Quotes from Hardwell

I feel Indian music is very layered and emotional.

A documentary on MTV about the Dutch scene was what sparked it all. I saw guys like Tiesto and Ferry Corsten talking about this thing called electronic music and I was instantly hooked. I started getting into it from then onwards, I was 12 years old and just completely bitten by this dance music bug. It's been my life ever since.

If I doubt whether a track works, I'm just going to play the instrumental version in my set and judge where the crowd takes it.

Back in 2008, nobody wanted to listen to or play my music. They called it trance. There was no market for it, but I just kept going.

To produce a proper album, you have to be in the studio and collaborate with all your singers. It takes a lot of time.

Whenever I've performed in India, I've been overwhelmed with the amount of love from the Indian fans. Their passion, their energy - it makes me grateful that I'm able to do what I love every single day.

I change my set every single night.

I studied classical and jazz music and went to a music school.

Yes, after I finished my primary school, I went to the Rock Academy. I was only there for one year. I wanted to focus on my own music instead of making music for the school. So, I quit and started my own label.

What the strength of events like Ultra have shown us is this thing we call, 'electronic music,' is not a passing trend, but a big industry of passionate artists, event organisers, fans etc.

It was always a dream for me as a kid to become the No 1 DJ in the world.

I'm truly grateful for every moment I've been able to spend doing what I love to do.

There are different milestones in my career. Playing a festival at 16 was a milestone and I was really happy when I played my first show.

The Indian audience is so passionate, they know all the tunes and love to party. The atmosphere is always electric.

That's one of the most powerful things in dance music - the DJs are so connected and help each other.

India has always held a special place in my heart, for all the love and energy the fans have given me.

Dance music has no gender, class or creeds.

I think the impact my music has had on dance music fans is to bring out their inner love for dancing and having a good time.

I was named Hardwell by my dad when I was 12 and the name just stuck.

Music is music, and we all have a spot and a place to enjoy it.

You can have the best production, the best stage in the world, but without a crowd, the festival is nothing.

I don't stop digging for new music. This way, I naturally listen to a lot of music, and it leads to new ideas for mash-ups.

I'm always working on new music or I'm on the road.

There is no reason to be afraid of a Hardwell show.