Category: Hardstyle

Hardstyle is an electronic dance genre that emerged in the late 1990s, with origins in the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. Hardstyle mixes influences from techno, new beat and hardcore. Early hardstyle was typically written at 140 BPM, however modern hardstyle is faster, produced around 150 BPM.

Hardstyle is a subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the Netherlands in the early 2000s. It is known for its distinctive hard and energetic sound, characterized by pounding kick drums, high tempo, and aggressive synth melodies. Hardstyle has a dedicated fan base and has evolved over the years, incorporating elements from other electronic genres. Here are some key aspects of hardstyle music:

**1. Pounding Kick Drums:**
– The most defining element of hardstyle is its powerful and relentless kick drum. The kick drum is typically heavily distorted and serves as the driving force of the music.

**2. High Tempo:**
– Hardstyle tracks usually have a tempo ranging from 140 to 160 beats per minute (BPM), making it faster than many other EDM genres like house or trance.

**3. Energetic Melodies:**
– Hardstyle often features energetic and catchy synth melodies, which contrast with the hard-hitting kicks. These melodies can be uplifting or aggressive, depending on the track.

**4. Reverse Bass:**
– A signature feature of hardstyle is the use of “reverse bass,” where the bassline alternates between high and low notes in a rhythmic pattern. This creates a unique and pulsating groove in the music.

**5. Build-Ups and Climaxes:**
– Hardstyle tracks are known for their dramatic build-ups and climaxes. The energy gradually intensifies as the track progresses, leading to a euphoric and explosive drop.

**6. Raw vs. Melodic:**
– There are two primary substyles within hardstyle: raw and melodic. Raw hardstyle focuses on aggressive and distorted sounds, while melodic hardstyle emphasizes uplifting and harmonious melodies.

**7. Vocals:**
– Hardstyle tracks may feature vocals, often with motivational or inspirational themes. Vocal elements add an emotional dimension to the music.

**8. Kicks and Screeches:**
– Hardstyle producers experiment with various kick drum patterns and screeching synth sounds, creating unique and recognizable sonic textures.

**9. Fusion with Other Genres:**
– Hardstyle has influenced and been influenced by other electronic genres. Subgenres like “hard trance” and “hard house” incorporate elements of hardstyle, while hardstyle artists have explored crossovers with dubstep, trap, and other EDM styles.

**10. Dedicated Fan Base:**
– Hardstyle has a passionate and dedicated fan base, with a strong presence at festivals and events around the world. Fans often engage in dance styles specific to hardstyle music.

**11. Festivals and Events:**
– Hardstyle is a prominent genre at EDM festivals, and there are dedicated events and festivals focused exclusively on hardstyle music, such as Defqon.1 and Qlimax.

**12. Producers and Labels:**
– Prominent hardstyle artists and labels include Headhunterz, Brennan Heart, Coone, and Q-Dance, among others.

Hardstyle music continues to evolve, with artists pushing the boundaries of the genre and experimenting with new sounds and styles. Its high-energy and pounding beats make it a favorite among EDM enthusiasts who enjoy a harder, more intense dance music experience.