Looking back and forward: DJ The Prophet on ‘From The Hard’

By Sharon van der Werf 08 October 2023

After a long and impressive career, DJ The Prophet announced his retirement last year. It’s almost impossible to describe his influence on the world of harder styles – his efforts have played a crucial role in shaping how we know music today. With his latest album, ‘From The Hard‘, he leaves his musical mark one last time.

DJ The Prophet started his musical career in 1990 producing hardcore and quickly became a key figure in the early days of Thunderdome. Almost ten years later he became one of the founders of Hardstyle, performing at countless Q-dance events and founding Scantraxx, the label that has produced artists such as Headhunterz, Wildstylez, D-Block & S-te-Fan and many other DJs.

DJ The Prophet about his farewell

After more than 35 years, The Godfather of Hardstyle said goodbye last summer on the largest stage of harder styles: the iconic RED of Defqon.1 Weekend Festival. Performing a last show, and everything that comes with saying goodbye, made a great impression on him. In an emotional interview with Hardstyle.com he says: “My whole world fell into pieces. My feelings go from very happy, satisfied, proud, blessed, positive, and powerful, to vulnerable, lonely, sad, insecure, and all those other kinds of dark feelings we all can experience as human beings.”

Despite this rollercoaster of emotions, DJ The Prophet has hope for a calmer future. “It’s gonna be ok, I know that in my heart because I know what I’m capable of. In my heart, there is enough light to light up the whole universe, but I have to go through this, I just have to ‘ Listen To My Heart’, this is my path…”

The double meaning of ‘From The Hard’

Even after more than 35 years in the music scene, DJ The Prophet still can’t get enough of the feeling that the harder styles evoke in him: “I still have that ‘buzzy’ feeling when I create and hear those distorted kicks, melodies and screeches! That passion and that love for our beloved music style will always remain in my heart. That is also why I chose the name ‘From The Hard’, as a double meaning.”