Hardwave Alerts · Artist-to-Artist
Rowdy — From Classical Harmony to Hardstyle Kicks
An artist-to-artist conversation about musical roots, the Russian hard dance scene, collaboration and the search for a simpler, danceable sound
What happens when classical harmony meets the energy of a rave and the force of gated kicks? For Rowdy, that unlikely combination is more than a musical contrast — it is the foundation of his sound.
In this Hardwave Alerts Artist-to-Artist conversation, Rowdy looks back on discovering hardstyle through a Tecktonik compilation in 2008, shares his perspective on Russia’s hard dance scene and explains why melody comes first in his studio. He also reflects on working with Dewstate and the kind of hardstyle he wants to make next.
From Bach and Mozart to Zany’s ‘Animated Audio’, this is Rowdy’s journey in his own words.
Artist Story
1. How would you introduce Rowdy to someone who has never heard your music before?
Imagine a meeting between a guy from a music school who likes Bach and Mozart, a techno Viking who loves the noise of gated kicks from the speakers, and a raver who has just come out of an ASOT event. Thus, from the combination of classical harmony and a hard-driving rhythm, Rowdy was born.
First Steps into Hard Dance
2. What was the first track, artist or moment that pulled you into hardstyle or hardcore?
I first heard hardstyle in 2008, when everyone was going crazy for Tecktonik. My friend found a compilation of Tecktonik tracks, which included the legendary banger “Animated Audio” by Zany. That moment changed my life and my mind.
Hardstyle and Hardcore
3. Your music touches both hardstyle and hardcore. What attracts you to both sides of the harder styles?
First and foremost, there’s the kick. The way the kick is used in hardstyle and hardcore is unlike anything else. Then there’s the unique atmosphere an artist can convey through screeches, deep and mesmerizing breakdowns, and epic qlimaxes.
Russian Hard Dance Scene
4. How would you describe the hardstyle and hardcore scene in Russia from your perspective?
The Russian hard dance scene has its own unique vibe and sound — from the 2000s right up to the present day. I feel that anyone listening to Russian hardstyle or hardcore would immediately say, “Oh yeah, this was definitely made by some Russian guys.”
Local Scene and International Connections
5. Because of the current international situation, many artists have had to adapt to a more isolated environment. From a music and scene perspective, how has this affected local hard dance artists, parties, festivals and international connections?
Musical isolation is one of the reasons behind the development of our local industry today. New major festivals have emerged, such as Moscow Madness, along with interesting musicians who are no match for foreign artists in terms of sound.
International Labels
6. You have released music through labels like Insaniax, and we have seen Russian artists such as Psychoweapon reach international raw hardstyle and hardcore labels. How important are international label connections for Russian hard dance artists?
I believe that in this day and age — the era of social media — having a connection with record labels, whether foreign or local, is not important, since musicians can now achieve on their own everything that labels used to be able to provide.
Production and Sound
7. When you start a new track, what usually comes first for you — the melody, the kick, the atmosphere, or the main idea?
A melody is the foundation; without it, there can be no new track. After that, I select or create a kick, and from there, everything depends on inspiration. It’s almost always different each time; there’s no set recipe.
Creative Challenges
8. What is usually the hardest part of finishing a track for you?
Patience and perseverance.
Dewstate x Rowdy Collaboration
9. We also worked together on a collaboration as Dewstate and Rowdy. How do you remember that process?
When I wrote the first drop, I didn’t know what to do next. But when you suggested a collab and added your own ideas, it was as if I’d found a fresh burst of inspiration.
Collaborations
10. What do you enjoy most about working with another producer?
Their own vision in music — especially when they have a distinct style of their own.
Future of Rowdy
11. What can listeners expect from Rowdy next?
Probably something a bit different from what’s typical these days, because I’m tired of the extremely loud sound. I just want some simple, danceable hardstyle.
Final Words
12. Is there anything you would like to say to people discovering your music through Hardwave Alerts?
Listen to the greatest music on earth, subscribe to Hardwave Alerts! Live for harder styles, live for hardstyle, baby!
Closing note
Thank you, Rowdy, for sharing your musical story and your perspective with Hardwave Alerts.
Stay locked to the hardwave. ⚡