netherlands and was becoming recognized beyond its borders. Artists involved had earned a reputation for producing top-notch, commercially successful tracks.

As hardstyle music gained momentum, more DJs joined the scene. Notable names in hardstyle include The Prophet, Dj Zany, Lady Dana and Wouter Janssen aka Showtek.

The genre has since achieved global acclaim and even made it to the US, where it is now an integral part of mainstream EDM music.

Though its roots remain obscure, hardstyle has seen tremendous success over the last few years. It has become an increasingly popular EDM genre, with fans enjoying its intense rhythms and catchy melodies.

Subgenres

Hardstyle is an energetic electronic dance genre born in the Netherlands that has since evolved and diversified, giving rise to several subgenres.

Classic hardstyle is the original form of hardstyle that emerged in the late 1990s and features heavy basslines, fast kick drums and pitched-up vocal samples. This genre remains popular today among hardstyle fans worldwide – perfect for getting your groove on at any club or festival!

Hardstyle, though still relatively young, has made great strides in its development and become more accessible to listeners worldwide. This growth can be attributed to several factors such as the emergence of major hardstyle labels during the early 2000s and more melodic types of hardstyle in the 2010s.

Euphoric hardstyle has become one of the most sought-after subgenres within hardstyle over recent years. This style blends elements from progressive trance music with melodic mainparts and vocals typically associated with hardstyle.

Rawstyle is a popular hardstyle subgenre that emphasizes raw sounds and kicks that are usually distorted or overdriven. This hardstyle genre often features aggressive lyrics as well, providing it with more of an industrial sound than euphoric hardstyle does.

Tekstyle is a popular hardstyle subgenre developed in the late 2000s. This style blends trance with trap, dubstep and other elements of hardstyle rave culture. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘trip-hop’ due to its psychedelic elements such as delays and reverbs.

In addition to the main hardstyle subgenres, there have been various fusions created. Examples include ‘Rawstyle’, ‘Euphoric Hardstyle’ and ‘Nustyle’.

Fusions are created by blending elements from various genres together, creating a new subgenre with its own sound and vibe. These fusions have given DJs new ways to play hardstyle, which has contributed to its immense popularity today.

Research into how people choose to attend music festivals has been done, but the specific genres people prefer has yet to be fully determined. It can be challenging to pinpoint which genres are popular and which people enjoy the most; however, evidence suggests that hardstyle is becoming increasingly popular due to its energetic nature and high BPM (Beats Per Minute).

DJs

Hardstyle is an electronic dance music subgenre that began in the Netherlands during the 2000s. This genre is marked by its fast tempo, heavy bassline and hard hitting drum kicks. It has seen tremendous growth over recent years and can now be found at major dance festivals around the world.

DJs who specialize in hardstyle rave are renowned for their energetic sets that bring the party to life. They can play a wide range of styles, from classic dancefloor music to jump-up beats and neurofunk.

Some of the most renowned hardstyle DJs include Luna, The Prophet and Yoda Inc. However, this genre has seen an explosive growth in recent years with many other talented DJs producing this kind of music.

This genre has become increasingly popular at events around the world, especially in the Netherlands and America. It has been showcased at numerous festivals such as Defqon.1 and EDC Las Vegas.

Music from this genre often pairs well with other genres, like breakbeat and techno. While it can be an effective tool for getting people moving, some may struggle to comprehend its subtleties.

In the 1990s, European raver began experimenting with their sets. DJs like Luna began slowing down the tempo of their tracks and adding something called a “reverse bass”. This new style became known as hardstyle.

Another influential figure in the scene was DJ The Prophet, who played a hardstyle set at Q-Dance events and produced many early Hardstyle songs. He is widely considered the “Godfather of Hardstyle”, having performed at numerous renowned festivals and events such as Defqon.1, Decibel, EDC Las Vegas and Qlimax.

DJs producing this style of music are constantly striving to find new ways to keep dance floors packed. They are renowned for their captivating musical storieslines and top-notch productions. Over the last few years, this genre has grown increasingly popular on major satellite radio stations around the world.

Festivals

Hardstyle rave is a genre that has captured the hearts and minds of music connoisseurs worldwide. Originating in Europe between mid- to late ’90s, its influence now extends far beyond its native countries.

Hardstyle began in Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium – countries which still host major festivals that showcase this genre annually. But there are now many other places around the world that are showing their support of this genre as well.

One of the world’s most renowned festivals that supports hardstyle is Defqon.1 in The Netherlands, created by pioneers in the scene. This festival stands out with its innovative concept – turning all attendees into one big club by its organizers.

Airbeat One, held annually in Neustadt-Glewe, Germany, is another major festival that promotes hardstyle music. This event stands out for its stunning stage design and immersive lighting that creates a wonderful environment for dancers to experience.

Other festivals use standard stages, but this one takes the venue to another level by turning a sporting arena into an enormous club where EDM headliners perform. It’s truly unique and worth visiting if you get the chance to witness it for yourself.

Hardstyle music festivals such as Decibel in The Hague and Defqon.2 in the Netherlands provide opportunities for those wanting a taste of hardstyle before heading off to Defqon.1 can also be found.

Other festivals may support hardstyle, but they often lack a distinct focus on the genre itself. That is why festivals such as Defqon.1 are so popular amongst ravers; not only can you learn more about this beloved genre and hear some of its most renowned DJs, but it’s also an ideal opportunity to make new friends and connect with fellow ravers in your area.