Hardwell And Dannic Interview
On Friday the 9th of November, Ailbhe Ní Riain met Hardwell and birthday-boy Dannic up in the Miami Room of the Wright Venue as they waited to play their gigs for Residence. Speaking with both acts, the two were delighted to be back in Ireland again so soon and were excited about their year ahead.
HARDWELL
How does it feel to be ranked 6th best DJ in the world?
To be the sixth best DJ in the world is unbelievable. When I was a kid and started to DJ, I could never ever dream about this or it ever happening, so I'm really grateful and thankful to all my fans who voted for me, it's so cool to see that everybody is so dedicated to my music.
Am I correct in saying you started DJing at fourteen?
Well, at 14 I signed my first record deal, but I started producing dance music at 10. I was really really young.
What can we expect from these Reveal Parties?
We started the Reveal Parties a year ago, so far they've all sold out. They're about me, Dannic, Dyro and the other guys making big tracks. I'm just trying to get all the family together. It's an exclusive show where you can hear all the new upcoming stuff. These parties are all about the music, that's how you have to be if you're dedicated progressive house, electro house or whatever lover. Building a party on music, instead of commercial hits like you see a lot of now.
DANNIC
Dannic, you must be seriously excited about the year ahead.
Yeah, it's been a crazy year for me. I quit my real job in February and since then it's been 100% dedication to music. It's been the best decision I've made so far.
Dannic, what is Revealed Records about really?
We started Revealed Recordings three years ago and it's bigger than ever now. I didn't really want a label I just wanted to create a platform for myself and other up and coming acts to share the passion and to help each other, like a family.
What can we expect from the new label in the next year?
I just signed a track by two Dutch guys- I'm not going to tell you who, but you probably know them, it's could be one of the biggest tracks for next year and that's only one of them.
What can we expect to hear from you tonight?
I play for an hour so you can expect a lot of own tracks, remix' I've made, new mash-ups, bootlegs, just crazy Dannic shit.
Hardwell:
He's been nonstop in the studio for about six months now. He's making new tracks every weekend and sending me so much new stuff. You'll probably be blown away by all the stuff you hear tonight. It’s crazy he's just blowing up fast right now.
HARDWELL & DANNIC
Have you heard of us(Residence)?
Dannic: Yeah of course, the first time I saw Residence and I was like 'whoa, what are those guys doing?' It's a great great honour to be back with you today.
How important do you feel the production is to the gig?
Hardwell: The production is like 50% of the whole thing. It's putting all the pieces together..
Dannic: ..Combining all the elements needed to form the perfect party..
Hardwell: We only play the music and you put the rest together...
Dannic: It's about making a total package.
Am I right in saying you two are best friends?
Hardwell: Yes we are, we've been best friends for about eight or nine years now.
Have you any embarrassing stories about Hardwell?
Dannic:
Which one? I've got loads of them. (Laughs)
Okay, so one time we went to the super market and he was like I want to make an egg or something. In the supermarket he just stood there like a little child who didn't know what to do, everyone was looking at him. Finally we got the eggs and whatever so cool, I was like make the egg. He puts the pan on the cooker, put the egg in the pan and lights the cooker. I was like Okay I won't say anything, but he has forgotten to put the water in the pan. You know? He was cooking an egg without water.”
Have you decent stories about Dannic?
Hardwell:
I have plenty decent stories about Dannic, what one should I tell you? (Laughs)
On my birthday last January, Dannic was playing before me and we were drinking Jager shots. Unknown to him I swapped the Jager with the Coke. We were drinking the coke and left him the Jager, we fed him shots every 5 minutes during a 2 hour session, he was so drunk by end of his set.
Dannic: (Laughs)I just kept drinking because I was like hey, it's his birthday how can I say no.
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For a review of the gig, please click here.