Shots Fired! Zatox makes a controversial statement via Facebook.

Prominent Italian Hardstyle label Unite Records is unquestionably home to some of the most promising new names, however unfortunately, these guys are also known to fall underneath the radar, despite their top-quality productions. Aside from the front-man Zatox, artists such as Raxtor, Drone, Kronos, Typhoon, Dave Revan and Asteroidz are also part of the Unite family and one thing that the majority of them have in common is that they are underrated and under-booked.

Whilst I was doing my usual and pointless scroll through the newsfeed yesterday, I came across a post that Unite Records shared from what appeared to be Zatox’s personal Facebook page. It instantly jumped out at me as I re-read the translation several times. Although the post was written in Italian and the translation wasn’t the best, it was well and truly clear what this Hardstyle hero was trying to say.

Below is the Facebook post including the translation.

[From translation] Seemingly irritated, Gerardo (Zatox) stated that the artists on Unite have built up unique sounds that boast great technical and artistic quality, yet because they have refused to sign contracts claiming 50% of their earnings, the artists have been banned or put onto secondary stages at festivals. He then went on to state that organisations are focussed on what sells, paying little attention to the quality of the music; making it harder for Gerardo to find and assist new talent to grow. With a statement of such intensity coming from an artist who has been around for such a long time and also regularly headlines events around the world, he had a lot to risk by writing this, stating jokingly that he will “probably be banned from festivals.”

For one of Hardstyle’s biggest legends to be coming forth on his personal Facebook page and stating this issue so publically, it makes us contemplate what’s really going on. Nevertheless, it’s quite sad to see that not only his artists, but many others in the scene are under-booked, despite their great productions and years of hard work. We all can admit that there are so many incredible producers and DJ’s who deserve either more bookings or mainstage places that never seem to get there, leaving us wondering what’s really going on.

With Gerardo’s post generating over 200 likes and 40 shares in attempt to bring this to the public’s attention, it makes us only think more about some of the big changes that need to be made.

Nevertheless, let’s now take this controversial topic to our readers; what are your thoughts on the current situation? Do you feel as though the scene needs some shifting? Let us know in the comments below!