Avicii News
Jay Hardway on Raising Kids, Making Hits & More
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
Avicii News
Avicii Teases Stories on Stories- Mini-Series Dropping November 6
Avicii’s world is about to open up once again, the late producer’s team has teased Stories on Stories, a new mini-series arriving November 6.
Avicii fans just got hit with something unexpected and honestly, a little emotional. Avicii’s official Instagram account posted a short story of his voice, explaining he had “every session filmed” for his 2015 album, Stories. The next slide? A black screen with the words: “Stories on Stories. A mini Youtube series. November 6.”
If you’ve known and loved Avicii for a while, you know how special Stories is in Avicii’s discography. Released in 2015, it was his second studio album, and the last one he completed during his lifetime. It showed a different side of him, showcasing his talent as a music producer beyond just EDM.
We’ve always known Avicii poured everything into Stories, but now hearing that “every session was filmed” makes this feel huge. There’s a chance we’ll finally get to see the creative process of those songs- not just the music, but the mindset.
It’s been years since Avicii’s passing, but his music still hits us all deeply. We’ve had documentaries like Avicii: True Stories and I’m Tim that dove into his journey and struggles, but this feels different. For longtime fans, this could be a beautiful look back. For newer ones, it’s a chance to experience the Stories era with new eyes and find out what made it such a defining project.
We don’t know much yet, but November 6 is officially circled on the calendar. Until then, keep an eye on Avicii’s official accounts. If the teaser is any indication, there’s a lot more to Stories than we’ve ever seen before.
Avicii News
Avicii Stories 10th Anniversary: How the Album Redefined EDM
Avicii’s ‘Stories’ turns 10 in 2025, a genre-blending album that reshaped EDM with influences from pop, rock, and country.
October 2, 2015. That’s when Avicii dropped Stories — an album that didn’t just evolve his sound, it expanded what EDM could be. As we approach the Avicii Stories 10th anniversary, it’s time to reflect on its lasting impact.
Instead of doubling down on the festival-ready style of True, he went rogue. Stories pulled from pop, rock, reggae, even country, and still carried that unmistakable Avicii melodic punch. The features alone showed how far he was pushing: Chris Martin (Coldplay), Wyclef Jean, Zac Brown (Zac Brown Band), and Sandro Cavazza, who would later become a longtime collaborator. Martin Garrix also had a hand in co-writing, including on “Waiting for Love.”
The industry wasn’t sure what to make of it at the time — too polished for purists, too experimental for mainstream radio. But that tension was the point. Stories showed EDM didn’t have to live inside the big-room formula. It could stretch, blend, and tell stories without losing its connection to the dancefloor.
Ten years later, it’s clear the album helped lay the groundwork for the genre-blending sound dominating electronic music today. Avicii didn’t just change direction with Stories — he changed the rules for everyone.
Alok News
Top 10 Most Streamed EDM Songs of All Time
From festival main stages to viral TikTok moments, these are the 10 most streamed EDM songs of all time, showing the genre’s massive reach.
In the ever-evolving landscape of music, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has secured its place as a global phenomenon, influencing not only club scenes but also mainstream culture. As of August 2024, the most famous EDM songs ever provide a snapshot of the genre’s enduring popularity and its ability to transcend traditional boundaries. These tracks represent the pinnacle of EDM, resonating with billions of listeners worldwide and showcasing the genre’s unique blend of infectious beats, captivating melodies, and collaborative spirit.
10. This Is What You Came For – Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna (2.02 Billion Streams)
Rounding out the top ten is “This Is What You Came For,” a collaboration between Calvin Harris and Rihanna. With 1.82 billion streams, this track showcases Harris’s knack for creating infectious beats paired with Rihanna’s powerful vocals, making it an enduring favorite in the EDM community.
9. Roses – SAINt JHN & Imanbek (1.09 Billion Streams)
Imanbek’s remix of “Roses” by SAINt JHN transformed the original track into a deep house sensation. The remix’s viral success on social media platforms like TikTok played a significant role in its 1.95 billion streams, making it one of the most famous EDM songs ever.
8. Faded – Alan Walker (2.2 Billion Streams)
“Faded” by Alan Walker is a hauntingly beautiful track that captivated listeners worldwide. With its ethereal vocals and powerful beat, the song has amassed 1.99 billion streams. Walker’s signature sound has made “Faded” a timeless piece in the EDM world.
7. Lean On – Major Lazer, DJ Snake, MØ (2.4 Billion Streams)
“Lean On” is a track that revolutionized the EDM scene with its unique sound. The collaboration between Major Lazer, DJ Snake, and MØ resulted in a global phenomenon, accumulating 2.14 billion streams. Its catchy hook and innovative production set a new standard for EDM hits.
6. Happier – Marshmello & Bastille (2.4 Billion Streams)
Marshmello teamed up with Bastille to create “Happier,” a song that balances emotional depth with an uplifting beat. With 2.19 billion streams, “Happier” has become a staple in the EDM genre, loved by fans for its relatable lyrics and danceable rhythm.
5. One Kiss – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa (2.5 Billion Streams)
“One Kiss” by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa is a track that epitomizes the sound of summer. Its infectious beat and sultry vocals quickly propelled it to the top of the charts, and it remains one of the most streamed EDM songs of all time with 2.24 billion streams. The song’s success highlights the perfect blend of Harris’s production skills and Lipa’s distinctive voice.
4. Let Me Love You – DJ Snake & Justin Bieber (2.6 Billion Streams)
“Let Me Love You” is a seamless fusion of EDM and pop, brought to life by DJ Snake and Justin Bieber. The track’s catchy chorus and smooth production have made it a global hit, racking up 2.2 billion streams. It’s a perfect example of how EDM can cross over into mainstream pop while maintaining its electronic roots.
3. Wake Me Up – Avicii (2.8 Billion Streams)
Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” is not just a song; it’s a milestone in the evolution of EDM. By merging folk elements with electronic music, Avicii created a track that was both innovative and widely accessible. With 2.4 billion streams, “Wake Me Up” continues to inspire and resonate with listeners long after its release.
2. Something Just Like This – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay (3.3 Billion Streams)
Another massive hit from The Chainsmokers, “Something Just Like This” features the iconic band Coldplay. The song blends electronic beats with rock elements, creating a universal appeal that has led to an astonishing 2.7 billion streams. Its uplifting lyrics and memorable melody have made it a favorite across various music platforms.
1. Closer – The Chainsmokers & Halsey (3.4 Billion Streams)
At the top of the list is “Closer” by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey, a track that became an anthem for a generation. Its nostalgic lyrics combined with a catchy, minimalist beat have helped it achieve nearly 3 billion streams. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its wide appeal and the powerful collaboration between these artists.
These ten tracks not only represent the pinnacle of EDM success but also highlight the genre’s ability to innovate and adapt over time. From festival anthems to crossover pop hits, these songs have defined the sound of a generation and will likely continue to dominate playlists for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned EDM enthusiast or a casual listener, these tracks are a must-listen, with many being counted among the most famous EDM songs ever, capturing the essence of what makes electronic dance music so universally appealing.
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