Noisecontrollers: Signature Kicks, Emotional Melodies, and Global Impact

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

In the pulsating world of electronic music, few names resonate with as much power and innovation as Noisecontrollers. From humble beginnings in Veenendaal, Netherlands, Bas Oskam transformed from a local DJ into one of hardstyle’s most influential figures. Initially performing as a duo with Arjan Terpstra before continuing solo after 2013, Noisecontrollers has spent over a decade crafting melodious hardstyle beats that have electrified dance floors across the globe. With chart-topping tracks like “Music = Love” and festival anthems for Defqon.1, Noisecontrollers hasn’t just participated in the hardstyle movement—they’ve helped define it.

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of this Dutch maestro who reached #27 in DJ Mag’s prestigious Top 100 DJs ranking. From groundbreaking albums like “E=Nc² (The Science of Hardstyle)” to performances at major festivals including TomorrowWorld, we’ll dive into how Noisecontrollers continues to push the boundaries of electronic music through their Utrecht-based studio. Discover the evolution, career highlights, industry impact, discography, and global presence of one of hardstyle’s most enduring legends.

The Evolution of Noisecontrollers

Origins as a duo with Arjan Terpstra

The story of Noisecontrollers began in 2005 when two Dutch producers, Bas Oskam and Arjan Terpstra, joined forces. Both already had experience in the hardstyle scene, but together they created something magical. Their chemistry was undeniable, pumping out tracks that quickly caught the attention of hardstyle fans worldwide.

During their partnership, they released game-changing hits like “Creatures” and “Summer in the City” that defined the evolving hardstyle sound. Their breakthrough moment came with “Attack Again” in 2007, which showcased their signature blend of hard-hitting kicks and melodic elements.

What made the duo special wasn’t just technical skill – it was their ability to bring emotion into a genre often focused on aggression. They landed on major labels like Fusion and Q-dance Records, cementing their position as hardstyle innovators.

Transition to Bas Oskam’s solo project in 2013

In 2013, the hardstyle world was shocked when Arjan announced his departure. Creative differences and personal goals led to an amicable split, with Bas continuing under the Noisecontrollers name.

The transition wasn’t easy. Fans wondered if the magic would remain with just one half of the duo. Bas faced the enormous pressure of maintaining the Noisecontrollers legacy while establishing his own identity.

His first solo releases answered those doubts emphatically. Tracks like “Down Down” and “What?!” proved Bas could carry the torch forward. The sound evolved but remained recognizably Noisecontrollers – a testament to his role in shaping the project’s core identity all along.

Development of a distinctive melodious hardstyle sound

Noisecontrollers’ sound has always balanced raw energy with musical sophistication, but Bas as a solo artist pushed this fusion even further.

His background as a classically trained musician shines through in complex arrangements that stand apart in the hardstyle landscape. While many producers chase trends, Noisecontrollers consistently creates timeless tracks with emotional depth.

The 2014 album “All Around” perfectly captured this evolution – maintaining the powerful kicks and energetic buildups fans expect, but layering in intricate melodies and harmonic progressions that elevate the music beyond typical dance floor material.

If you’re new to the genre, dive into the roots of Hardstyle music and grab some inspiring Hardstyle Sample Packs to craft kicks in the Noisecontrollers spirit.

This distinctive approach influenced countless producers and helped hardstyle gain mainstream recognition. You can hear the Noisecontrollers DNA in an entire generation of artists who blend technical production with musical storytelling.

Despite years in the game, Bas continues refining his sound with each release, staying true to hardstyle’s core while constantly pushing its boundaries.

Musical Career Highlights

A. Debut album “E=Nc² (The Science of Hardstyle)” (2012)

Noisecontrollers dropped a genuine game-changer with their 2012 debut album. This wasn’t just another hardstyle collection—it was a musical manifesto that showcased their unique sound design and production skills.

The album title itself reveals their approach: applying scientific precision to hardstyle music. Tracks like “Gimme Love” and “So High” became instant classics, blending emotional melodies with powerful kicks that still tear up dance floors today.

