In episode 22 of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast, Imperatorz joins as the very first English-speaking guest. In an open conversation, Kevin talks not only about his highlights and farewell, but also about something he feels is often overlooked in the hardstyle scene: the importance of taking a break.
READ ALSO: Imperatorz says goodbye: “I can no longer put the same passion and energy into the project”
“I’ve been able to do so many amazing things, and I’m forever grateful for everyone who supported me,” he says. “But I never really had the time to let everything sink in. I’ve been to Australia three times, Mexico twice, and probably played in every European country possible. That’s incredible, but sometimes it felt like I was in a hamster wheel, always chasing the next thing, always wanting more. I needed time to process everything and not just keep running endlessly.”
“I hope more artists realize that it’s not wrong to take a few months off”
According to Kevin, this awareness is still missing in the scene. “We work 365 days a year, because it’s our own business. Yes, it’s amazing to travel and perform, but the endless hours in the studio, the long car rides and flights also take their toll. I hope more artists realize that it’s not wrong to take a few months’ break. You won’t fall off, you’ll actually come back with more energy and better music.”
Imperatorz touches on a point that other big names have faced before. For example, Headhunterz once announced he would step away from the scene for a while, returning years later with renewed energy. Phuture Noize also decided in 2022 to consciously take a break in order to find inspiration again and reset himself.
“I’m thirty, but sometimes I already feel like a dinosaur,” Kevin laughs. “So many new artists are coming up that you feel the need to always keep running. But I don’t want to be forty and end up depressed because I never stopped. That’s why I’m taking a step back now, at a high point. I hope others see that that’s okay too.”
Imperatorz emphasizes that a break doesn’t have to mean goodbye, but rather an opportunity to grow as an artist and as a person. “Take a few months off with your girlfriend, recharge, rediscover yourself in the studio. It would do the whole scene good if more artists dared to do this.”
Imperatorz in the new episode of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast
In episode 22 of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast, Kevin reflects on eight years as Imperatorz, the highlights of his career, the reason behind his farewell, and what lies ahead. Listen to the full episode now on YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.
