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Top 100 DJs / 36. Headhunterz

2010
36
Headhunterz
Moved Down

36. Headhunterz

Style: Hard dance
Best known for: Bringing the melody in hardstyle
Gig of 2010: X-Qlusive Headhunterz, Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam in January
Tune of 2010: Brennan Heart 'Just As Easy (Wildstylez & SMD Remix)'
Breakthrough DJ/Producer of 2010: Psyko Punkz
Best new club visited this year? Funpark in Hannover, Germany
Favourite non-dance album of 2010? Sticks & A.R.T 'Alledaagse Waanzin'
Essential three suitcase tour items? iPad stuffed with Lost episodes, phone with Twitter/Facebook, a good book or magazine
Which actor would play you in a film of your life? Wentworth Miller
Best thing about being a DJ? Getting to share with people what you love the most
Best end-of-the-night tune? Noisecontrollers 'The Yellow Minute (Alpha2 Remix)'

Headhunterz is yet another DJ from Holland, although he has developed his sound outside the realm of trance. Willem Rebergen was somewhat of a child prodigy - singing and acting - before getting his hands on some decks, aged 12. Starting to produce his adopted sound of hardstyle a few years later, he was offered a record deal by hardstyle icon The Prophet with Scantraxx Records, and has now released nearly 20 EPs.

The melodies of trance, that ubiquitous Dutch sound, have influenced his productions in the way that he's brought melody into the hardstyle scene.

"Hardstyle used to be darker and more techno-ish a few years ago," Willem tells DJmag. "I was one of the first to give it a trancey twist, and nowadays this melodic hardstyle is the most popular type."

2010 has been his most successful year so far.

"A year where my international bookings overtook my national ones," he says. "This year I also realized some things. I know where I'm heading, I know what I'm doing it for, and I know what it takes.

His 2010 highlight was his own sold-out party at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam. "It was an amazing night - a milestone in my career and personal life. I could have never imagined getting so far."

Words: Carl Loben

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