[Exclusive] Showtek Discuss Upcoming Album, Hardstyle & More!

When it comes to the face paced world of electronic dance music, it is very rare to see artists stay in the spotlight for over two-decades however the Dutch brothers, Sjoerd and Wouter Janssen, better known as Showtek, have made it look relatively easy since their early beginnings in 2001.

Proving to be as versatile as the come when it comes to production and quite the festival fan-favorites with their engaging stage presence boasting a lengthy discography packed with hardstyle heavy hitters and big room bombs, the brotherly duo has proven that the key to longevity is ability to keep an open mind and an undeniable passion for the dance music scene.

Currently unloading a steady barrage of singles from their upcoming album 360 Yellow, we took the time to catch up with Showtek to discuss the evolution of the dance music scene, hardstyle and see what the future holds for the two. Check it out below!

Showtek, Giuseppe Ottaviani – Heart Is Beating | Download |

TSS: You two have been a part of this music-making scene in electronic dance music for just about twenty years now – what are some changes you’ve noticed over the years?

Showtek: Yes, since the age of 16 we have been putting out music now. It’s interesting, in some ways it doesn’t change at all. The key ingredients for songs will always be the same, simple, catchy and the right energy . We started out as techno producers, and the sound that is called techno now is exactly what we were doing in 2001 and 2002. We’ve also noticed that every 3-5 years people and listeners definitely grow in and out of .

TSS: How would you say your sound has evolved since first popping onto the scene?

Showtek: It’s more diverse and has more layers. We have traveled so much, live and have lived in different cities and places, I (Wouter) am involved in a hip-hop platform as well and that has opened my eyes to approaching music differently. Also working with more songwriters and producers from different genres is eye opening and refreshing. Working with different cultures and that is very inspiring, so a driving factor in our growth as humans and musicians. We’re working with incredibly talented people from the UK, USA, Canada , Sweden etc.

TSS: What has been the key to success and longevity?

Showtek: Patience, confidence and dedication, and most importantly ; an amazing group of people around us timing and luck. Treat your career or brand with care, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try things. I would also say that curiosity is the driving factor for progress and success, curiosity will make you do smart and stupid stuff, but if you’re smart enough the mistakes will convert into better decision making and more experience.

TSS: Hardstyle will always have a special place in Showtek’s heart, how would you say that genre has progressed since you two originally fell in love with it?

Showtek: It’s definitely harder and faster, but there’s more talent in the scene, even better engineering ( the skill of mixing and producing, and making things sound really good), so to us it inspired us. We would not go back to this if we didn’t feel we could add something. We left because I (Wouter) felt I played every melody, and we used every synth sound , and we did every possible kick drum. It was just getting repetitive and we could not excite ourselves , the fans would also feel that, so we had to step out. Now 2023, there’s a new wave of talent, new approaches, new variety, it’s exciting. We might be pioneers, but you still want to be inspired by the sounds around you. With the experience we have gained over the last decade, we feel we can create a familiar but yet fresh and new twist to it all. With our Showtek signature.

TSS: You guys are as versatile as they come when it comes to music production; what’s your creative process in the studio?

Showtek: Never go into the studio blank, if you have no natural inspiration and just messing around it can be fun, but for me (Wouter) personally I need to be triggered by my own drive and inner energy. I only work ( which is almost everyday) with new ideas or things I have heard or seen around me that trigger my inspiration. There’s so much talent in the world and I like fusing that into new things. I just love making and listening to music.

TSS: Speaking of producing, what hardware and software do you use these days?

Showtek: We use Cubase 13, a hardware avalon 747( eq) en 737 (vocal recording), and still use the Virus TI for sound designs, Serum and Spire. Our go to Plug in developers are Waves, Slate Digital, Izotope, Fab Filter, d16, Cableguys, Baby Audio.

TSS: When you have a rough week or hit a wall creatively, how do you get back on track?

Showtek: Don’t force yourself, though, real emotions translate into beautiful music. I played the melody for ‘Dear Hardstyle’ when I was sad and somewhat melancholic being back in Eindhoven after the Summer. I think you can hear that. It sounds melancholic but I tend to make melodies that give a sense of relief, for me personally as a human, and i hope that that translates into the way it reaches our listeners. It comes from a real place.

TSS: You’ve released plenty of tracks and two albums over the years, but 360 Yellow is quite a project. What was the process like putting this 22-track album together?

Showtek: We are in some way all over the place. Sjoerd is definitely more dancefloor driven, and wants to have as much adrenaline in the Kicks as possible, I’m the melody and Euforia guy haha, we combine that. I tend to drift away easily with songs that are more suited for the car or the beach(depending on my mood), lol just kidding. We wanted to grasp all of the sounds and musical directions together that we personally connect with, and put it in a project. That’s how ‘360 yellow’ was born. It covers are more dancefloor driven, big room and edm sound. There’s a deluxe version comin early January 2024 with even more songs on it.

TSS: Is it true 360 Yellow is the first in a series of albums?

Showtek: Yes, we will go for all primary colors and probably even more in the next months. ‘360 Blue’ will come early 2023 which will be hardstyle. And after that will be ‘360 Red.’

TSS: Tell us a little bit about your recent single “Shine” and the significance behind the track.

Showtek: In a nutshell: I (Wouter) was burned out and totally broken down from touring and lost myself in the world of success and flying all around the world. Sjoerd had health issues the year after in Singapore and could not move his face due to Bell’s palsy. This was a giant wake up call for us. We lost ourselves in our passion, went too hard and had to step back and realize why we are doing all of this. Success is being happy and healthy.

Showtek ft. Sonny Wilson – Shine |

TSS: If you had to pick one, what would you say is your favorite track of the album and why?

Showtek: “Shine,” it’s very personal to both of us. It’s also meant to give a positive twist to it all.

TSS: With 2023 coming to a close, what does Showtek have planned for 2024?

Showtek: ‘360 every color baby’. Music music and music for the fans!

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