Showtek: The Dutch Hardstyle and EDM Powerhouse

Showtek is a Dutch electronic music duo consisting of brothers Sjoerd and Wouter Janssen. Hailing from Eindhoven, the Netherlands, the pair have evolved from hardstyle pioneers to major EDM hitmakers, achieving multi-platinum certifications and global chart success with anthems like "Bad" and "Booyah".

Early career

Brothers Sjoerd and Wouter Janssen formed Showtek in 2001, emerging from the burgeoning Dutch hard dance scene. Their early work, released on labels like Dutch Master Works and Q-Dance, was instrumental in defining the raw, energetic sound of early hardstyle.

They built a dedicated fanbase with tracks like "FTS" and "The Colour of the Harder Styles," showcasing a focus on complex melodies and pounding kick drums. This period established them as leading producers within the genre's underground circuit.

Breakthrough

Showtek's mainstream breakthrough arrived in the early 2010s as they strategically shifted towards a more accessible big room and electro house sound. Their 2012 collaboration with Justin Prime, "Cannonball," became a festival staple and charted internationally, signaling their crossover potential.

This transition was solidified by their 2013 single "Booyah," featuring We Are Loud and Sonny Wilson, which became a global smash. The track reached the Top 10 in multiple countries, including the UK and Australia, and has earned platinum certifications worldwide.

Key tracks

Booyah — This 2013 vocal house track was their commercial peak, achieving multi-platinum status and becoming a ubiquitous festival anthem.

Bad — Featuring vocals from David Guetta and Vassy, this 2014 hit further cemented their EDM stardom with high chart placements and massive radio play.

Cannonball — Their 2012 collaboration with Justin Prime served as a pivotal bridge between their hardstyle roots and the emerging big room sound.

FTS — An early hardstyle classic that remains a definitive track from their formative years, showcasing their production prowess within the genre.

Following their EDM success, Showtek continued to release high-profile collaborations with artists like Hardwell, Noisecontrollers, and MC Ambush. They founded their own label, Skink, in 2014, releasing music by themselves and other talents.

In a notable full-circle movement, the brothers have recently re-embraced their hardstyle origins, performing at major hard dance events and releasing new music that pays homage to their foundational sound. This move has been celebrated by their long-time fans.

For listeners who enjoy the high-energy sounds of Showtek, our station network also features music from similar Dutch electronic acts. Hardwell shares their trajectory from Dutch roots to global big room dominance. Headhunterz is another pivotal figure in the hardstyle genre who also achieved crossover success. W & W crafts a similar blend of festival-ready big room anthems with massive melodic hooks. Noisecontrollers represents the technical and artistic pinnacle of the hardstyle sound that Showtek helped pioneer.

The music of Showtek maintains a strong presence on electronic dance music stations across our network. Their catalog, from hardstyle classics to platinum EDM records, fuels sets on dedicated big room channels, hard dance streams, and mainstream electronic music stations, ensuring their beats reach fans of all subgenres.

You can experience the evolving sound of Showtek, from their Dutch hardstyle beginnings to their chart-topping EDM, by tuning into the electronic music radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Our platform connects you directly to stations that regularly spin their iconic tracks.