Showtek

As seasoned experts in the electronic dance music (EDM) industry, we’ve watched countless artists rise and evolve, but few have made as lasting an impact as Showtek. This dynamic duo of brothers, Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen, hailing from the Netherlands, has captivated audiences around the world with their electrifying performances and genre-blending tracks. 

Starting out in the hardstyle scene, Showtek has seamlessly transitioned into a powerhouse in progressive and electro house, showcasing their incredible versatility and talent. Showtek’s journey is marked by constant innovation and adaptation, making them a standout act in the ever-changing EDM landscape. 

Early Life & Background

Showtek, the renowned EDM duo, consists of Dutch brothers Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen. Born and raised in Eindhoven, Netherlands, both brothers displayed a keen interest in music from an early age. Wouter, born on August 30, 1982, and Sjoerd, born on April 6, 1984, were naturally inclined toward musical exploration. 

Their early years were marked by a deep curiosity about various musical genres, which eventually led them to discover their passion for electronic dance music (EDM).

Growing up in Eindhoven, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, the Janssen brothers were surrounded by a rich tapestry of musical influences. The Netherlands has long been a hotbed for electronic music, and the thriving local scene provided Wouter and Sjoerd with ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the genre. 

They were particularly inspired by the energy and innovation of the Dutch electronic music landscape, which would later become a cornerstone of their musical style.

In their teenage years, Wouter and Sjoerd began experimenting with electronic sounds, driven by a shared passion for music production. They spent countless hours honing their skills, learning the intricacies of sound design, and mastering the art of crafting compelling beats. This period of intense experimentation and learning was crucial in shaping their future careers.

Their fascination with hardstyle, a genre known for its aggressive beats and euphoric melodies, became the foundation of their early musical endeavors. Hardstyle, which emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, resonated with the brothers due to its high-energy, pulsating rhythms and the sense of community within its fanbase. 

This genre provided them with a platform to channel their creative energies and begin making a name for themselves in the electronic music world. As they immersed themselves deeper into hardstyle, the Janssen brothers quickly gained recognition for their innovative approach to music production. 

Their early tracks were characterized by a unique blend of hard-hitting beats and melodic elements, setting them apart from other artists in the genre. This distinct sound caught the attention of the local electronic music community and helped them build a loyal following.

The combination of their early exposure to the Dutch electronic music scene, their relentless pursuit of musical excellence, and their innate talent for production laid a solid foundation for Showtek’s future success. 

As they continued to evolve as artists, Wouter and Sjoerd remained true to their roots while constantly pushing the boundaries of their sound, ultimately becoming one of the most influential acts in the global EDM landscape.

Breakthrough in the EDM Scene

Showtek’s breakthrough came with the release of their debut album, “Today is Tomorrow,” in 2007. 

This album marked a significant milestone in their career, propelling them from local Dutch talent to international stars in the hardstyle genre. “Today is Tomorrow” received both critical acclaim and commercial success, making a substantial impact on the global EDM scene.

The album featured standout tracks like “FTS” and “The Colour of the Harder Style,” which quickly became anthems within the hardstyle community. “FTS,” with its hard-hitting beats and memorable melodies, captured the essence of hardstyle and deeply resonated with fans. 

“The Colour of the Harder Style” further showcased Showtek’s talent for creating energetic and powerful tracks that could dominate dance floors and festival stages alike. These songs highlighted their innovative approach to music production, blending aggressive beats with euphoric melodies in a way that felt both fresh and exciting.

Showtek’s unique sound quickly set them apart from other artists in the hardstyle genre. Their ability to craft tracks that were both technically impressive and emotionally engaging earned them a dedicated fanbase and the respect of their peers. 

The success of “Today is Tomorrow” opened doors for the duo, leading to invitations to perform at major festivals and events around the world. Their energetic live performances and dynamic stage presence further solidified their reputation as pioneers in the hardstyle scene.

In addition to their album’s success, Showtek’s innovative production techniques and distinctive sound design played a crucial role in their rise to prominence. They were among the first to experiment with combining hardstyle elements with influences from other EDM genres, such as house and trance. 