What made this album stand out was how it balanced commercial appeal with underground credibility. While many artists were pushing either raw or euphoric styles, Noisecontrollers crafted something that satisfied both worlds.

B. Solo album “All Around” (2014)

After Bas left the duo in 2013, Bas Oskam continued the Noisecontrollers legacy with “All Around” in 2014. This solo project wasn’t just a continuation—it was a bold evolution.

The album showed Oskam wasn’t afraid to experiment, incorporating influences from outside the hardstyle bubble while maintaining the signature Noisecontrollers sound. Tracks like “Down Down” and “What?” demonstrated his versatility as both a producer and artist.

Critics praised the album for its production quality and musical depth. It proved that even as a solo act, Noisecontrollers could still deliver music that pushed the genre forward.

C. Creation of festival anthems for Defqon.1 and Decibel

Nothing cements a hardstyle artist’s legacy like creating official festival anthems, and Noisecontrollers mastered this art.

Their 2009 Defqon.1 anthem “Unite” became one of the most recognizable hardstyle tracks ever produced. The combination of goosebump-inducing melodies and that signature kick drum created a perfect festival soundtrack.

For Decibel, they crafted “World of Madness” alongside Wildstylez and Headhunterz—a supergroup collaboration that hardstyle fans still talk about. The track perfectly captured the festival’s energy and atmosphere.

These anthems weren’t just songs—they became part of hardstyle culture, defining entire festival experiences for thousands of fans. When you hear these tracks today, they instantly transport you back to those massive festival grounds, hands in the air, surrounded by fellow hardstyle lovers.

Noisecontrollers’ Industry Impact

Rankings in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list

When measuring a DJ’s global impact, DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll stands as the industry’s most recognized benchmark. Noisecontrollers didn’t just make the list—they dominated it during hardstyle’s explosive growth period. Starting in 2010, they broke into the elite ranks, showcasing how hardstyle was gaining mainstream recognition beyond its underground roots.

Their consistent presence in the poll reflected something bigger than popularity. It validated hardstyle as a legitimate force in electronic music when many dismissed the genre as too niche or aggressive for wide appeal.

Peak position at #27 in 2012

2012 marked Noisecontrollers’ crowning achievement in the DJ Mag rankings. Hitting #27 put them in rarefied air—surrounded by commercial EDM superstars with major label backing and radio play. For a hardstyle act to reach such heights was unprecedented.

This peak position coincided with their album “E=NC²” which revolutionized hardstyle production standards. The timing wasn’t coincidental. Their technical innovations and boundary-pushing sound earned respect from peers across all electronic genres.

Pioneering influence in the hardstyle genre

Noisecontrollers didn’t just participate in hardstyle—they fundamentally reshaped it. Their production techniques became the blueprint others followed.

Their pioneering spirit manifested in several game-changing ways:

• Introducing cinematic elements and complex melodic structures when most producers relied on formulaic patterns
  
• Perfecting the “reverse bass” technique that became hardstyle’s signature sound
  
• Elevating production quality to levels previously unseen in harder dance music
  
• Creating crossover tracks that introduced hardstyle to new audiences
  

What set them apart wasn’t just technical skill, but their willingness to evolve. While many hardstyle producers found a formula and stuck with it, Noisecontrollers constantly pushed into new territory, forcing the entire genre to keep up or be left behind.

Discography and Musical Output

Multiple studio albums and compilation releases

Noisecontrollers hasn’t just dabbled in hardstyle – they’ve dominated it with an impressive catalog that spans over a decade. Their studio albums showcase their evolution from raw sounds to polished productions.

Their debut album “E=NC²” dropped in 2012 and immediately set them apart with its scientific theme and groundbreaking sound design. Follow-up albums like “All Around” (2014) and “All Night Long” (2015) cemented their reputation as hardstyle innovators.

Beyond full albums, Noisecontrollers released several compilations that captured different phases of their artistic journey. “10 Years Noisecontrollers” celebrated their first decade with reimagined classics and new material that reminded fans why they fell in love with their sound in the first place.

