Throwing a good party is something Hardwell knows all too well. 

Whether it's festival stages or club dancefloors, the Dutch DJ and producer pieces together a memorable show that no one ever forgets. From his entrancing visuals to electrifying sounds, you can guarantee Hardwell to bring energy and excitement wherever he goes. 

Ahead of his return to Singapore for MARQUEE's Pit Stop Friday, Bandwagon caught up with Hardwell to talk about what it takes to throw a good party and what it's like ushering everyone to an exciting F1 Grand Prix weekend.

You will be returning to Singapore to perform during Grand Prix Season. How will your upcoming performance be different from your previous ones in the country?

First, I just want to say I’m super excited to be making my way back to Singapore for a show. The energy of the club on the last tour was amazing and I’m looking forward to doing it all again. So, the previous show was during the phase of REBELS NEVER DIE album, so most of the set comprised of a structure connected to the album. Since then, I’ve been working on a lot of new music, and also taking parts of my sound down slightly new directions. So, fans can expect a lot of fresh music and some special surprises during my set.

Speaking of Grand Prix Season, do you have a favourite F1 team or driver?

My buddy Max Verstappen and his team! He’s an unstoppable force right now.

Name four essential Hardwell tracks that F1 and music fans should listen to to prepare for the Singapore Grand Prix. Tell us why you chose them.

Hardwell & KSHMR – ‘Power’

This one is from my back catalogue but as the title suggests, it’s all about ‘Power’. With over 100 million streams on Spotify, it’s long been a fan favorite and has also been a popular party track for raising the energy!

Hardwell – ‘INTO THE UNKNOWN’

The first single, which was part of an EP, from my REBELS NEVER DIE album when I made my return to touring last year. The single takes a while to get going, building anticipation whilst it builds, but once it drops, it’s pure electric.  

Hardwell feat. Amba Shepherd – ‘United We Are (Vredestein Remix)’

A 2015 release that I created in partnership with Dutch tyre manufacturer Vredestein. I teamed up with Spanish motor racing driver Carmen Jorda to use the tyre data of Carmen’s driving to transform those sounds into electronic music. This track was the result. It’s perfect for motor heads and racing fans!

Hardwell & Maddix feat. Luciana – ‘ACID’

I love the energy and dirty underground acid sounds on this track. From the first beat the track is packed with energy and just goes for it once it drops. That kind of pace is perfect for inspiring fans to get pumped for Singapore Grand Prix race day!

What are some things that a DJ should pay close attention to while preparing for a show at a club?

Leading up to the show my mind is always on the music. Having enough new music prepared to give me creative freedom to take the show down whichever path feels right in the moment, and which the crowd will react to best. One of the reasons I took some time out from touring was because I put a lot of pressure on myself to have special edits and new music for every show. These days I’m giving myself more time to prepare for each set, just as I want to, which is only a good thing for the fans. Because, once I’m at the show, the whole set is about them and their energy and enjoyment on the night.

You're someone who has performed at a number of clubs around the world. What do you think gives a club its unique personality?

For me, it’s everything from the lights to the design to the layout of the venue, it's acoustics and of course, the crowd it’s drawing. All these elements together make up the spirit of a club and it's why every club is so different. No two parties are the same and that’s the beauty of it.

Hardwell will be performing at MARQUEE Singapore on 15 September, doors open at 10 PM. 

Listen to Hardwell here.