This willingness to push boundaries and explore new musical territories helped them stay ahead of the curve and maintain their relevance in the rapidly evolving world of electronic music. Their growing popularity led to performances at some of the biggest and most prestigious festivals in the world, including Tomorrowland, Defqon.1, and Qlimax. 

These high-profile gigs allowed Showtek to reach a broader audience and showcase their music to thousands of new fans. Their sets, known for their high energy and seamless mixing, quickly became fan favorites, further cementing their status as leading figures in the hardstyle scene.

The success of “Today is Tomorrow” marked the beginning of a new era for Showtek. It not only established them as top-tier artists in the hardstyle genre but also set the stage for their future evolution as musicians. 

With their debut album, Showtek demonstrated their ability to innovate and push the boundaries of electronic music, paving the way for their continued success and influence in the EDM world. As they moved forward, they would continue to evolve their sound and explore new musical horizons, always staying true to their roots while embracing new influences and ideas.

Signature Sound & Production Techniques

Showtek is known for their dynamic and high-energy sound, which features heavy basslines, catchy melodies, and infectious beats. They effortlessly blend elements of hardstyle, house, and electro to create a unique and versatile sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners. 

What Type of EDM is Showtek?

Showtek’s music primarily falls within the genres of hardstyle, big room house, and electro house. The duo initially made their mark in the hardstyle community, a genre known for its fast-paced beats, aggressive kicks, and euphoric melodies. 

Their early work in this field established them as pioneers, earning them a dedicated following among hardstyle enthusiasts. Tracks like “FTS” and “The Colour of the Harder Style” are classic examples of their hardstyle roots, showcasing their ability to create high-energy, impactful music that resonates deeply with fans.

As their career progressed, Showtek began to explore and incorporate elements of big room house and electro house into their music. Big room house, characterized by its anthemic drops, massive basslines, and festival-ready energy, became a significant influence on their sound. 

This transition allowed them to craft tracks that were not only hard-hitting but also widely accessible, appealing to a broader audience beyond the hardstyle community.

Electro house, with its complex synth patterns, driving rhythms, and catchy hooks, further diversified Showtek’s musical palette. The duo’s ability to blend these sub-genres seamlessly has been a hallmark of their production style. 

This versatility has enabled them to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving EDM landscape, continuously attracting new listeners while retaining their core fanbase.

Showtek’s evolution from hardstyle to a more mainstream EDM sound has been key to their sustained success. This transition allowed them to perform at some of the world’s largest and most prestigious festivals, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival. 

Their dynamic live performances, characterized by high energy and a diverse setlist, have made them a staple on the global festival circuit.

The duo’s ability to adapt and innovate within the EDM genre has also led to numerous collaborations with major artists. These partnerships have not only expanded their reach but also showcased their talent for merging different styles and creating unique, memorable tracks. 

Showtek’s work with artists like David Guetta, Tiësto, and Major Lazer has resulted in chart-topping hits that continue to dominate dance floors and airwaves worldwide.

Similar Artists to Showtek

Several artists share similarities with Showtek in terms of style and sound. Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. W&W: Known for their big room house and trance-influenced sound, W&W often collaborate with Showtek on various projects. Their music is characterized by powerful drops and anthemic melodies, much like Showtek’s.

2. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike: This Belgian duo is famous for their high-energy big room house tracks and festival anthems. Their explosive performances and chart-topping hits resonate with Showtek’s audience, making them a favorite at major festivals.

3. Blasterjaxx: Specializing in big room house and electro house, Blasterjaxx’s music resonates with Showtek’s fans. Their tracks are known for their high energy, massive drops, and infectious melodies, aligning well with Showtek’s signature style.

4. Hardwell: Another Dutch DJ and producer, Hardwell’s big room house and progressive house tracks share a similar energy to Showtek’s music. His dynamic performances and consistently strong productions have earned him a place among the top names in EDM, much like Showtek.

