Unveiling the Melodic Evolution: A Deep Dive into Vyax's Journey in Reviving Classic Hardstyle
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With 10 years in the scene, Rick, aka Vyax, has gone from producing hardcore, new-sounding hardstyle, to finally classic-sounding hardstyle. Vyax started producing music in 2014. He decided to focus on classic-sounding hardstyle in 2020 and produced 3 tracks under the Theracords Classics label last year. His name Vyax has been used since 2021. Vyax has been nominated to play the mainstage at Rebirth Festival. This talented young man from The Netherlands is on the rise to making his name well-known!
“What inspired you to produce?”
Vyax mentioned that he was always a fan of the music and listened to house, trance, and music of that sort until a friend showed him hardstyle. Until he got his new laptop, he was listening to music like any typical passionate fan. He eventually noticed that the laptop came with built-in music production software, which he eventually played with. He felt an inspiration to continue and took on his musical journey from there. For Vyax, producing kind of just “fell into his lap.”
“What about classic Hardstyle draws you to it?”
Vyax explained that he always felt that there was a particular niche those sounds brought to Hardstyle and felt that it was lost and lacking in current Hardstyle. He wanted to take part in pioneering that niche. He expressed that the sound of classic hardstyle has an important factor to bring to this new era, the melody. He proposed that 90% of what makes a hardstyle track impactful is the melody. He then mentioned that the newer tracks of this era pertain to a build-up and just a few seconds of very hype multi-sounding kick variations and sounds, repetitive at times. Creating the right vibe for a classic hardstyle sound can be really hard, according to Vyax. He mentioned that you are working with a simple-sounding melody and simple tools in a production kit for such a sound, but it comes off as way more efficient once everything falls in place for a track. He proposed that a simple composition can bring so much more efficiency to the table.
“What is your approach to the start of a track production?”
Vyax gets inspired and motivated sporadically, but mostly after listening to music or attending an event and hearing many different tracks. The only external influence seems to be a motivational sound from when he is vibing with hardstyle, just like any one of us passionate fans of the music. Starting off with a perfect melody and then the rest falls into place. He proclaims that it can be frustrating at times to stay inspired and focused, but with determination and sometimes attempting over 20 melodies, one eventually clicks. When Vyax’s mind lights up he can’t hold back from getting on the production screen and letting his creativity flow.
“Do you also DJ?”
Vyax has indeed DJ’d at Defqon.1 2019 at the “Wasted Lands,” which is the after-party stage that takes place near the entrance to the campground. He was pleased to have the opportunity to play alongside two of his friends. They mostly played raw/hardcore sounds to simply keep the after-party going.
“What challenges did you overcome through producing?”
There were so many times when Vyax wanted to just throw his computer out of the window and start over with many projects. He deals with that frustration of low inspiration and disrupted focus. He mentioned that his fix is simply stepping away doing a different task and returning to it at another time or day.
“Where do you see the hardstyle scene going with its sound?”
Vyax mentioned that he just attended Melodic Madness (Melodic Madness is a new daytime concept that is hosted by Jay Reeve and powered by Rebirth events for euphoric hardstyle lovers that take place at Poppodium 013, Tilburg NL). He states that there are more and more general parties that include classic hardstyle tracks and not just the repeated festival ones we would hear most of the time, but many different kinds to remind us of what we’ve been missing. He is noticing that stages at bigger festivals are not only about a “throwback classic” theme (ie Magenta Stage at Defqon.1) but that they have general stages that include euphoric/melodic/and classic-sounding hardstyle.
“‘2024 is a staple and the start of such a euphoric/melodic/classic-sounding hardstyle comeback.’ How do you feel about that?”
Vyax agreed with excitement and humble acknowledgment of the crowds of people requesting this very sound to come back. He believes there is such a niche for this sound and has the potential to segway into its own subgenre of hardstyle. The newer sound wouldn’t be called “classic hardstyle” or “rawstyle,” for example, but it would be its own new subgenre under hard dance music. He believes that it is a magical thing to morph the two sounds of the classic hardstyle sound with new elements so that hardstyle still keeps its meaning and essence of a simple sound while keeping it fresh.
Where do you see the hardstyle community going?
Since Vyax is from The Netherlands, he is privileged with multiple events and parties per week. He has no experience or knowledge of how the scene is around the world. He was curious and asked how the scene was in San Diego. Marcus informed Vyax by explaining that there are passionate fans here who make small things happen sometimes, but the bigger entity here is Insomniac. They throw events that include multi-genre EDM and also hard dance. Bullseye was a recent festival, which was a festival revolving around hardstyle and other hard dance music genres. Marcus shares that San Diego Hardstylerz hopes to pretty much translate the hardstyle scene in NL, but to here in America. Vyax expresses that he considers himself lucky to have the music where he lives and he hopes the scene will continue to grow around the world. He thinks it is cool that San Diego Hardstylerz is doing something in San Diego to spread the love for Hardstyle.
“What dreams do you have for the hardstyle scene?”
Vyax explains that he hopes he can continue growing the sound of classics and have his tracks play more often in sets at different festivals. He would love to secure a spot for the classic sounds at some small stages and parties. Later down the road, he dreams of playing on bigger stages. He also has aspirations to play on the main stage for Rebirth.
“What does the future hold for your fans?”
Vyax is working on one track right now that incorporates newer-sounding elements but with an old-school vibe. He then mentioned 2 more projects down the road he is planning to release soon!
“Are there any tips or advice for aspiring artists or DJs who want to express their creativity through music?
Vyax mentions that the most important thing is to not overthink it. Keep it simple and efficient. If you seem to have “creator’s block,” then step away and return to the project with a newfound inspiration.
For both Marcus and Vyax, this was their first time doing an interview. Both are excited for their futures!
If you want to listen or know more about Vyax, check him out at:
Instagram: Vyax
SoundCloud: Vyax
Spotify: Vyax
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Marcus is one of the leaders of San Diego Hardstylerz. He started listening to house, trance, eurodance, and freestyle as a kid. After a friend showed him hardstyle in 2010, he formed a passion for the scene and music ever since. His hopes are to help thrive the hardstyle scene throughout the states to the best of his ability.
Writer: Marcus
Editor: Herlinda
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