On January 25, hardstyle icon Wildstylez returns to the legendary AFAS Live with his new concept Timeless. In an exclusive two-hour set, he takes fans on a musical journey through his career, from the roots of the genre to the future. “Timeless is free from rules and trends.”
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“The AFAS Live is where my love for hardstyle began and where I received my first gold record,” says Joram Metekohy – better known as Wildstylez. This iconic location therefore has a special meaning for him. “During the preparations, I immediately felt like throwing a party again. Everything feels right here: the sound, the decor, the atmosphere. It is very special to have an event in the former HMH again, after more than ten years since my X-Qlusive.”
“My music has always been the common thread in my career”
The idea for Timeless (known from the Defqon.1 2012 endshow) came while looking back on his career and reflecting on the continuous development of hardstyle. “We live in a time where music is developing faster than ever. Especially now I realize that I have always stayed close to myself in terms of sound and as an artist,” Wildstylez explains.
The past year has been a huge inspiration for this event. “I’ve been very productive, performed at some great classics events and my team launched a documentary about Year of Summer. That made me realize that my entire career can’t be captured in a regular one-hour Wildstylez set. I want to give people more, a journey through time.”
That journey was given the title of his famous track ‘Timeless’, which embodies his vision of hardstyle. “It’s hardstyle without rules, trends or limitations. It shows how my music from the past, present and future comes together.” All of this will come together next week during the Art of Creation label boss’s evening, where he already gives a sneak peek in this interview.
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Hardstyle in development
Wildstylez has created a unique concept with Timeless, in the middle of a scene where RAW and classics are currently dominant. For him, this is not a conscious counter-movement. “Hardstyle has been around for decades now, with various branches. One is more popular than the other, but that is part of the evolution.”
You can recognize a Wildstylez record from a thousand. In addition to his two-hour set, Wildstylez has put together the most complete line-up possible. “These artists are close to me and I can identify with them. There are plenty of guests who are rawer and would have fit in perfectly here, but this event is about my personal musical story.”
Wildstylez presents Timeless line-up
Connecting a new generation
With Timeless, Wildstylez hopes to appeal not only to the older generation of fans, but also to the new ones. “Hardstyle has already proven itself as a timeless genre, and this concept is for everyone who loves my music, regardless of age, background or preferences.”
He also feels a responsibility to the new generation. “With the disappearance of many events, we have the duty to introduce them to the roots of our genre and to provide them with a bit of musical education. I hope I can inspire them.” Timeless has already been rolled out worldwide. “I started the year with a special Timeless Australia Tour, and at REBiRTH Festival I will also play a special Timeless set. This concept offers fans a unique opportunity to experience my musical journey.”
Wildstylez: “I see this track as a follow-up to Timeless and it was produced with the same mindset: a long, melodic and compelling track”
Wildstylez’s 2-hour set promises to be more than a regular performance. “This set gives me the opportunity to go for original and creative choices. As I said, it will be a journey through time,” he says.
The audience can expect a combination of classics, releases from recent years and unreleased material. “I’m currently busy in the studio working on music with Headhunterz, and my new solo ‘Sunrise’ will be released at the end of this month. I see this as a follow-up to Timeless: a long, melodic and compelling track.”
Surprises are not excluded. “It could well be that new collaborations with artists from the line-up will pass by. In any case, I will continue at the same pace as 2024, in which I had nine releases. The audience will not be short of anything on January 25.”
Wildstylez presents Timeless will take place on Saturday 25 January in Amsterdam. Tickets and more information are available via the official website of the event. Wildstylez is really looking forward to next week. “I can’t wait to write a new chapter in AFAS Live together with you”, he says enthusiastically. “Let’s enjoy this beautiful scene and create a great atmosphere.”