Notable tracks like “Music = Love” and “End Of Our Light”

The real magic of Noisecontrollers lies in their unforgettable singles. “Music = Love” isn’t just a track – it’s practically a hardstyle anthem with its uplifting melody and powerful message about music’s unifying force.

“End Of Our Light” showcases their signature blend of emotional melodies and hard-hitting kicks. The track’s progression takes listeners on a journey from introspective moments to explosive drops that demolish dancefloors.

Other standout releases include:

• “So High” – with its infectious vocal hooks
  
• “Summer In The City” – capturing euphoric festival vibes
  
• “Down Down” – demonstrating their technical prowess
  
• “Creatures” – pushing hardstyle boundaries
  

Contributions to Hardstyle and Hard Dance genres

Noisecontrollers didn’t just ride the hardstyle wave – they helped shape it. Their production techniques revolutionized what was possible within the genre, influencing countless producers who followed.

Their pioneering approach to kick drum design set new standards for hardstyle production. While many producers focused solely on aggression, Noisecontrollers found that perfect balance between melodic beauty and raw power.

What truly sets them apart is their ability to evolve. From their early raw sounds to more refined productions, they’ve constantly pushed forward while maintaining their distinctive identity. Whether headlining major festivals or releasing experimental tracks, Noisecontrollers continues to be a driving force in hardstyle’s global rise.

Performance and Global Presence

Appearances at major electronic music festivals

Noisecontrollers has dominated the main stages of virtually every significant electronic music festival on the planet. From the sprawling grounds of Tomorrowland in Belgium to the intense energy of Defqon.1 in the Netherlands, their performances have become legendary within the hardstyle community.

What sets them apart is their uncanny ability to read the crowd. When Noisecontrollers steps on stage, the energy shifts instantly. Their sets blend technically flawless mixing with raw emotional power that sends tens of thousands of fans into synchronized madness.

The numbers don’t lie. Their Qlimax performances alone have racked up millions of views online, with fans dissecting every transition and drop like musical archaeologists.

Performances at TomorrowWorld and Decibel Outdoor Festival

Their 2014 TomorrowWorld set in Atlanta stands as a watershed moment for hardstyle in America. Playing to a packed crowd who might have been unfamiliar with the genre, Noisecontrollers converted thousands of new fans in a single hour-long sonic assault.

At Decibel Outdoor, they’re practically royalty. Their 2018 closing set still gets talked about in forums – that moment when they dropped “Summer In The City” as the sun was setting? Pure magic.

“We don’t just play tracks,” Bas said in a 2019 interview. “We tell stories with sound.”

Worldwide recognition as a leading Hardstyle act

Noisecontrollers isn’t just big in Europe anymore. Their global footprint extends to sold-out shows in Australia, Asia, and North America. What started as a Dutch underground phenomenon has evolved into an international movement with them at the helm.

They’ve achieved something rare: respect from both hardcore genre purists and mainstream EDM fans. Their production techniques have been studied and emulated by a generation of producers, while their business model of maintaining artistic integrity while achieving commercial success serves as a blueprint.

Japanese fans camp overnight for tickets. South American hardstyle communities organize viewing parties for their livestreams. This isn’t just popularity – it’s cultural impact.

Conclusion

Noisecontrollers has undeniably shaped the hardstyle genre over more than a decade of musical innovation. From Bas Oskam’s early partnership with Arjan Terpstra to his continued success as a solo artist, his contributions have left an indelible mark on electronic music. With landmark albums like “E=Nc² (The Science of Hardstyle)” and “All Around,” as well as creating anthems for major festivals including Defqon.1 and Decibel, Noisecontrollers has consistently pushed the boundaries of melodic hardstyle.

As Noisecontrollers continues to perform at global events and release new music through various labels including their own Digital Age, their influence shows no signs of diminishing. For fans of hardstyle and electronic music, exploring their extensive discography offers a journey through the evolution of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime follower or new to their sound, Noisecontrollers represents the perfect blend of technical production and emotional resonance that defines the best of hardstyle music.

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