Hardstyle stalwart Brennan Heart is straight up when asked to describe his year. “I can say it in one word: hectic,” he told DJ Mag. “Several releases, starting up the new label, finalising my documentary, a radio show, podcast and trips around the world. I know this is what life, work and passion is all about, which makes me grateful to enjoy this amazing life.”

As one of hardstyle’s most present and consistent, he says there’s been no huge shift in the scene this year. Rather, it’s been steady as she goes. “It’s a constant flow of visiting new countries, and adding new fans and followers, which started a few years ago. The biggest change is that hardstyle is being played at radio stations, and it’s in the charts.” Looking to the next 12 months, Heart’s new label WE R Music will make for a big focus for the hardstyle heavyweight. “I feel very connected to artists like Code Black, Toneshifterz and Outbreak and will add more talented and upcoming artists to our team,” Heart says.

“It’s very satisfying to support these new talents, and I’m really surprised by the dozens of demos we receive, and the remarkable quality. There’s still a lot of undiscovered talent out there.”