Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
In the electrifying world of hardstyle, few names command the respect and recognition that Gunz for Hire has achieved. Their impact on the genre is undeniable, and to fully appreciate their work, one must first understand the fundamentals of what exactly hardstyle music is. This powerhouse collaboration between Ran-D and Adaro burst onto the scene in 2009, quickly establishing themselves as revolutionary forces with their aggressive beats and unmistakable sound. From their breakthrough track “My Name Is Hardstyle” to their crowning achievement with “Immortal” as the Qlimax anthem, their journey represents the raw essence of hardstyle evolution.
What transformed this duo from newcomers to legends in just a few short years? Perhaps it was their distinctive production style that earned them the ‘Best New Face’ award at the Hard Dance Awards in 2012, or maybe it was tracks like “Sorrow” that topped The Magic Show Top 100. As we explore their origins, breakthrough releases, and undeniable impact on the hardstyle industry, you’ll discover how Gunz for Hire didn’t just participate in the scene—they helped define it.
Table of contents
The Origins and Formation of Gunz For Hire
The collaborative partnership between Ran-D and Adaro
In early 2011, the hardstyle music scene witnessed the emergence of a secretive alliance that would soon become legendary. This mysterious partnership formed by Dutch hardstyle producers Ran-D and Adaro was born out of their shared deep passion for music. The duo, officially known as Gunz For Hire, quickly established themselves as a formidable force in the hardstyle genre, creating a distinctive sound that captivated audiences across Europe.
Early releases under A² Records from 2009
Gunz For Hire’s discography began taking shape in 2009 with their releases under A² Records. Their debut track “My Name Is Hardstyle” (2009) marked the beginning of their collaborative journey. Following this initial success, they continued to build their repertoire with “Under Attack” (2010), showcasing their evolving sound. During this period, they also produced influential bootleg remixes including “In For The Kill” (2010) and “Uprising” (2011), which further cemented their position in the hardstyle community.
Development of their distinctive hardstyle sound
What set Gunz For Hire apart from their contemporaries was their innovative approach to hardstyle music. Their sound is characterized by dark, hard, and raw qualities that resonated strongly with hardstyle enthusiasts. Tracks like “Gangsters Don’t Dance,” “Put It On,” and “Evolution Complete” generated intense excitement among fans, often resulting in explosive reactions on dance floors across the continent.
The mysterious nature of their initial appearance in the scene fueled immense buzz on social media platforms, with speculation about their identities adding to their mystique. This strategic approach to their public image, combined with their exceptional musical talent, contributed significantly to their rapid rise in popularity within the hardstyle community.
With their work eventually released under Roughstate Records, Gunz For Hire solidified their unique position in the rawstyle hardstyle niche, becoming one of the most recognizable acts from the Netherlands. This has rightfully placed them on the list of the most popular and best hardstyle artists in the history of the genre.
Now that we have explored the origins and formation of this influential duo, let’s examine their Notable Releases and Breakthrough Tracks that propelled them to international acclaim within the hardstyle community.
Notable Releases and Breakthrough Tracks
Now that we have explored the origins of Gunz For Hire, let’s examine the groundbreaking tracks that established their reputation in the hardstyle scene.
Early hits including “My Name Is Hardstyle” (2009) and “Under Attack” (2010)
Following their formation, Gunz For Hire quickly made their mark with distinctive early releases. “My Name Is Hardstyle” (2009) served as a powerful introduction to their unique sound, characterized by dark and raw elements that set them apart from other artists in the genre. Shortly after, “Under Attack” (2010) further cemented their growing reputation, showcasing their ability to create tracks that resonated with hardstyle enthusiasts across Europe.
Impact of “Gangsters Don’t Dance” (2011) on the hardstyle scene
In 2011, Gunz For Hire released what would become one of their most iconic tracks, “Gangsters Don’t Dance.” This breakthrough hit exemplified their dark, hard, and raw sound that had been captivating audiences at events nationwide. The track generated unprecedented excitement among hardstyle fans, creating chaotic scenes on dance floors throughout Europe and beyond. “Gangsters Don’t Dance” played a pivotal role in elevating their status within the hardstyle community and solidifying their distinctive musical identity.
Creative bootleg remixes like “In For The Kill” (2010) and “Uprising” (2011)
Beyond their original productions, Gunz For Hire demonstrated their versatility through creative bootleg remixes. Their interpretations of “In For The Kill” (2010) and “Uprising” (2011) showcased their ability to transform existing tracks into hardstyle anthems while maintaining their signature sound. These remixes further highlighted the duo’s innovative approach to music production and expanded their repertoire beyond original compositions, attracting attention from fans across the electronic dance music spectrum.
The significance of “Immortal” as the 2013 Qlimax anthem
Building on their previous successes, Gunz For Hire reached a significant milestone in 2013 when they produced “Immortal” as the official anthem for Qlimax, one of the most prestigious hardstyle events. Creating an anthem for such a massive gathering is an honor, as Qlimax is considered one of the absolute best hardstyle festivals worldwide. This anthem captured the essence of their evolving style and showcased their growth as artists within the hardstyle genre. The selection of Gunz For Hire to create this anthem demonstrated their rising prominence in the scene and their increasingly influential position among hardstyle producers.
