Hardstyle is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the Netherlands in the early 2000s. Known for its hard-hitting beats and energetic sound, hardstyle has grown in popularity in recent years and is now a staple at festivals and clubs around the world.
One of the defining characteristics of hardstyle is its use of a "reverse bass" kick drum. This kick drum has a deep, bass-heavy sound that is designed to create a sense of power and energy. The beats in hardstyle are typically around 150-160 beats per minute, making it one of the faster genres of electronic dance music.
Another defining characteristic of hardstyle is its use of melodic elements. Many hardstyle tracks feature soaring synth melodies that contrast with the heavy beats, creating a dynamic and emotive sound. This combination of hard-hitting beats and melodic elements has made hardstyle a favorite among electronic music fans.
Hardstyle has its roots in the hard dance and hardcore techno scenes of the Netherlands, but it has since evolved to include a wide variety of sub-genres. Some of the most popular sub-genres of hardstyle include rawstyle, which is known for its raw and aggressive sound, and euphoric hardstyle, which is characterized by its uplifting melodies and feel-good vibes.
Some of the most well known hardstyle DJs are Headhunterz, Brennen Heart, Da Tweekaz and D-Block & S-te-fan.
In recent years, hardstyle has become increasingly popular outside of its home country of the Netherlands. Many international DJs and producers, like Timmy Trumpet and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike have begun to incorporate hardstyle elements into their music, and the genre has been embraced by fans of electronic dance music around the world.
The global hardstyle scene is thriving with festivals, events and label popping up everywhere. Some of the most well-known hardstyle festivals include Defqon.1 in the Netherlands, Syndicate in Germany, and Reverze in Belgium. These festivals attract thousands of fans from around the world who come to see their favorite DJs and producers perform live.
Hardstyle is a genre that continues to evolve and push boundaries. With its hard-hitting beats and emotive melodies, it's no wonder that it's become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music in the world. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the scene, hardstyle is a genre that's definitely worth checking out.
