HardFacts: Hardwell’s Journey To Becoming 2013's Number One DJ

October 15, 2013 - 7:00 pm by Jessica Wunsch

The road to success is not an easy one, but as the saying goes: you can either go hard or you can go home. Signed to his first label at the age of 14, Dutch DJ/producer Hardwell (aka Robbert van de Corput) knows a thing or two about tough times but we have a feeling 2013 will finally be his year. It has been leaked (allegedly) that the top three contenders for DJ Mag’s Number One DJ this year has come down to Hardwell, Armin Van Buuren and Avicii.

Safe to say the A names are out – though Armin and Avicii both did drop successful albums this year, it wasn’t enough to get them to the number one spot. That just leaves one option… VIBE gives you the #HardFacts on why Dutch producer Hardwell deserves the title, listing out his many accomplishments from this year. If you need further convincing, then check out our first part of #HardFacts that include where he got his name and his kung fu past.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Played at Brixton Academy A venue reserved for the world’s leading rock acts, Hardwell joined their ranks when he was given the opportunity to perform their last Saturday, October 12.

Became the subject of a documentary I AM HARDWELL – The Documentary was a film project that started almost three years ago by videographer Robin Piree who decided to follow the 25-year-old DJ to understand the young man behind the tough moniker. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Secured at least four No. 1 Beatport hits On September 16, Hardwell made Beatport history after dropping “Fifteen” with Blasterjaxx. The track reached the #1 position on the site’s charts, which secured the Dutch producer as the reigning chart champion with four #1 singles this year.

Helped the careers of mentees Before it was only EDM snobs who knew the stage names Dyro and MAKJ, but after the two collaborated on separate tracks with Hardwell their popularities have increased tenfold. (In photo: Dyro and Hardwell's first encounter)

Taken on one massive, sold-out tour In an effort to promote his new documentary and album (Hardwell Presents ‘Revealed Volume 4’) this year, HWell has trekked across the globe to every club space and festival stage there is to bring his beats and music to the masses. Next stop is Amsterdam for ADE, so be sure to get your tickets by clicking here.

Has already won a DJ award At this year’s Ibiza DJ Awards, HWell took home the prize for ‘Best Electro DJ.’ Not as prestigious as the DJ Mag title, but it shall serve as a nice predecessor.

His campaign videos had higher production values Rather than going the funny route, Hardwell took a more sentimental approach when it came to campaigning for DJ Mag’s Top 100 list. Complete with black-and-white still and a low, narrative voice playing the background you can see he took this year’s campaign very seriously. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Reached 1,000,000 ‘Likes’ On Facebook Remember back in the day when there was so much emphasis on having the most friends on Facebook since it validated your popularity? As a token of appreciation for reaching 1 million ‘likes’ on his Facebook page, Hardwell rewarded fans with a free track. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Scored a residency at Las Vegas’s Hakkasan In April, HWell had spin for Sin City’s elite crowd with a residency at Hakkasan titled ‘Go Hardwell Or Go Home.’ The DJ also conducted daytime performances at the MGM beach club Wet Republic. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]