All eyes are on Miami as Ultra Music Festival isn’t just turning 25 this year—it’s reminding the world why it became a cornerstone of dance music in the first place. For one weekend every March, Miami transforms into the global capital of electronic music. The skyline vibrates with bass. The stages host the world’s most daring performances. And the artists, no matter how seasoned, arrive ready to take creative risks. For Hardwell, who first stepped onto the Ultra stage when he was 21, this anniversary is beyond symbolic. It’s personal. On March 29, he returns not just to perform—but to close the mainstage on Day 2, celebrating a legacy that helped define his own.
Happening on March 28 to 30, see Ultra through the eyes of legendary DJ Hardwell in this exclusive EDMNOMAD interview.
The Nerves Never Leave—and That’s a Good Thing
Even after all the years, all the shows, and all the cities, Ultra still makes Hardwell nervous. That nervous energy? It’s not fear—it’s fuel. “Ultra is one of those key moments of the year, and even after all these years, I still feel that rush of energy before stepping on stage,” Hardwell says. “But for me, nerves are a good thing. It means I care. It means I’m about to do something that matters.” For the veteran DJ/Producer, and label boss, nerves are not a weakness. They are a reminder that what he’s about to do matters. “So I channel that energy into my performance, into making every show better than the last. So yeah, nerves can be a strength when you use them the right way.”
Rare Freedom: Hardwell on What Sets Ultra Apart
Pressure is only part of the equation. What truly defines Ultra for Hardwell is freedom. “Ultra is one of those festivals where you can truly express yourself as an artist,” he says. “Where it’s about bringing something fresh, something unique.” At Ultra, experimentation isn’t discouraged—it’s expected, Hardwell echoes. “Behind the scenes, that means I can test new music, push boundaries, and really take the audience on a journey.”
That level of creative trust is rare in the global festival circuit. “At Ultra, you can take risks, and the audience are right there with you,” he adds. He remembers when that freedom had to be earned. “Maybe in the early days, when I was still proving myself, but now, with festivals like Ultra trusting artists to do what they do best, that’s an incredible feeling to know events like this support that freedom.”
A Veteran at the Heart of Ultra’s Milestone Year
Hardwell’s connection to Ultra runs deep. He isn’t a newcomer or a rising name—he’s one of the most respected artists in the scene. A global headliner, an award-winning producer, and a long-standing icon in dance music. His return to close the mainstage isn’t new. What makes it special is what this year represents.
In 2012, he made his Ultra Miami debut at 21 and premiered Spaceman, a track that helped launch him into international recognition. Now, in 2025, he’ll headline Ultra’s 25th anniversary. It’s not about proving anything. It’s about presence. About honoring a legacy. About celebrating a stage and a city that have supported his growth—and where he’s delivered some of his most iconic performances.
One Of The Smartest Crowds in EDM
Talking crowds, Hardwell is quick to credit that the Ultra audience is one of the best in the world. “Ultra’s crowd is next level and that definitely influences my set,” he says. “They know their music, they live for the energy, and they react to every detail.” For DJs, that awareness matters. It shapes every transition, every drop, and every decision on stage.
“So if I see the crowd connecting with a certain sound or vibe, then I’ll switch up the direction on the spot to work with that energy,” he says. For Hardwell, Ultra is not about performing a script—it’s about reading the room, responding in real time, and building something unforgettable with the people in front of him.
Hardwell on Building the Next Generation of Ultra Headliners
Ultra helped define Hardwell’s rise, and now, he’s doing the same for others. Through his label, Revealed Recordings, he’s been championing artists whose sounds are already festival-ready. “Revealed has always been about pushing new talent, and over the years we’ve had incredible names come through the label,” he says. Two artists stand out. “Guys like KAAZE and Maddix as prime examples of that. Their sound is built for big stages, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them dominating Ultra in the coming years.”
Mentorship isn’t just about giving opportunities. It’s about spotting potential and preparing it for the highest level. For Hardwell, that level has always been Ultra.
Even Headliners Have Heroes: Ultra Moments That Defined a Generation
For Hardwell, one Ultra performance still resonates above all others. “One performance that really stuck with me was Swedish House Mafia’s reunion in 2018,” he says. “That was a moment for the history books. You could feel the emotion, the passion. It was bigger than just a set. It was a statement.”
What made that set unforgettable wasn’t just the music. It was what it represented—the return of a supergroup that had helped define an era of electronic music. The crowd didn’t just dance—they cried. The moment echoed across the world in real time. “It reminded all of us how powerful this music can be when it’s more than just entertainment,” Hardwell reflects. “It was about legacy. About unity. About showing what’s possible when timing, talent, and emotion all collide.”
At the core of it all, even headliners have heroes. Looking ahead, he’s eager for another major collaboration. “I’m always excited to catch the Armin van Buuren b2b Maddix b2b Oliver Heldens set,” he says. “And of course, looking forward to getting back on the Ultra stage myself.”
Miami’s Festival, Miami’s Future
Ultra’s impact doesn’t stop at the gate. The festival has generated over $1 billion in revenue for Miami since its launch. In 2018, Ultra created 1,834 jobs, and in 2021, invested more than $11.5 million into local operations. This spending fuels restaurants, hotels, rideshares, venues, and thousands of gig workers across the city.
About 60% of Ultra’s attendees come from outside Miami-Dade County, turning the event into a global magnet for tourism. During Ultra weekend, hotel prices skyrocket. Local restaurants are packed. The city pulses with international energy. The economic lift is significant—but so is the cultural one.
Through venue rental agreements, Ultra funds local projects including museum upgrades and park renovations. It doesn’t just transform Miami for three days. It gives back to the city it calls home.
A Legacy Built on Trust
As Ultra turns 25, Hardwell’s story is inseparable from the festival’s evolution. From his explosive debut to his upcoming mainstage closing set, he’s been part of some of Ultra’s most iconic moments. His sets have reached millions through global live streams, bringing Bayfront Park energy to screens worldwide.
“I’m always excited to get back on the Ultra stage,” he says. And this year, it’s more than tradition. It’s legacy. It’s proof that the artists who take the biggest risks often write the longest stories.
When he steps onto that stage on March 29, it won’t just be the end of a set. It will be the next chapter in a story that started with Spaceman—and is still being written, one drop at a time.
Follow Hardwell and Ultra on their official websites for more updates. Celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary from March 28 to 30.
