Everything you need to know about Hardstyle

No, EDM is a genre of electronic music, while Hardstyle is a sub-genre of EDM that contains distorted and detuned sounds and vocals.

Hardstyle, a genre of electronic music that typically consists of a deep, hard-sounding kick drum, intense faded or reverse basslines accompanying the beat, and a synth playing a melody, is often characterized by a tempo around 150 bpm. This genre includes various subgenres, each bringing unique elements to the foundational style, yet commonly featuring detuned and distorted sounds that are hallmarks of Hardstyle.

What Defines Hardstyle?

Hardstyle is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the early 2000s, evolving from early hardstyle. It is characterized by its hard kick drum, reverse basslines, and hard trance influence. Hardstyle has become one of the most popular genres of EDM, with many artists exploring this style. It is often compared to hardcore and techno due to their shared roots in early forms of electronic music. Euphoric hardstyle and Hardbass, both sub-genres of Hardstyle, incorporate more melodic elements and high-energy basslines. Hardstyle has become a staple in many EDM festivals around the world and continues to grow in popularity amongst electronic dance music fans. Its heavy kick drum sound and unique bassline variations set it apart from other genres of EDM such as house or techno, making it instantly recognizable. So if you're looking for an intense, fast-paced experience, Hardstyle might be the right genre for you!

False are the statements that Hardstyle is dead. At House of Tracks we have over 1000+ registered producers, including Masters of Hardstyle music, who are still producing new tracks almost every day. The analysis tells us that there has been an increase in sales figures for music software, DJ gear and even clothing styles since the time when these 'false' statements start to circulate.

Ghost production, a prevalent practice in the edm industry, involves producers creating tracks for DJs and artists without receiving credit. This phenomenon is especially notable among some of the biggest edm producers. For instance, Joachim Garraud, a David Guetta ghost producer, is known for his work in electronic dance music, indicating the reach of ghost producers in electronic dance. Similarly, Dennis Waakop Reijers, another influential figure, has served as a tiesto ghost producer, illustrating how integral ghost production is to the music's creation process.

Maarten Vorwerk, credited as a leading figure in EDM ghost production, has composed tracks for notable names such as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and DVBBS.

KSHMR (Niles Hollowell-Dhar), transitioning from The Cataracs to a renowned entity in electronic music, earlier lent his expertise to major artists and DJs, reflecting the widespread adoption of ghost services.

Afrojack's contributions as a ghost producer for global stars like Britney Spears and Rihanna further highlight the pervasive nature of ghost production across the spectrum of electronic dance music.

If you are intrigued by the concept of ghost production or considering finding a ghost producer, remember that this practice spans across various genres beyond electronic dance music, including Tech-House. For those curious about the role and impact of ghost production within this edm industry, further exploration into the subject can reveal its complexity and nuances.

Hardstyle is an intense, high-energy electronic dance music genre originating from the Netherlands in the early 2000s. It evolved from hard house, hard trance, and hard techno, combining their distorted kicks, screaming leads, and dark, frenetic atmospheres. Hardstyle's tempo ranges from 145-165 BPM with a distinctive reverse bass and melodic breakdowns contrasting with its aggressive sound. The machine-like kicks, detuned synths, and rhythmic basslines create a robotic, industrial texture. Hardstyle activates the sympathetic nervous system, inducing a euphoric fight-or-flight response.

Hardstyle gestated in the Dutch underground rave scene of the 1990s, especially in Rotterdam. Pioneers like DJ Pavo, Lady Dana, Zany, and The Prophet laid the foundations by fusing hard house and hard trance. By 2002, the first official Hardstyle raves emerged, promoted by Q-dance and hosted by new generation artists like Showtek. Scantraxx then propelled Hardstyle globally by licensing tracks outside the Netherlands.

Mastering Hardstyle production involves analyzing tracks spectrographically to reverse engineer the sound design. This helps recreate the pounding kick drums, screeching leads, reverberant stabs, noisy risers, and detuned basslines that characterize the Hardstyle sound. Learning subtractive synthesis and effects like distortion, compression, and EQ helps shape the desired timbres. Remixing classic Hardstyle tunes or working from sample packs builds production skills. Most importantly, keep practicing the nuances of mixing kick, bass, lead, and fx.

The keystone of Hardstyle is the distorted, punchy kick drum striking on every beat, often pitched or processed for unique textures. Screeching or detuned leads create shrill melodic hooks, sometimes with trance-like arpeggios. The bassline alternates between driving mid-basses and aggressive reversed bass effects for rhythmic interplay with the kick. Build-ups utilize risers, snare rolls, and filters to build tension towards the drop. Hardstyle also employs vocal samples, melodic breakdowns, intense FX, and panned synth stabs to heighten its high-energy atmosphere.

Rawstyle Hardstyle has a darker, underground vibe focused on raw, unprocessed sounds and an unrelenting tempo. The kicks are more distorted and the leads and basslines have an industrial, techno-influenced edge. Euphoric Hardstyle has a melodic, anthemic sound with uplifting choruses, pitched kicks, and major key leads. The emphasis is more on catchy hooks and dancefloor accessibility rather than raw aggression. Rawstyle appeals to hardcore fans while euphoric Hardstyle has wider mainstream appeal.

