Denkvoer – What’s in a song: Is the meaning behind music fading…?

An new members’ obligation is to of course introduce himself, so I will hereby answer to my duty: My name is Stijn de Kleuver and I am one of those individuals who call themselves a writer now-a-days. As I am a big fan (like all of you) of harder dance music, I became more and more interested in the ‘whys’ around the growing (global) popularity of this scene. There seemed to be more to the music than meets the eye, so with this idea in mind, I came up with the concept of ‘Denkvoer’ (Freely translated: food for thought). By applying my knowledge of cultural and social processes and by interviewing leading names in the scene, Denkvoer is exploring the deeper layers within this majestic scene.

As a new member of Alive At Night, Denkvoer is now also spreading its wings to an international public. I am very grateful for this, so a big shout-out to Cassi Catsaros. With her knowledge and strong network, it seems that, for me, she is that ‘right person at the right time’ (how awfully melodramatic).

For now, the only thing that rest me to say is; stay hungry, as a lot of ‘food for thought’ is coming your way!

Today’s hardstyle tracks are getting better, completer and boast an increasing complexity.  The music genre is transforming itself like Optimus Prime on steroids, however as the sound gets more sophisticated, a deeper message seems too been kept away from the evolution. Below the surface of all the trilling kicks and majestic melodies lays… Well nothing.  There seems to be nothing more to the music than the music itself. A deeper layer is missing, one that will bring Hardstyle music to its full aesthetic potential; that will turn the music into art.

The majority of today’s producers seem to be focused on creating that one, unique tune and that one, unique, shattering kick to appeal to the masses. However, most of them seem to have forgotten the true essence about music. Music is, like any art form, a way for the artist to communicate with the mass. It is about spreading a message. It is this message that turns simple artificials into ‘art’. It gives the product its purpose and meaning.

Undoubtedly, some of these idolised producers try to turn their music to a meaningful matter, but there is little to relate to when all acts are formed around an underground, gangster theme or even more questionable: two chefs baking medium-rare steaks.

Like Caine, the rising hardstyle producer from Scotland, says: “It will be great to have something totally fresh in the scene, everything nowadays is either gangster or some shit.” What is happening is that most artists – quite tiresome – form an image of ‘toughness’ around themselves. Surely enough, it fits the contemporary popular raw sounds, however everything comes out looking rather superficial. In other words; there are a few exceptions – the artistic approach is missing.

One of the few artists who has succeeded in transforming his music into a concept that is meaningful is Radical Redemption. With his album titled ‘The One Man Army,’ he has created not only beautiful music on the surface, but has weaved in a deeper ideology. The recurring theme of ‘Apotheosis of the Self’ surfaces in all his tracks; he molds himself into a godlike creature giving redemption to the world. In doing so, he resonates the ethos of our time…

Whilst more and more individuals are detaching themselves from traditional religions, people are naturally drawn to the search for new purpose in life; like music. Thus, Radical Redemption encapsulates the confusion of secularisation to its fullest by presenting himself as a god-like savior, returning from the dark side in order to provide redemption to the world: “(…) spread the message of holy redemption”.

But surely, Radical Redemption is not the only artist who has the potential of creating a maelstrom of music and meaningfulness. However, as stated, it seems that producers lack discourse in the deeper meaning, aesthetics and purpose of hardstyle. A lot of fans seem to be increasingly touched, saved and relying on the majestic melodies, and smashing kicks, but producers seem to be unable to delve deeper into the artistic aspects of music. Fans so, can only rely and adore the devastating kicks and beautiful melodies, whilst, behind these sounds an unfilled space of emptiness remains.

Confronting Caine with this development, he replies:

“I 100% agree with what you wrote. ‘Prepare for glory’ is from the movie 300, and I mean, Viking? Spartans prepare for glory? WHUT!? At the time that track was made I had no idea what was coming ahead (The Viking). In a lot of my music I like to have that “I AM YOUR KING, BOW TO ME” feel, which I personally think is starting to become more prominent in the tracks. However digging deeper into the Viking background is most certainly something I intend to do for the future!”

Caine surrounds himself around the concept of ‘Vikings,’ coming from the Nordic lands ready to ‘invade’ the mainland of Europe. The rugged appearance, the logo, the aggression in the music, everything matches on the surface. The ingredients are there, but the future will tell if his appealing music will evolve to meaningfulness the audience is longing for.

To conclude, producers should focus more on the message they want to spread to their listeners. Music is not only about notes, melodies and kicks, it is about creating an overall atmosphere where music and incorporating meaning meet in one (awesome) maelstrom. Hardstyle has the potential to move hundreds of thousands of people worldwide with one single kick. But below the surface of all these majestic kicks, melodies and sounds is a space of nothingness. It is time that producers fill this space with an essential discourse about the message they want to spread to the world.