Jay Hardway, a Dutch electronic dance music artist, recently joined the 10 Days in Dance podcast to discuss fatherhood, making hits to the dance music scene & more.

Jay Hardway, in this candid conversation on the 10 Days in Dance podcast, opens up about his 12-year journey in electronic music, revealing how fatherhood has transformed both his creative process and career priorities. The Dutch DJ and producer behind hits like “Wizard” discusses his evolution from collaborating with Martin Garrix in their early days to now running his own independent label, Hardware Music.

The Independent Artist Revolution

Hardway has embraced a bold new approach to music releases, abandoning traditional label timelines in favor of rapid-fire creativity. His latest track “Body Move” exemplifies this philosophy – finished just three weeks before its release. “I want to make music one week and release it the next,” he explains, noting how the fast-paced market demands immediate relevance rather than the traditional three-month label waiting periods.

This shift comes with challenges, particularly around music testing. With fewer live performances due to family commitments, Hardway has developed creative solutions for getting feedback – from sending tracks to fellow producers and DJs to the ultimate test: playing new music for his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who can be “ruthlessly” honest about what she likes.

Beats and Baby Bottles

Perhaps the most revealing aspect of the interview centers on Hardway’s struggle to balance his music career with being a present father and husband. “I want to be there for my kids,” he states simply, acknowledging that this means fewer touring dates but more time for creative output. The artist describes the constant juggling act of planning studio time around sick children and family needs, admitting that achieving perfect balance remains an ongoing challenge.

Music plays a central role in his family life, with Hardway regularly bringing his children to the studio and testing new tracks on his household – though he jokes that his Spotify year-end recap is dominated by “Let It Go” from Frozen rather than his own productions.

The Artist Coaching Community

Beyond his solo work, Hardway co-hosts “The Artist Coaching Podcast” with Ralph and Joey, creating what he describes as a modern equivalent to the old producer forums that once nurtured talents like Avicii and Swedish House Mafia. The weekly show has evolved into a genuine community for emerging and established artists alike, focusing on creativity and artistry rather than fame and commercial success.

“It’s not about blowing up, it’s about creatively being the best artist you can be,” Hardway explains, emphasizing how the podcast provides a space for artists to connect and collaborate authentically – something he feels has been lost in today’s social media-driven landscape.

Tomorrowland Magic and Future Dreams

Reflecting on his festival experiences, Hardway shares a particularly memorable moment from his first Tomorrowland performance on a small stage by the water. Despite its intimate size, the energy was explosive, reinforcing his belief that at Tomorrowland, “it doesn’t matter which stage you play – it’s always something special.”

Interestingly, Hardway reveals that playing Tomorrowland’s main stage remains one of his biggest career goals, viewing it as a milestone that represents a certain level of artistic achievement in the electronic music world.

Personal Revelations and Industry Insights

The conversation takes a personal turn when Hardway reveals he has Type 1 diabetes, something he’s looking to incorporate more into his public persona as a way to inspire others with the condition. He also discusses his passion for golf as a crucial mental break from music, describing it as pure fun without professional expectations.

Looking toward the future, Hardway predicts a shift in dance music culture away from phone-filming audiences toward genuine dancing and celebration. “People want to dance and want to party,” he observes, suggesting that artists will reclaim their role at the forefront of dance culture rather than being driven by label strategies.

Looking Ahead

With plans to expand his Hardware Music imprint into a full label for emerging talent and hints at drum and bass collaborations under different aliases, Hardway represents the modern electronic artist – independent, family-focused, but still driven by big dreams. As he puts it with characteristic honesty: “Big dreams and shitty planning – I’m a horrible planner, but I have big dreams, so I’m going to make them happen no matter what.”

Check out the full interview:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4frwxAdwZCXlmM1loDwoOd?si=3279d1de55d14cc4