While the Netherlands has long been seen as the heart of the hardstyle world, Europe is increasingly looking towards the other side of the globe with a hint of jealousy. This weekend, more than 60,000 fans will gather for Knockout Outdoor in Sydney, where another massive production and several special performances await. TOZA knows the event like few others and explains why he believes the Australian hardstyle scene is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
ALSO READ: Knockout Outdoor goes ‘Level Up’ with biggest production ever in Australia
TOZA has witnessed the development of the Australian hardstyle scene firsthand. Long before breaking through as an artist himself, he attended countless events in his home country. He now lives in the Netherlands and regularly flies back to Australia to perform, giving him a unique perspective on how quickly the relationship between Europe and Australia has changed.
“Back in the day, if something happened here, it would take six months to a year before it reached Australia. Now, it’s instant,” TOZA explains. As an example, he points to his collaboration with Lekkerfaces, which was premiered at REBiRTH. “Three weeks later, we’re playing it together over there and everyone is singing the whole track. A full arena of people singing along to the track.”
According to TOZA, it shows just how invested the Australian crowd has become. “The new generation in Australia is so dedicated to the music. They really take the time to dive into the artists that are coming over to play.”
Knockout Outdoor on a massive scale
One event where that growth is particularly visible is Knockout Outdoor. HSU’s event attracts more than 60,000 visitors in a single day and features three stages. Having experienced the festival both from the crowd and from behind the decks, TOZA is still impressed by the sheer scale of what is built inside the stadium. “It’s crazy. It’s a massive stage. When you look at it, it’s huge.”
The Australian conditions also work in the organisation’s favour. Knockout takes place in spring, meaning the sun sets much earlier than during the Dutch festival summer. According to TOZA, it already starts getting dark at around 5 or 6 PM, while the event continues for several more hours. “You can come in full force with production.” He points to elements such as the lasers and lighting around the grandstands, which make full use of the scale of the stadium.
“People should start taking Australia seriously”
The growing status of the Australian scene is becoming increasingly visible from Europe as well. While Dutch hardstyle fans are used to seeing almost every major artist close to home on a regular basis, Australia has managed to host several remarkable performances and comebacks in recent years.
During PLAFONDDIENST, Showtek, Project One and the announced Australian show of Headhunterz are among the examples discussed. TOZA does not want to speak on behalf of those artists about why Australia is the place for these kinds of moments, but he does notice a clear pattern. “You’ve got to understand, these guys that are returning, it’s not their first time going to Australia. There has to be something that me and you don’t know about. But it’s obvious. You can see how great it is.”
According to TOZA, this development is the result of years of work by organisations including HSU, Massive and several other promoters. He now sees the scene receiving more attention outside his home country as well. “I wholeheartedly believe in the Australian scene and people should start taking that seriously.”
Knockout Outdoor takes place this weekend
This Saturday, 60,000 fans will gather in and around ENGIE Stadium in Sydney for Knockout Outdoor. More than 40 artists are spread across three areas, while HSU is promising the biggest production in the event’s history. According to the organisation, this year’s edition will also feature the tallest festival mainstage ever built in Australia.
Those unable to make it to Sydney can follow Knockout Outdoor live from anywhere in the world. HSU has officially confirmed that the event will be streamed via its Twitch channel. For fans in the Netherlands, the livestream will run from 07:00 until 15:00 CEST, making it possible to experience eight hours of Knockout Outdoor from home.
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
