In the lead up to hitting the mainstage at Airbeat One, we got the chance to speak with the legend that is Hardwell.

The 2-time number 1 DJ in the world opened up about the 10^th anniversary of his iconic ‘United We Are’ album, why he loves going to Germany, and revealed what his favourite Eminem song is…

Q: To start off with obviously you’ve toured all around the world, what’s special to you about coming to Germany?

A: Germany was one of the first countries to support me and my music. I really started in the club scene here in Germany. I just drove from Holland to here, going everywhere in Germany and doing small club shows. It feels really organic how my profile grew here in Germany. Before it was trying to enter the big main stages. I love the German fans, they have supported me since day one, even before my world tour. We did amazing shows here, like all the festivals, Parookaville, World Club Dome, and of course AirBeat One, all unbelievable. Germany really knows how to party.

Q: This year you’ve got the 10th Anniversary of ‘United We Are.’ What does that album mean to you? And what’s it like, kind of looking back on it compared to what you make now?

A: I’m super proud of that album. I think at that time I really outdid myself. It took a lot of sweat and tears to make that album. Imagine making that album happen in the first place while doing 200 shows a year. Was crazy. Every single spare moment that I had in my off time was working on the album. The collabs on that album, the sound of the album. The sound of the album kind of changed all the shape of EDM for me back then. And yeah, it was the early stages of big room. I’m really proud of the album. Means a lot to me. And I’m, not scared to say it, but I’m already kind of emotional to do the throwback next week. So yeah, it’s so special. It means a lot. I did the whole ‘United We Are’ world tour as well. Celebrating an album with fans is one of the best things I will always have experienced for the rest of my career. If I work on a new album, I will do a world tour again, because you make memories around music. I think everybody can relate to it. Like the most important thing about music is, how you feel emotionally connected to the music, with even the memories. I can name you a song, a random song, you have a certain memory about it. That’s what makes music special, and doing a world tour with an album, I think that’s the most important thing. Making memories with the fans.

Q: Something we got recently which was really cool to hear was Giuseppe Ottaviani’s remix of ‘Echo.’  What’s it like for you to hear someone else put their spin on a song of yours?

A: Yeah, since there are two things happening, so ‘United We Are’ is a 10-year anniversary and Revealed the label is a 15-year anniversary this year. So, we’re working on a lot of new remixes, and when somebody is touching one of my songs, I’m sceptical about it. Not that I don’t trust the producer, but that, I made the song with a certain vision, and I don’t want that certain vision to be changed. I’m open for new versions in different genres, but don’t change the vision of the song and well have to say, Giuseppe Ottaviani he made the perfect balance of that. So, let me rephrase it. ‘Echo’ was already really trancey back then. I was inspired on the Above & Beyond songs back then. And I think he was the perfect fit to make a remix of this song. And I love it. I play it in my sets, and he’s such an amazing producer. I’m really honoured to have him on this remix.

Q: So, I know you said in the past, one of your dream collaborations would be Eminem. I think that would be something that’s really interesting in how it sounds. I’m wondering, what direction do you think that would take?

A: I think we can go any direction you know? I’ve been playing ‘Lose Yourself’ in my set, I played ‘Without Me’ in my set. I’m probably the biggest Eminem fan you will ever meet. So yeah, if ever I had a chance to work with him, I could adjust myself in every single direction he would want me to. And, you know, just as a fan of him and his work, I know a collaboration is never going to happen, but I love to dream, and I love to think about it, and that gives me inspiration, you know? Dare to dream.

Q: It may be too hard of a question, but what is your favourite Eminem song?

A: Whoa, my favorite Eminem song. My album is, it’s definitely the ‘Marshall Mathers LP.’ That’s my favourite album, and I think one of my favourite songs is, could be ‘The Way I Am’, or ‘Stan’ actually. I think it’s based on the album, but ‘Without Me’ is cool but it’s more on the commercial side. But I love the song. Now I think if I had to pick one song, you’re right, ‘The Way I Am.’ 100%.

Q: You’ve used Eminem as part of your intros to one of your sets, and that’s always been a really good part of your sets. A very strong intro, always gets everyone hyped. How do you sort of pick a song for that? So, I know ‘Sanctuary’ has been your recent one, which has also been amazing. How do you get that started?

A: Well, the Eminem song was something different, because it was my comeback after a couple of years not playing Tomorrowland. So, yeah, “they tried to shut me down, but it feels so empty without me.” That was like a perfect lyric to the whole situation. That’s what Eminem is. That’s what I am. Well, I consider myself sometimes controversial. And yeah, I think it was like the perfect intro song for Tomorrowland. And I made a remix of ‘Without Me’, I changed the saxophone to my signature synth lead. And yeah, I think that was the perfect intro for Tomorrowland. As an Eminem fan, it couldn’t be any better.

Q: I know, outside of music, you’ve done a bit of voice acting. Do you have any character that is like your dream character to voice, or one you think you would do really well?

A: I’m always casted for the more busy like crazy parts. I think my dream thing right now is definitely do like a Disney character in a big Disney movie. I would love to do that. Doesn’t matter the animal, person, whatever. I would love to do that, 100%.

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