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So, you surely know Hardwell, this genius DJ whose name echoes everywhere whenever electro is mentioned. Born in Breda on January 7, 1988, he proudly shows off his 38 years in 2026. The guy is about 1.75m tall, a rather classic build, but what strikes is his charisma on stage. Not married though, and on the private life side, he is quite discreet, which contrasts with his explosive musical world.
Before Hardwell became a global star, he struggled like many, but with a true burning passion for electronic music. He started very young, having fun mixing in his hometown, and quickly realized it was his thing. I admit it’s crazy when you think he was voted best DJ in the world by DJ Mag in 2013 and 2014, it was quite an achievement for a guy from Breda.
His career is an intense emotional rollercoaster, with hits that make crowds vibrate like “Spaceman” or “Never Say Goodbye.” I remember hearing “Dare You” everywhere, and there is also his album “United We Are” which left a mark. The guy isn’t content to just be a DJ, he also set up several labels including Revealed Recordings, here is an entrepreneur behind the music.
And on the fortune side, we’re talking millions. Naturally, with this lifestyle, but also this passion for creation and collaborations with top names, it pays off. At 38, he is still as active, even if sometimes he loses his temper on stage like during his recent departure from the Saga Festival. Tough, but that’s the price to stay true in an often very commercial environment.
Hardwell: a prodigy of electronic music with international fame
Robbert van de Corput, aka Hardwell, is this Dutch DJ who managed to conquer the world with his electro beats. Coming from Breda, this small town in the Netherlands, he has become a symbol of the EDM scene for more than a decade now. His public identity? A mix between a cool, accessible guy and a pure musical genius.
Electronic music is literally his life. You might think it’s easy, but no, Robbert started playing piano before developing a passion for DJing; that small shift made all the difference. He is a DJ producer, remixer, in short, a jack-of-all-trades who mainly masters the genres of big room house and electro house, but he is also capable of switching from hardstyle to tribal house.
Did you know Hardwell owns several labels? Revealed Recordings launched in 2010, EXTATIC Records, and since 2024, What Ya Need. This shows he likes to keep control over his creation and support talents. His world is not limited to a single style; it’s more a fusion of rhythms where he allows himself to experiment and shake up the scene.
Physically, he is about 1.75m tall and sports a casual yet always neat look, the kind who doesn’t take himself too seriously but still knows how to put on a show. No huge public scandals, he prefers to let his music speak, which makes him all the more fascinating.
Hardwell’s journey before worldwide fame
Before 2013, his breakout year, you can imagine the work, the sleepless nights tinkering in his room on his synth and decks duo. It was in Breda that he started, a place not really known for electronic music at the time, but that didn’t stop him. He got noticed with his remixes and first tracks that blew up on the internet.
One detail that struck me: unlike many artists who explode via a stroke of luck, he’s about patience, perseverance, and hard work. Hardwell even launched his podcast Hardwell On Air in 2011, a weekly appointment followed by millions of fans, proof that he already knew how to build his community.
His beginnings in local clubs were the perfect training ground. And then, he was lucky to meet Tiësto, kind of like a Dutch mentor who guided him in his first steps. That story makes you smile, like an old buddy pushing you to excel. Well, everyone thinks what they want, but this support clearly boosted his career.
He also dabbled in several styles, which made him versatile and capable of gathering a very wide audience: EDM, electro house, progressive… quite a crazy palette for someone so young at his beginnings. It’s beautiful to see the evolution of a small guy from Breda into a global superstar.
Hardwell’s big hits and commercial success
Ah, his hits… “Spaceman,” that track is a classic! You find it everywhere whenever a festival starts, it’s a guaranteed punch. “Never Say Goodbye” and “Dare You” are also bombs, with choruses that stick in your head. The guy knows how to touch the heart and make bodies move.
Moreover, his album “United We Are” captured all his collective creativity, you know, that project that brings talents together and shows his spirit of collaboration. In recent years, he also became famous for his electrifying live shows at major events like the Amsterdam Music Festival where you can listen to him via his official YouTube channel.
But it’s not just the music that makes his wealth. Hardwell is a businessman: creating labels, producing events, signing artists, he manages all that with professional know-how. Today, his fortune counts in the millions, which can sometimes be stressful when you know where he comes from.
Recently, he even sparked a little controversy by leaving a festival in the middle of a set in Bucharest because he wasn’t paid. Music is a passion, but you have to live from your art. It’s a harsh reminder that even stars sometimes have to defend their rights here.
His private life: between discretion and loyalty
Despite the spotlights, Hardwell keeps his personal life away from the media. No big scandals, no extravagant marriages, and especially no buzz about his relationships. We know he loves his privacy and prefers to share his passion on stage rather than in tabloids.
He has reportedly been in a relationship for a few years, but little information circulates. What’s nice is that he manages to balance touring, producing, and private life without upsetting everything. Not easy in this profession, I assure you. He also became a father recently, an event that changed him deeply, adding a more human dimension to his night star persona.
This guy has talent, but above all a heart that beats strong behind the decks. You really feel this authenticity when he mixes, like an exchange between him and the crowd. It’s rare but precious. In short, Hardwell is a story of passion and balance.
And for those who want to stay updated on what’s happening around him, his official site is a real goldmine with all the latest news and concert dates. I strongly recommend checking it out if you love to vibe with music that rocks.
Some surprising anecdotes and recent projects of Hardwell
A funny thing is that Hardwell almost gave up music before really breaking through, can you imagine? Fortunately, he held on. Otherwise, he might never have become this giant of electro that we admire today. It really makes you think about perseverance.
In 2024, he decided to focus on his artistic freedom, which led him to quit some major festivals. He wants more authenticity, less shows loaded with sponsors, which is quite brave in this industry. This is now part of his identity.
Among his recent projects, he is working with artists like Chuckie or Olly James, names that are buzzing in dance music. Always in search of novelties, he knows how to reinvent himself without losing his soul, which is quite inspiring. You can follow his musical adventures on his official Facebook page.
To top it off, he keeps releasing mixes and podcasts that top the charts, proof that he is more alive than ever. In short, Hardwell is serious stuff, not just a fleeting DJ.
| Key Element 🎧 | Detail 📋 |
|---|---|
| Real name | Robbert van de Corput |
| Age | 38 years |
| Place of birth | Breda, Netherlands |
| Musical styles | Electro house, big room, hardstyle, EDM, trance |
| Labels created | Revealed Recordings, EXTATIC Records, What Ya Need |
| Famous hits | Spaceman, Never Say Goodbye, Dare You |
| Marital status | In a relationship, father |
| Platforms | Podcasts Hardwell On Air, YouTube, Facebook |
One last thing to highlight is his ability to bring together huge crowds, even after more than ten years in the game. This guy hasn’t aged in terms of energy, and you can feel it in his live recorded sets. The Amsterdam Music Festival is a fine example of his talent to make masses vibrate.
In short, Hardwell is the kind of artist who never rests on his laurels. He evolves, sometimes rebels, but always remains faithful to an incredible creative force. Impossible not to follow him if you love good electronic music, authentic and powerful.
