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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
29
Headhunterz
1

Headhunterz is Willem Rebergen, a Dutch producer and DJ who has been flying the flag for the hardstyle sound since 2005. In that time he’s steadily risen to the very top of the scene, creating a discography of releases characterised by epic synth riffs, a melodic sensibility, and the relentless slam of his drum tracks on labels like Spinnin’, Hardwell’s Revealed Recordings, Ultra Music, and Armada. Willem has put out three full-length artist albums too, including 2018’s very well received ‘The Return Of Headhunterz’, and aside from his own releases, he’s also remixed Armin van Buuren, Avicii, Kaskade, Hardwell and Nicky Romero.

Over the last decade he’s become a globe-trotting ambassador for hardstyle, DJing at Tomorrowland, Electric Daisy Carnival, Mysteryland and of course the Netherlands’ hardstyle festival Defqon.1. In tandem with long-time collaborator Wildstylez, 2018 saw the launch of Art Of Creation, a new label which has since put out music from Soundrush, Wildstylez and Project One, as well as a stream of big tunes from the man himself this year, including vocal heart-wrencher ‘Oxygen’ and the epic ‘Follow Me’ featuring Eurielle and Ryan Louder.

Do you submit your DJ setlists to the relevant royalties collecting society?

“Yes.”

What more can we do to combat the mental health crisis in our scene?

“I think we should all watch over each other and keep raising awareness so that people are encouraged to be open about their current state and seek help if needed.”

Are you personally doing anything to improve the gender balance of line-ups?

“Honestly, I don’t make lineups so this is not up to me.”

What changes have you made this year to be more environmentally friendly?

“My upcoming merchandise is produced as environmentally friendly as possible, and I compensate for the flights I take.”

What was your favourite toy when you were a kid?

“I had a fur monkey named Apie with a very long tail. I almost killed myself when I strangled myself with it, but in the end it was still my best buddy as a child after my mom made a knot of the tail.”

What’s your guilty pleasure?

“Eating fast food.”