Hardwell: ‘The Parties are Always Crazy with the Indian Fans’

After nearly four years of announcing an indefinite hiatus from touring to focus on his personal life, EDM DJ and producer Hardwell returned to his place behind the decks at Ultra Miami festival in early 2022. At the center of his return was his new album Rebels Never Die, a cinematic, hard-hitting new work that jacked up adrenaline levels just the way he’s known to do.

The 14-track album combines elements of house, techno and general EDM and has been counted by listeners as an addition to the ongoing future rave movement, championed by the likes of David Guetta and Morten. As part of his world tour, Hardwell is coming back to India to perform on December 11th in Gurugram. Co-organized by Sunburn, Hardwell says he’ll be bringing the global Rebels Never Die setlist and experience to India for the first time this week.

In an interview with Rolling Stone India, Hardwell talks about the new album, the spark behind the vocal hook of the title track and coming back to India.

How has the response to your album Rebels Never Die been so far?

Honestly, it’s amazing! I’m super happy with how the fans have reacted to the album. Before my show in Miami at Ultra, I was super nervous but the feedback ever since has been incredible!

How important was it for you to put out an album at this point? Did you feel like it’s an important vehicle to make an artistic statement on the whole? Or did you just feel like you can’t just keep putting out singles and EPs or remixes as an artist and you needed to add an album to your catalogue/legacy? 

I’m a kind of old school minded guy when it comes to music. I collected albums as a kid and still do now, so I wanted to keep that side of the music alive. But honestly, I never started out to make an album, it just kind of morphed into a bigger project once I found the sound I wanted. From there I also had a show’s worth of material, and much more, so an album felt like the best way to put it out.

Specifically with the line in the title track: “Legends live forever, but rebels never die” – where did this came from for you? 

It’s something I truly believe in. You have to believe in your vision, don’t let anything break that down and because people often refer to me as a “rebel” because I like to do it my way, I thought it would be fun to play around with something for the album name and for the track.

2022 came as a pretty important year for you in terms of the return to performing and the album. What’s been your favorite memory of the year that’s past, so far?

Wow! That’s hard to breakdown into an answer. The one thing that has really stood out for me is being back with the crowds again. I always missed it but I didn’t realize just how much. It’s been so long and a lot has changed in world during that time, but it feels so good to see our community still thriving.

In terms of the visual production and performance of this album and just your current sets, what can you tell me about changes you’ve made and how important you think stage production continues to be for electronic artists especially? 

My whole vision on coming back was to give fans a bigger music experience and also a stage concept experience too. It’s a vital part of the whole night and a lot of the music I’ve made for this concept is embedded into how the stage looks and works. As an artist you always want to take it to the next level and stage production helps you be able to achieve that. The Rebels Never Die show is a new chapter in my career but also a new experience for fans in how they’ve seen me perform before.

What is it like making your way back to India? I’m guessing you can now treat it as a regular stop on world tours? 

100%! To be away for so long feels strange so I’m pleased to finally be able to say it’s happening. The parties are always crazy with the Indian fans and I expect this one to be even bigger and wilder than any before.

What kind of set is being planned specifically for India, if any? Or do you feel it’s more about bringing that global Rebels Never Die set to India for the first time?

I’m bringing the global Rebels Never Die show, but they’ll be plenty of surprises too for my Indian fans. I’ve been working on some new music and edits, and I’m constantly tweaking and tailoring the show to keep it fresh. It’s going to be an amazing party!

What are your plans while in India, outside of the shows? 

See some sights, eat, have the best party with the fans and connect with so many of you I’ve not seen for a long, long time!

Hardwell – Rebels Never Die takes place at Backyard Sports Club, Gurugram on December 11th, 5 pm onwards. Entry: ₹1,500 (general admission), ₹2,700 (general admission – couple). Get tickets here.