Willem Rebergen, better known as He… Read Full Bio ↴Also known as 1/2 of Project One
Willem Rebergen, better known as Headhunterz, kicked off his DJ career in 2003. That year, a friend gave him a ticket to Qlimax, and it was love at first sight. Discovering hardstyle music and its dedicated scene changed his life. From that moment on, he committed himself to becoming the best producer in the hardstyle genre. He locked himself up in his tiny bedroom studio, in the attic of his parents’ house in Veenendaal, and quickly learned the ropes of producing. Unaware of the revolution he would start, the foundations of the Headhunterz sound were made.
After 3 years of perfecting his sound, he signed his very first record deal, with ‘Aiming For Ur Brain’ landing on Scantraxx Special – followed by ‘The Sacrifice’ EP. Both releases unlocked a firestorm within the scene, as their melodic approach to hardstyle instantly made them stand out. Many more future classics would follow, with tracks like ‘Dragonborn’, ‘Victim of My Rage’ and ‘Rock Civilization’ earning the hearts of the hardstyle community. In 2007, ‘The Power of the Mind’ became the official anthem of Qlimax 2007 – only 4 years after Heady’s first visit to the very same event. In 2009, ‘Scrap Attack’ was the anthem to DEFQON.1, the biggest hardstyle event in the world. Collaborations with The Prophet, Noisecontrollers and Wildstylez, along with his originals and headliner performances at countless festivals and events around the globe, made Headhunterz grow from a rising talent into an established name.
He already had his own sublabel (Scantraxx Reloaded) at The Prophet's hardstyle label 'Scantraxx'. And now, your label is Art of Creation, with Wildstylez, Sound Rush, and Project One. Popular releases by Headhunterz are 'Rock Civilization', 'Forever Az One' and 'End of my Existence'.
Headhunterz’ new take on Hardstyle music made the genre grow into an international phenomenon. It was no longer just the sound of European raves, but became something worldly. Headhunterz made new audiences fall in love with the unstoppable energy of Hardstyle music. 7 years after visiting his very first hardstyle party he was on top of his career, with each new track captivating both his fanbase and artists outside the scene. ‘Colors’ ft. Tatu, the first hardstyle track ever released on Ultra Records, became a golden record. Major EDM names like Hardwell and Kaskade requested Headhunterz’ remix skills, and a collaboration with Krewella soon followed.
As often happens to creative people, a different challenge started itching Headhunterz’ mind. In 2014, he made a drastic change to branch away from Hardstyle and have a taste of whatever else was out there. He did main stage performances at EDM festivals and collaborated with artists like W&W, Steve Aoki and R3hab. His break from Hardstyle allowed him to think outside the box, and helped grow his musical perspective. It made him explore the boundaries of his own, musical imagination and discover new territories within the electronic dance scene.
Playing the Defqon.1 2016 Legends show, after being away for 2 full years, made Headhunterz realize how much he missed his beloved hardstyle scene. After a special Project One performance at Qlimax later that year, rumors started to spread about Headhunterz’ potential return to Hardstyle. And so he did. At DEFQON.1 2017, in front of 60,000 ecstatic fans, Headhunterz announced his grand return to hardstyle. Following the announcement of the ‘Return of Headhunterz’ show, he sold out the Ziggo Dome within 30 minutes – for the second time in his career. The hardstyle community welcomed him back wholeheartedly, as his world tour took Heady to no less than 125 performances across 34 countries.
His journey inspired him to create ‘The Return of Headhunterz’, an album that tied past, present and future together –clocking up more than 55 million streams, and growing. One of its tracks, ‘Destiny’, made it as the number 1 track in the Hardstyle Top 100 of 2017 and became a golden record in 2019. ‘Our Church’, a collaborative production with Sub Zero Project, was also featured on the album and became an important track to the hardstyle community. It planted the seeds to the Orange Heart movement, with its lyrics defining the meaning behind it: “To every owner of an orange heart, know that nothing shall tear it apart. When the world will try to divide us, then this music will reunite us.”
Connected to the album was Headhunterz’ Up Close and Personal night – combining spectacular visuals, live music and an intimate setting to tell the story behind it all. Selling out Amsterdam’s Paradiso and Tilburg’s 013, both fans and Heady enjoyed a night to remember. ‘The Return of Headhunterz’, as well as the personal shows that followed its release, showed that Headhunterz will always find a warm welcome at his home base, no matter what.
