10 Hard Dance complaints we’re all guilty of making…

There’s no doubt that the Hard Dance scene sports the sassiest of fans, who are quick to jump head-first into lively discussions about the general scene, artists’ efforts, festivals or the tracks being released. Critical, yes, but most of the time, fans either complain because this scene is something they so deeply care about or sadly, they’re the epitome of a classic keyboard warrior and just want a shit-ton of likes. 

We’ve all found ourselves ready to bash at our keyboards at some stage, ready to voice our opinion about this track or that party – so to say that you’ve never made any complaints about Hard Dance music is a big fat lie. Let’s embrace our sassy, critical side today and have a laugh at some of the dumb things we’ve all surely complained about. 

“I’m so sick of fake-ass, so-called ‘artists’ who have a ghost producer”

The notion of taking credit for somebody else’s hard work kind of sucks and isn’t something the majority of us particularly agree with, however no matter who gets exposed for taking the easy route, ghost production will always be something that ‘haunts’ the electronic dance music industry. Heck, people even have books ghost written.

“That stage is soooo ugly”

Yes, okay, you had major expectations for the Qlimax or Defqon.1 stage, however it’s not the end of the world if it’s not the same size as a NYC skyscraper. At the end of the day, you’re probably going to be tripping kitties from the shitload of ecstasy you consumed and probably won’t even be able to differentiate between fireworks and lasers.

“The scene isn’t open-minded enough”

I single-handily admit that this is a complaint I’m extremely guilty of making (more than once). Yes, the herd follows the hype of the moment, however once you come to realise and accept that, you’ll have a lot more fun drumming along to kickrolls with all the raw fan-bois instead of standing at the back and participating in the eye-rolling Olympics (thanks Sara Ghafouri for providing a lovely addition to the Rio games).

“Raw Hardstyle all sounds the same”

If Raw Hardstyle all sounds the same, then why are you front-left during Radical Redemption’s set going absolutely crazy as he drops track after track…? Due to the unstoppable raw Hardstyle revolt, this complaint is an easy one to fall into, however no matter how ‘generic’ the productions are, there’s always artists who are experimenting and making kick-ass beats!

“Euphoric Hardstyle is comparable to whingey pop-music”

Guilty. Whether Euphoric Hardstyle is or isn’t whingier than Adele on her period is totally up for discussion, however it’s easier than you’d think to simply turn it off and go listen to something more in line with your tastes. But face it, deep down the majority of us are suckers for an Earth-melting melody and romantic vocals.

“Headhunterz and Showtek are TRAITORS”

2012-ish: Headhunterz makes melodic Hardstyle and everybody tells him how shit he is.

2014: Headhunterz ‘leaves’ and everyone tells him how much of a traitor and sell-out he is.

2016: Headhunterz returns and suddenly all is forgiven and everyone LOVES him.

????????

“GODVERDOMME THAT KICK SUUUUUUUUUCKS!”

I have a lot of respect for producers, mainly because creating a solid Hardstyle or Hardcore kick is a massive pain in the ass and can take years to perfect. Let’s all lighten up and provide constructive feedback for producers, because there’s not much they can do with a “oi m9 ur kick sucks.” I also have a little giggle whenever I read comments online that say “lol Frontliner’s kick.”

“I swear to God, if I hear one more French person blasting Speedcore on the campsite I’m going to lose my sh*t”

Alright, I’m totally guilty about making this complaint at The Qontinent 2014, but now I’m slightly more accustomed to Speedcore and retired from camping anyway. If you don’t like Speedcore, then don’t camp because the French people aren’t going to stop racking up lines of speed and listening to corresponding music just because you are having a hissy fit.

“That anthem is soooo mediocre”

Leading up to major events, an ‘anthem’ is released and there’s always a bunch of people on the net who want to demean the production… I’m talking about a production that’s taken the artist weeks, maybe even months of hard work as they put all their blood, sweat and tears into creating this one defining track. I’d like to see if these complainers could make a better Defqon.1 anthem.

“Happy Hardcore is NOT Hardcore” 

Don’t diss the ‘donk,’ because deep within all of us there’s a massive S3RL fan just waiting to be unleashed. Despite what the real 200BPM Dutch Hardcore fans have to say, UKHC or Happy Hardcore is a form of Hardcore, and you’d better get used to it being around!

Stay critical, but learn to lighten up every once in a while… 😉 Oh, and feel free to drop any more common fan-comments in the box below!