Anthony Donner
"Hardstyle isn't just music—it's a movement, a community, a way of life. This book is my attempt to capture that magic and preserve it for future generations."
ARTISTS VISITED
HOURS OF VIDEO
INTERVIEWS
PHOTOS TAKEN
KM TRAVELING
Why It Took 5 Years?
"I didn't want to make just another coffee table book. I wanted to create a time capsule that would preserve this culture for generations to come."
— Anthony Donner
The 5-Year Journey
From the very beginning, I had one clear mission: THIS IS HARDSTYLE had to become the book the hardstyle scene truly deserves. That's why I chose to personally interview and photograph every artist. No interviews over email or video calls, only real conversations in their homes or studios. And instead of using standard press photos, I created exclusive portraits in their own environment. I also recorded every video interview on location. These interviews were an essential part of the project; through QR codes in the book, readers can not only watch the interviews but also listen to music from the featured artists.
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The Journey
5 Years. One Mission.
Year 1
The Idea & Vision
Before a single interview was recorded, I spent six months researching the scene and speaking with artists, industry professionals, and fans. Those conversations became the
foundation of THIS IS HARDSTYLE.
Years 1–4
On the Road
For nearly four years, I travelled across Europe to meet artists in their homes and studios. More than 160 artists took part, resulting in exclusive interviews, portraits, and video interviews. In total, I drove over 40,000 kilometres to make it happen.
The Pause
After years of travelling, production, and countless hours of work, the project took its toll. I stepped away for nearly a year before returning with fresh energy and a renewed determination to finish the book.
Years 4–5
Bringing It All Together
Sorting and editing tens of thousands of photos, editing hundreds of hours of video interviews, writing and refining the book, searching for fan photos, collecting artist and management approvals, book design, and production all came together to bring THIS IS HARDSTYLE to life.
Year 5
Sharing the Story
Building the website, creating the marketing campaign, organizing the launch event, and preparing the release of THIS IS HARDSTYLE.
The Next Chapter
THIS IS HARDSTYLE: The History
While creating THIS IS HARDSTYLE, I collected so much historical material that it became clear the history of hardstyle deserved a book of its own. The next publication tells the complete story of how hardstyle evolved, from its earliest roots to the global movement it is today. The journey doesn't end here.
Year 1
The Idea & Vision
Before a single interview was recorded, I spent six months researching the scene and speaking with artists, industry professionals, and fans. Those conversations became the
foundation of THIS IS HARDSTYLE.
Years 1–4
On the Road
For nearly four years, I travelled across Europe to meet artists in their homes and studios. More than 160 artists took part, resulting in exclusive interviews, portraits, and video interviews. In total, I drove over 40,000 kilometres to make it happen.
The Pause
After years of travelling, production, and countless hours of work, the project took its toll. I stepped away for nearly a year before returning with fresh energy and a renewed determination to finish the book.
Years 4–5
Bringing It All Together
Sorting and editing tens of thousands of photos, editing hundreds of hours of video interviews, writing and refining the book, searching for fan photos, collecting artist and management approvals, book design, and production all came together to bring THIS IS HARDSTYLE to life.
Year 5
Sharing the Story
Building the website, creating the marketing campaign, organizing the launch event, and preparing the release of THIS IS HARDSTYLE.
The Next Chapter
THIS IS HARDSTYLE: The History
While creating THIS IS HARDSTYLE, I collected so much historical material that it became clear the history of hardstyle deserved a book of its own. The next publication tells the complete story of how hardstyle evolved, from its earliest roots to the global movement it is today. The journey doesn't end here.
Experience The Result
Years of dedication, passion and hard work.
Now it's your turn to own a piece of hardstyle history.
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