5. Tiësto: A legend in the EDM scene, Tiësto has collaborated with Showtek and shares a similar approach to blending various EDM sub-genres. His ability to adapt and innovate within the genre mirrors Showtek’s own evolution, making him a kindred spirit in the EDM community.

Discography

Showtek’s discography is extensive and includes numerous hit singles, albums, and collaborations. Their evolution from hardstyle pioneers to mainstream EDM icons is reflected in their diverse body of work. Here are some of their most notable releases:

Albums:

• Today is Tomorrow (2007): This debut album was a major success in the hardstyle genre, featuring tracks that became anthems within the community.

• Analogue Players in a Digital World (2009): This album continued their hardstyle dominance and included a mix of powerful, energetic tracks that showcased their production prowess.

Singles:

• “Booyah” (with We Are Loud and Sonny Wilson): A massive hit that combines reggae influences with big room house, becoming a festival favorite.

• “Bad” (with David Guetta): A chart-topping track known for its catchy hook and high-energy drop, further cementing Showtek’s place in the mainstream EDM scene.

• “Cannonball” (with Justin Prime): This track’s powerful drop and infectious melody made it a staple in DJ sets worldwide.

• “Sun Goes Down” (with We Are Loud): Another big hit that blends melodic elements with a strong festival vibe.

Collaborations:

• “We Like to Party” (with Hardwell): A collaboration that brought together two giants of the EDM world, resulting in a high-energy track perfect for festivals.

• “Believer” (with Major Lazer): This track merges Showtek’s energetic style with Major Lazer’s distinct sound, creating a unique and powerful anthem.

• “Follow Me” (with Twoloud): A collaboration that highlights their ability to blend different EDM sub-genres seamlessly.

Tours & Live Performances

Showtek is known for their electrifying live performances and extensive tours, headlining major EDM festivals around the globe. They have made their mark at some of the biggest and most prestigious events, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Creamfields. 

Their high-energy sets and incredible ability to connect with the audience make each performance an unforgettable experience. At Tomorrowland, one of the world’s most iconic festivals, Showtek’s sets are always a crowd favorite. 

Their powerful, energetic performances draw massive audiences, creating moments that fans remember long after the festival is over. Similarly, at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Showtek’s dynamic sound takes center stage, captivating a global audience with seamless mixing and an electrifying stage presence.

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), known for its spectacular production and vibrant atmosphere, is another key venue for Showtek. Their performances at EDC are characterized by infectious energy, massive drops, and an unparalleled ability to connect with the crowd, providing a euphoric experience for festival-goers.

Creamfields, a major player in the festival scene, has witnessed some of Showtek’s most memorable sets. Their talent for adapting their performance to match the unique vibe of each festival ensures that every show is distinct and unforgettable.

Showtek’s tours also include stops at iconic venues and clubs, offering fans a chance to experience their music in more intimate settings. These performances showcase their versatility as artists and deliver a different but equally thrilling experience. 

Whether playing to a massive festival crowd or an intimate club audience, Showtek’s ability to engage and energize remains unmatched. Their consistent presence on the global festival circuit has firmly established Showtek as a staple in the EDM community. 

Their live performances go beyond just a show; they are an immersive experience, a journey through sound and energy that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who attends.

Personal Life & Off-stage Persona

Off-stage, Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen, the talented brothers behind Showtek, are known for their down-to-earth personalities and strong bond. Despite their global fame, they’ve managed to stay humble and accessible, often connecting with fans through social media. 

They enjoy sharing glimpses of their personal lives, giving fans a peek into who they are beyond the music. Family and friends are at the core of the Janssen brothers’ lives. They frequently talk about their close-knit relationships and the support they receive from their loved ones. 

Eindhoven, their hometown, holds a special place in their hearts. The brothers often express their love for the city and its vibrant cultural scene, crediting it with playing a significant role in their musical journey. No matter where their careers take them, they always return to Eindhoven, staying connected to their roots.

Follow Showtek

To stay updated with Showtek’s latest releases, tours, and personal updates, follow them on their official social media accounts:

• Instagram: @showtek
• Twitter: @SHOWTEK
• Facebook: Showtek
• YouTube: Showtek Official