Part 1: The Music.

If you don’t mind, I am going to take you all on a little ride through the past so that newcomers can grasp the concepts of hardstyle a little better, so sit back, relax and fructify your senses.

They say that “music makes the world go round” and whoever created that saying really understands the basic evolutionary concepts.
Hardstyle is an extremely unique genre of music and without the creativity of the original pioneers behind the studio doors back in the early 2000’s, the possibility of such a diverse and dedicated scene would be nonexistent. Hardstyle is the result of an evolution from other genres such as hard trance, hard techno and hardcore in which Early Hardstyle was the start of a very distinct and original sound that transcended for years and resulted in modern Hardstyle.

Around 2005 was when Hardstyle was recognised as a single genre and not just a combination of other genres (hard trance, hardcore, hard techno). From then on, the genre continued to grow and lift off, making it’s mark across the musical spectrum. The original elements began to coalesce with other creative elements such as uplifting and euphoric melodies, vocals and also noting that the benchmark tempo standard became 150BPM rather than the former 135-140BPM used in earlier hardstyle.

As Hardstyle progressed and grew in popularity, around the year 2008, producers began experimenting a little more with different rudiments of production, pushing the boundaries of the genre which created a distinct division that differentiated the array of production techniques. Many people in the scene refer to this division as the birth of “rawstyle” and “euphoric.” I however, do not like to use this terminology, so I will put it all down on artists personal choices and their musical visions.
Today, there is definitely a fantastic selection of distinct sounds underneath the beautiful, large spread umbrella of hardstyle. Being new to the scene is a unique experience, discovering which types of tracks ignite your senses and exploring the versatility of the genre is a love affair worth falling into.

The newly found flexibility of hardstyle allows for so much creativity to be expressed and the fact that artists can experiment and be daring with their tracks is what truly keeps the genre appealing.

But anyway, let’s get down to business!

For those of you who are only just familiarizing yourself with hardstyle, and forgive me for using shitty terminology once again, any listener can differentiate the distinct differences in production techniques between uplifting melodies and dark screeches.
Appreciation for all dimensions of hardstyle is important. If produced with TLC and not simply produced to make the most brutally raw track around, then there is evidently no “better” or “more professional” side.

To produce hardstyle in a sophisticated manner requires an undying dedication and love from musicians, and if you can appreciate this concept then you will be able to enjoy every hard dance party and tracks (well, the thoughtfully produced ones).

But where do I start?

Many new listeners of hardstyle may not be aware of the many ways that they can gain access to listen to old, current and new releases. Well have no fear, I am about to give you the low down on how to get your music fix!

Podcasts:

For me, having access to subscribing and listening to podcasts was the most effective way for me to listen to a broad range of hardstyle, discover my favourite artists and also discover albums that I soon purchased. I think that the best thing for new listeners is to engage in listening to podcasts as they run for about a whole hour, you usually don’t need to go switching the song and it can really give you some great insight into what particular artists and styles tickle your fancy. I also may add that if you’re just joining the scene now, it could be useful going back and listening to older episodes and familiarising yourself with tunes from previous years – mind you, you’re going to have a lot of hardstyle listening homework! But who can complain, falling in love with hardstyle is probably one of the most satisfying love affairs one will have.

• Digital Punk’s “Unleashed” – My personal favourite, suitable for those who particularly want that extra boost of energy and power. I must warn you, this podcast is highly addictive and for all of you gym junkies, this podcast will help you smash out those long workouts!
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• Hard With Style: – Presented by Headhunterz each month, this is definitely my number one podcast to discover fresh new tunes and new artists. This podcast offers a very versatile range of hardstyle from classics to new releases, festival anthems to storylines behind tracks. With a vibrant presentation and plenty of guest hosts such as Audiofreq, Audiotricz, Crystal Lake and Wildstylez, this podcast brings back the ‘style’ in hardstyle.
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• Isaac’s Hardstyle sessions: – The man DJ Isaac brings one hour of fun and energy each month! Ranging from melodies to powerful bass, old school to new, I recommend this podcast to newcomers as it will familiarise you with the pioneering artists, new releases and festival anthems! One of the longest running podcasts in the scene, it’s highly recommendd to download the older episodes for some old school flavour!
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• Villain’s “Xxlerator”: A very versatile and entertaining podcast by our favourite and utterly entertaining MC, Villain. He usually mixes the first third of the podcast himself, followed by a guest ride and then a special “Xxlerator” raw segment at the end! A great podcast for familiarising yourself with big acts and also up and coming artists.
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• This is TEK: Presented by Mark With a K, this monthly podcast is solely dedicated to jump and tek. If you’re feeling a little crazy and getting ready to go out and get wild, then I highly recommend this podcast, girls, just be careful – do not listen to this podcast whilst dancing and applying eyeliner (doesn’t end well…) So if you’re after something other than standardised hardstyle, then get your TEK on!
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• Evil Activities “Extreme Audio”: Do you love your hardcore? Well you’re going to after you listen to Extreme Audio! My favourite podcast to fall in love with the sounds of hardcore! Presented by the man himself Evil Activities, this podcast makes any cardio session effortless! This podcast is great for those who want to be introduced to the headliner acts of hardcore and the most popular tunes in the scene.
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• Brennan Heart’s “WE R HARDSTYLE”: Brought to you and mixed with love by Mr. FIFO, this podcast showcases the very best of WE R, with of course, the latest and greatest tracks floating around the scene. If you want to sit back and relax, not wanting to listen to a presenters voice at all, then I recommend this podcast!
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• Kutski’s “Keeping the Rave Alive”: Presented by the utterly entertaining DJ Kutski, this podcast is extremely versatile fresh breeze of UK flavour. Containing new releases, guest mixes ranging from subground to hardcore artists, it’s no surprise that we’ve been keeping the rave alive for over two years!
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• Down Underground Show: Aired on the first Monday of every month and hosted by Aussie native Audiofreq, this podcast never lacks character! Supporting the land down under and it’s fresh talent that the rest of the world is sometimes not so exposed to, this show is great to catch up on what’s happening on the other side of the world!
Available on: Soundcloud, Youtube

• Luna Presents “Minus is More”: Dedicated to the darker depths of hardstyle, this podcast will give you a high dose of screeches and brutal kicks. Also showcasing the artists from Minus is More, this is perfect for die-hard Rad Red fans!
Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Youtube

• Theracords Radio Show: Another one of my personal favourites. Bought to you by one of the most versatile and bold labels “Theracords,” this podcast will help new listeners expand their listening outside of the “overplayed tracks.” This podcast will familiarise listeners with the talented Theracords artists and their distinct and daring sounds. Included in this podcast is classic of the month, a guest-mix, the top 5 and an out of the box track at the end.
Available on: Soundcloud, Youtube

• QULT Radio: Presented by Geck-o/Geck-e, this is one of the most underrated radio shows floating around! QULT radio explores the highly experimental and underground side of hard dance music. Many die-hard hardstyle fans tend to think that “subground is bullsh*t” and yes, maybe it doesn’t contain screeches and hard kicks, but subground is a whole separate movement that should be appreciated. A little chilled out time never hurt anybody right? Besides, geck-o can do no wrong (he also has a sexy voice).
Available on: Soundcloud, Youtube

So, that is the first homework assignment that I require – for you all to go and check out all of these podcasts and radio shows and from there on, you can figure out which artists, what subgenres and elements of hardstyle are your favourite.