After great solo tracks, some big bangers produced together with Ran-D as Gunz For Hire, and Roughstate we wondered how things are going with ‘The Haunter of the Dark’. So, let’s step into the Dark Universe of ‘Thijs Ploegmakers’ aka DJ Adaro!
Hi Adaro! First of all, how was it closing Defqon.1 at the Red stage?
Hey! It was really amazing and for me the highlight of the year so far! I have never received so many comments on a set. It went completely as I hoped it would, really crazy.
Adaro @ Defqon.1 2015
Previously, you were a member of Driftwood. What made you to make the transition from trance to hardstyle music?
It wasn’t a real transition. I always listened to all kinds of music and also produced all styles. I think, I had to focus on hardstyle at one point because it doesn’t help to do multiple things at once.
Is there anything in particular that inspires you to do a new track?
It can be anything and it’s never the same. It could be music, other than hardstyle, movies or visiting parties. Sometimes you start with a melody, other times with a sound or a vocal, it’s always something else. That is why it is still so much fun!
Earlier interviews have shown, that you also love house music, including music from Chocolate Puma. What are your thoughts about making a track with Chocolate Puma or another artist? Or do you think your fans will not appreciate it?
I am indeed a real house fan and have been that all my life. I like electronic music. If I am going to make a house track (with artists outside the hardstyle scene) then I would totally disconnect from Adaro and do it under a different alias. The reason is simple: I want to have a clear separation. Adaro stands for hardstyle and always will be.
For the song Dark Universe you have worked with Rob Gee, where he provided the vocals. We know that he is one of your hardcore heroes. Do you have any other artists that you would really like to work with and why? Besides that, the second climax of the track is faster than usual – will we see more of this in the future?
Rob Gee is indeed one of the hardcore legends, whose music I grew up with. I’m very happy to be able to produce a track with him. We will certainly work together more often.
In the future, in terms of vocals, I would like to work together with famous rappers from the past. I really love hip hop produced in the late eighties, early nineties. Working together with one of those distinctive voices from that time seems crazy!
For ‘Dark Universe’ we thought we had to do this because it’s a collaboration with Rob Gee!
I insisted to get an early rave feeling in the track, so that’s what inspired the 160bpm piece. When it suits the track I may use it more often in the future
At Fantasy Island you did host your own stage, how did you experience it? Would you ever host another stage at a festival?
I enjoyed it a lot! I think it’s really an honor to host your own stage at a festival. The hosting at Fantasy Island was truly a wonderful experience and I had a great day!
It is a great festival, everything was arranged to perfection. The whole day the indoor stage was fully packed, the sound was balanced and there was the real ‘Dark Universe’ atmosphere!
Sure! I’m already thinking about next year. I definitely want to continue the hostings.
Let’s talk about the latest change. What is the idea behind Roughstate and what are your plans for the future?
We are friends and have united our forces because we all think the same about hardstyle and its future. The idea is to release our tracks on this label and occasionally welcome a release from another fellow artist.
At the moment there are no immediate plans to sign new artists and talents, the reason for this is that we don’t have enough time to give talents the proper guidance they need. Anyway, talents will still be supported in our DJ sets. Good demos remain welcome.
Randy Wieland (Ran-D) is part of Roughstate a good friend of yours, where did you meet him?
He is indeed one of my best friends. We met at a nightclub in the village where I live (Schaijk). I was a resident DJ and he was booked to perform that night. We started talking about our studios and because we seemed to live close to each other we were soon able to make music together.
Dreamfields you guys played a great showcase. Are you planning to run more sets like this? Or more B2B sets, for example, an Adaro & Frequencerz collaboration?
Yes, we are. First of all, there is a Roughstate party in collaboration with XXlerator, it’s on the 10th of October in Venray. Aside from that I will definitely be working with with Frequencerz in the studio in the future!
(For more info and tickets for XXlerator presents Roughstate check http://xxlerator.nl/blog/events/xxlerator-presents-roughstate/)
I think we are all happy that you’re back on stage. At your performances there are a lot of people lifting up their flags – What are your feelings about such a loyal fan-base?
Indeed, the support with the flags is really overwhelming at gigs, it’s always really nice to see. I always try to give very close attention to my fans, whether it be online or at festivals. After all, without your fans, you’re nowhere at all; they are the reason you are able to perform! I think other hardstyle DJs also have a big fan base and our scene is really dedicated so it’s not as if fans are going to see only one DJ.
When I’m playing at a gig they pick my flag and when the next DJ stands behind the decks they can easily grab his flag. Back when I was younger, I was not only a fan of Buzz Fuzz or Paul Elstak but a dozen of different DJ’s, we all went to events for the music. Of course you have periods when you prefer different artists. However, it’s primarily the love for hardstyle that lies behind that
What is the craziest, coolest or nicest thing a fan has ever done for you during a set?
The most beautiful thing that I can think of is all of the support I received during my absence for six months in 2014. At parties which I couldn’t play anymore, people hung large flags up and ‘The Haunter Of The Dark’ shirts were worn in abundance, which was really cool and super motivating :D!
Besides that, I love the fans who follow me and watch me play each week and even fly to other countries, which is really crazy!
On your social media you always respond quickly to messages from fans, do you still check them yourself?
Always! Every answer or response through my social media channels come from me. It takes time to answer to all of your messages but I just think it’s very important. I believe that as an artist your social media is something personal and you need to present who you are as a person and this way suits me.
I personally think, It’s pretty important to stay in contact with the fans and, somehow, care about them. A lot of people appreciate that. But let’s head over to some fun questions.
Your father has a barber shop in Schaijk, does he cut your hair?
Yes, my father does cut my hair! When he doesn’t, one of the ladies who work there will cut it instead 😉
Padaro has his own role in the trailer for CRAFT festival, how do you like to work with your family?
Padaro is also a friend of Jeroen, the organizer of CRAFT. I think the fact that he is in the trailer is amazing. He plays well in it and the reactions were great!
Padaro is next to you probably the most famous member of the family, do other family members also play a role in your career?
My family and girlfriend have always supported me in my career and they still do!
You’ve already played at many events, do you have events where you’ve never played and want to perform?
I do not exactly have ‘one’ festival where I would like to play. It seems nice if hardstyle would break through further in certain foreign countries and that I therefore can play at some great events. I would also love to organize some Dark Universe nights abroad.
In recent times you have released many tracks, can we expect anything else or maybe an album?
Yes, there is a lot happening in the near future! I’m working on a remix for Jack of Sound, there will be collaboration with E-Force, Digital Punk and Crypsis! However, in recent months we have mainly been working very hard on some brand new Gunz For Hire material! In October, our new club tour in the Netherlands will take place so you can definitely expect some new bangers!
Final question: do you have something to say or to tell your fans?
I want to thank everyone for all the support since my comeback! There are many new tracks ready to be released for you guys and hope to see you all again soon at an event!