More than ever this year, I feel like I’m operating in my own kind of grey area when it comes to music. On one hand, I’ve spent years working towards building a signature sound and following my own path, because that’s what got me to where I am today. On the other hand, it can sometimes feel like I’m “floating somewhere between the boxes” that hardstyle has come to define.
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I’m not a TikTok numbers machine, and I feel like I sit somewhere between a newcomer and an established mainstage artist. At the same time, I find it increasingly difficult to connect with a large portion of what’s currently being released under the label of “raw hardstyle.” (Of course, that’s not necessarily a problem in itself, but over time, that feeling can definitely impact both creativity and productivity.)
Between newcomer and mainstage
Sticking to making what you personally love is a lot easier when what you create also resonates with listeners. And even though I only release music that I genuinely like, I can still find myself doubting when I look around and see “what works.”
When the younger generation (and yes, at almost 32 I think I’m allowed to call it that) gets more excited about kloenk, zaag, punch or rainbow kicks, it can sometimes be demotivating. Simply because I find it very hard to identify with that sound. (That said, this is in no way a criticism of that generation or my colleagues who specialize in it.)
I had to feel this one
At some point this year, something shifted. I went from overthinking everything to just… doing. If it feels right and I like it? Release it.
Because of that switch, I decided to bring a more melodic, emotional (maybe even melancholic) side of my music to the forefront with “For You, The World.” After tracks like “Strength” and “Aureum,” this one gives me a feeling I not only missed in the harder side of the scene, but also something I personally needed.
And yes, there’s definitely new Element music on the way that’s a lot rougher, where emotion takes a step back and makes room for heavy drive and gritty kicks. But this one… I needed to feel.
For you, the world
On the day of this release, it’s exactly six years since I was discharged from the hospital after my COVID experience. Time moves on and thankfully heals a lot, so I don’t think about it very often anymore. But I do remain consciously grateful, knowing things could have turned out very differently. On the day I was discharged, just before leaving, fully dressed in what you could describe as a full COVID outfit (think Monsters, Inc. vibes), I saw my girlfriend, who was finally allowed to visit for the first time in weeks.
Over the years, my lighthearted response “For you, the world” to her requests has become part of my vocabulary. And with time, those words have gained more and more meaning. “For You, The World” is an audible thank you to her, and to everyone who has contributed to my sense of gratitude and my life over the past six years, including all fans and listeners.
This one is for love.
For you, the world.
Element – For You, The World is now available on all streaming platforms.
