Made Event’s Electric Zoo Festival is about to descend upon New York’s Randall’s Island from Friday, August 31st to Sunday, September 2nd. Check out the full line up of this EDM bonanza here and don’t miss out on headliners such as Tiesto, Above and Beyond, and Skrillex. We caught up with Hardwell, who will be playing a Friday night set on the mains stage.
CP: How We Doin’? Let’s start off by talking about that massive collaboration of yours with Showtek and how that came about. Is that EDC Vegas in that video?
Hardwell: I've been a fan of the productions of Showtek for a long time so when we met at a festival earlier this year we talked about doing a collaboration. They sent over an idea and I loved it so we booked some studio time together just before EDC Vegas and finalized the track. With that perfect timing it was a logical step to use the amazing footage of EDC Las Vegas for the official video, which got premiered on MTV US, really proud of that!
CP: So you’re playing Zoo Friday and a mean looking afterparty on Sunday. Where will we find you on Saturday?
Hardwell: On Saturday I'm flying out to Canada to do a gig at the mighty Guvernment in Toronto for their 'Labour of Love' party with Laidback Luke and Congorock.
CP: Ohh nice! Wish we could make that one too. What kinds of surprises do you have in store for your Friday Main Stage set?
Hardwell: Yeah! I'm preparing an exclusive set. Got loads of new signings on my label Revealed Recordings which I will be playing and also some new edits and mashups! I had so much fun last year at E Zoo, so much energy in that crowd so I’m really looking forward!
CP: How are you planning on switching things up between your E Zoo set and that unreal looking Roseland afterparty?
Hardwell: Playing with Zedd is always mad fun. I Will have to see how the crowd is at Roseland after 3 days of partying hard at the festival :p But for sure will give them the energy they need!
CP: We remember fondly the rooftop Labor Day soiree you played last year at The Upstairs. Any plans for a Monday party like that this year?
Hardwell: I would love that, it was cool to play in the middle of Manhattan next to Armin Van Buuren last year! My schedule however is fully packed this year and i'm flying out to Las Vegas on the Monday to play Marquee.
CP: Are you still on Cloud 9 from your Tomorrowland set? How do the Euro festival crowds compare with those in North America?
Hardwell: Tomorrowland was soo good! It was my third time and second time on the mainstage, but first time playing primetime. The crowd was one of the best I've ever seen, so many flags you could really see the whole world gathered there on the dancefloor. Really cool as well to get the footage of Tomorrowland of my full set which i've put on my youtube channel it has almost 1 million views in just over a month!
US festival crowds are generally more energetic. It's because the EDM scene is just starting in US so it's more fresh and new to the crowd. However a lot of European festivals have amazing crowds as well!
CP: How do the New York crowds compare with those elsewhere, in general?
Hardwell: I’m going to experience that this weekend! Loving the NY crowd!
CP: Do you have any upcoming collaborations or singles in the works?
Hardwell: I have a lot projects I'm working on. However with the heavy summer tour past few months it's been really hard to find the time to work on them. I've got collabs coming up with Porter Robinson, Wolfgang Gartner and of course with Tiesto!