Australia was an early Hardstyle adopter thanks to Dutch emigrants bringing Hardstyle CDs and internet piracy spreading the sound. Q-dance and other Dutch companies began promoting events there in the 2000s along with homegrown Australian parties like Knockout Circuz. North American fans also pirated and shared Hardstyle, creating demand for events and tours. As production technology became more accessible worldwide, emerging Hardstyle scenes developed across Europe, North/South America, and Asia – connecting through the web.

​While both genres, rooted in the electronic dance music spectrum of the 1990s including hard house/trance, evolved, Hardstyle took a divergent path towards a more structured, melodic sound, embodying early hardstyle characteristics. In contrast, hardcore techno veered into a faster and more abrasive direction, with tempos often exceeding the typical bpm range of Hardstyle. Both genres share elements such as distorted kicks, aggressive synth riffs, and dark timbres. Yet, Hardstyle emphasizes melody and danceable grooves, distinguishing itself from hardcore's chaotic, anarchist aesthetic. Despite some producers operating within both realms, they remain distinct scenes with their subcultural connotations and unique approaches to electronic dance music.

The Netherlands hosts the seminal outdoor Hardstyle festivals like Defqon.1 which can attract over 50,000 fans. Qlimax is an iconic indoor event held in an arena venue. Other major Dutch festivals are Hard Bass, Reverze, and Intents. Belgium's Tomorrowland and Reverze also showcase Hardstyle. In North America, EDC, Lost Lands, and Bass Canyon book Hardstyle acts. Australia's Defqon.1, IQON, and Knockout Circuz have a high concentration of Hardstyle. Asia has events like Taiwan's Hardstyle Arena Festival and China's YinYang Festival.

All-time greats include Headhunterz who pioneered melodic Hardstyle, Noisecontrollers known for technical production, and Wildstylez with an emphasis on euphoric melodies. Brennan Heart and Coone fuse Hardstyle with other genres. Atmozfears, Da Tweekaz, and Code Black represent the new generation. Angerfist and Miss K8 represent rawstyle while Sound Rush and Sub Zero Project make more uplifting Hardstyle. Bass Modulators, Phuture Noize, and Ran-D have more unique styles.

Hardstyle reflected the raw, rebellious energy of underground Dutch raves. Its aggressive sound channeled youth angst while still retaining danceability. As illegal raves faded, Hardstyle became the soundtrack to legal events from Q-dance that maintained the PLUR ethos. It evolved into a global scene united by the internet. For many fans, Hardstyle provides catharsis and community. Its high-intensity spirit is meant to be experienced live, inducing a collective euphoria.

Early Hardstyle in the 2000s had a rougher, more minimal sound with repetitive loops and harsh timbres, still closely tied to its hard house roots. By the late 2000s, the sound became "smoother" with more melodic breakdowns and complex song structures. The "euphoric" and "raw" subgenres also emerged. In the 2010s, Hardstyle incorporated influences like big room house, electro, dubstep, and trap - with kicks becoming bigger but losing some rawness. Recent trends include more cinematic and orchestral elements as production technology improves. But the classic Hardstyle sound continues to thrive.

The intensity of Hardstyle's abrasive sounds provides a cathartic release for fans. The highly rhythmic, driving nature triggers adrenaline and induces psychological flow states. Euphoric melodies and anthems forge community spirit. Many fans report Hardstyle has helped them overcome challenges in life. They gravitate to the accepting culture around Hardstyle events and online groups. The DIY attitude of early Hardstyle also inspires loyalty. Overall, Hardstyle provides a stimulating yet welcoming space for self-expression. Fans get tattoos and clothing representing their devotion.

Scantraxx launched by Dov Elkabas dominated the 2000s Hardstyle scene, pioneering the style globally. Q-dance's Q-Dance Records focuses on new talent. Other major labels are Fusion Records, End of Line, Dirty Workz, Theracords, and WE R. Leading euphoric labels include Sub Urban Records, Spirit of Hardstyle, and 25/7 Music. For raw Hardstyle, check out labels like Minus is More, Spoontech Records, and Gearbox Digital. Many labels are connected to specific artists who release predominantly on them.

Gabbers - followers of hardcore techno - were early Hardstyle fans too for its aggressive tones. The kandi raver and cyber goth aesthetics' neon, furry boots, bracelets, and spiked hair have crossed over. Hardstyle also inherited the PLUR (peace, love, unity, respect) ethos of 1990s rave culture. Its dark, industrial sound has appeal among rivetheads. The hardcore, rebellious connotations attracted punk and metal fans too. Overall, Hardstyle unites various subcultures with its raw, cathartic energy.

Hardstyle originally had an underground vibe, but has attained more mainstream popularity. The fanbase skews predominantly male, around 70%. The peak demographic is ages 18-34. Hardstyle is still most prevalent in the Netherlands and Australia where it emerged, but has devoted fans globally. As rave culture has become commercialized, Hardstyle draws a wider range of ages, genders, and backgrounds - from older ravers to high school students. But the sound and spirit still resonate most with young people seeking intensity and release.

Headhunterz - Scrap Attack (2006) - One of the first full-length Hardstyle albums.

Showtek - Analogue Players in a Digital World (2006) - Helped popularize melodic Hardstyle.

The Prophet – Recession Proof (2009) - First Hardstyle album to hit the Dutch charts.

Headhunterz - Studio Sessions (2012) -Combined euphoric and raw Hardstyle.

Coone - Global Dedication (2014) - Incorporated trap and hip-hop influences.

Ran-D - Unstoppable (2017) - Modernized the classic Hardstyle sound.

Sub Zero Project - Triplet Saga (2022) - Pushing technical production boundaries.