With these breakthrough tracks and notable releases establishing their musical identity, Gunz For Hire positioned themselves as innovators in the hardstyle genre. Their collaborations and distinctive sound would soon lead to significant recognition and impact on the industry, which we’ll explore in the next section.
Recognition and Industry Impact
After establishing themselves through their breakthrough tracks and collaborations, Gunz For Hire quickly gained significant recognition in the hardstyle scene. Their unique sound—described as “hard, dark, and undeniably aggressive”—resonated with fans and industry professionals alike, cementing their position as influential figures in the genre.
“Sorrow” featuring Ellie topping The Magic Show Top 100 in 2011
One of the duo’s first major accolades came when their track “Sorrow,” featuring vocalist Ellie, was declared the top hardstyle track of 2011 in The Magic Show Top 100. This track is a timeless masterpiece and is often featured in collections of the all-time greatest hardstyle songs. This recognition validated their distinctive production style and marked them as rising stars in the hardstyle community. “Sorrow” remains one of their iconic tracks, showcasing the raw emotional power that would become a hallmark of their sound.
Winning ‘Best New Face’ at the 2012 Hard Dance Awards
The momentum continued into 2012 when Gunz For Hire won the prestigious ‘Best New Face’ award at the Hard Dance Awards. Winning this award was a testament to their growing influence, setting them on a path to join the ranks of other legendary hardstyle DJs from the scene. This honor recognized the Dutch duo’s fresh approach to hardstyle and their growing influence on the scene. The award came at a pivotal moment in their career, as they were increasingly booked for major events including Decibel Outdoor, Thrillogy, and Qlimax—some of the most significant festivals in the hard dance calendar.
DJ Mag Top 100 rankings in 2012 (#114) and 2013 (#63)
Gunz For Hire’s rising profile was further confirmed by their entry into the DJ Mag Top 100, landing at #114 in 2012. Just one year later, they climbed significantly to #63 in the 2013 rankings—a remarkable achievement that demonstrated their growing international appeal. This rapid ascent in the rankings mirrored their increasing popularity at festivals and events worldwide.
Evolution and influence on the hardstyle genre
The impact of Gunz For Hire on the hardstyle genre extends beyond awards and rankings. As pioneers in the rawstyle subgenre, Thijs Ploegmakers (Adaro) and Randy Wieland (Ran-D) have helped shape the evolution of hardstyle music through their distinctive production techniques and theatrical performances. For aspiring producers inspired by their unique sound, it is crucial to learn how to make your own hardstyle music to get started.
Their first American tour in 2013 was a significant milestone, introducing their aggressive sound to new audiences and helping to globalize the hardstyle movement. After a brief hiatus, the duo returned in 2015 with renewed energy and continued to innovate within the genre.
Most recently, Gunz For Hire made a triumphant comeback with their “Death or Glory” show following the pandemic lockdowns. Their performance at Rebirth Festival demonstrated their enduring appeal and ability to connect with fans after extended periods away from the stage. The duo continues to approach their craft with the same collaborative spirit that made them successful, with each member contributing equally to create their uniquely recognizable sound.
Through their releases, performances, and artistic vision, Gunz For Hire have secured their legacy as influential architects of modern hardstyle, pushing boundaries while maintaining the raw energy that first earned them recognition.
Conclusion
Gunz For Hire has undeniably left their mark on the hardstyle scene since their formation. From their early breakthrough tracks like “My Name Is Hardstyle” and “Gangsters Don’t Dance” to their crowning achievement with “Immortal” as the Qlimax anthem, the duo’s powerful productions have shaped the genre’s evolution. Their impressive discography of originals and remixes demonstrates their artistic vision and technical prowess.
The industry has taken notice of their contributions, with accolades including “Sorrow” being named the top hardstyle track of 2011 and their “Best New Face” award at the Hard Dance Awards. Their rising positions in the DJ Mag Top 100 rankings further cement their status as influential figures in hardstyle. As they continue to push boundaries with their masked personas and aggressive sound, Gunz For Hire remains a dominant force that has helped elevate hardstyle to new heights on the global electronic music stage.
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FAQs
Gunz for Hire is a world-renowned rawstyle hardstyle duo formed in 2011, consisting of Dutch DJs and producers Randy “Ran-D” Wieland and Thijs “Adaro” Ploegmakers. They are known for their dark, aggressive sound and theatrical stage presence.
Some of their most influential tracks include their early hit “Gangsters Don’t Dance,” the award-winning “Sorrow,” and their famous anthem for the Qlimax 2013 event, “Immortal.”
Their sound is characterized by its hard, dark, and raw qualities. They pioneered a more aggressive and unfiltered version of hardstyle, often referred to as rawstyle, which has significantly influenced the genre’s evolution.
In 2011, their track “Sorrow” was named the top track in The Magic Show Top 100. The following year, they won the ‘Best New Face’ award at the 2012 Hard Dance Awards and have consistently ranked in the DJ Mag Top 100.
They are considered influential not only for their groundbreaking rawstyle productions but also for their captivating live performances and strong brand identity. They helped globalize the hardstyle movement and continue to be a dominant force in the scene.