At Qlimax 2019, in front of 30.000 people, Headhunterz was at the brink of breaking down. Suffering a heavy burn-out, he cancelled nearly all of his international shows in December 2019, but did perform the kick-off of the Orange Heart event, at Paradiso. Headhunterz needed time off, by limiting the stress that’s an inevitable part of his professional life. Time to rest, recharge and focus on his health. The Covid-19 pandemic that hit only a few months later gave him the chance to focus on personal growth and development, as he finally had time to master the art of playing piano, work out and reflect upon the rollercoaster ride his career has brought him. He learned to take better care of himself, and found happiness again. Headhunterz: “I have a new definition for quality of life these days. Sober, fit, solo, at peace with myself and everything that’s going on around me, inspired to create music.”
During the corona crisis, Headhunterz has done several live sessions on Twitch and Discord, along with a livestream set for Defqon.1. While perfecting his studio work, he also focused on setting up ‘The Art of Production’. A platform that’ll launch in 2021, on which he will be teaching masterclasses to ambitious producers, providing special courses and live feedback sessions from his studio. The same place where Headhunterz music comes to life and plans to conquer new territory for Hardstyle are forged. It’s here, where the one thing reigns that will always remain Headhunterz’ greatest achievement; the music from within.
Once Again
Headhunterz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've had doubts about who I am, where I belonged
Now I'm like the arrow that springs from the bow
No hesitation, no doubts
The path is clear
Once again
, Headhunterz depicts a universal theme in his song "Once Again" - the journey of self-discovery. The lyrics "All my life I've had doubts about who I am, where I belonged," reflect the sense of confusion and identity crisis that people often face in their lives, especially during adolescence. However, by the end of the song, the lyrics turn inspiring, underlining the confidence of the singer, "Now I'm like the arrow that springs from the bow, No hesitation, no doubts, The path is clear."
The metaphorical reference to the arrow can be interpreted in multiple ways. Firstly, it represents the idea of finding a true calling or purpose in life, and once discovered, pursuing it without any reservations. Secondly, the arrow signifies the focus and determination required to stay on the chosen path, avoiding distractions, and navigating through challenges. Thirdly, the arrow is symbolic of the greater force that might be guiding one's destiny.
Overall, the lyrics of "Once Again" convey a message of empowerment, urging the listener to embrace their inner voice, and overcome self-doubts to realize their full potential. It inspires people to trust their instincts, believe in oneself, and move forward with clarity and conviction.
Line by Line Meaning
All my life
Throughout my entire existence
I've had doubts about who I am, where I belonged
I have constantly questioned my identity and place in the world
Now I'm like the arrow that springs from the bow
Currently, I am like a launched arrow with a purposeful destination
No hesitation, no doubts
Without any reluctance or uncertainty
The path is clear
The direction and journey is apparent and understandable
Once again
As before, or like a repeat occurrence
Writer(s): Willem Rebergen
Contributed by Evelyn K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Maxwell M
good news
Now we gonna do this like we used to
Takin it back to the roots, you know.
Repeat it in your mind
You better understand
We gonna start a fire
That wasn’t supposed to end
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Yeah, we taking it back.
We gonna keep it real
The rest down the drain
We run melodies
But you know we ain’t playing
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Yeah, we taking it back.
Yeahhh.
We taking it back
Come on.
Repeat it in your mind
You better understand
We gonna start a fire
That wasn’t supposed to end
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Yeah, we taking it back.
We gonna keep it real
The rest down the drain
We run melodies
But you know we ain’t playing
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Come on.
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Ha, yeah
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Let’s go
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Ha, yeah
takin it back by headhunterz
Izze Kelly
it may not be hardstyle, but i still hear that Headhunterz style. its undeniable and oh so recognizable. i think im a fan of this track too.
Giulio Pulina
exactly, his signature was always recognizable
ByFlerk
Headhunterz makes one big room track and it's the best made in years...!!
Denniskuhh
Offcourse he quits hardstyle, There's just way more money to be made in other genres. Can't blame him for his decision, maybe one day he'll return to his roots ;)
KCS WRLD.
He turned brother 😌
Giulio Pulina
+Denniskuhh gimme the numbers of the lottery pleeeease :D
Giulio Pulina
@Kevin Clark ehi your nickname must be Nostradamus :D
Edwin Sebastian
And u where right
Maxwell M
good news
Now we gonna do this like we used to
Takin it back to the roots, you know.
Repeat it in your mind
You better understand
We gonna start a fire
That wasn’t supposed to end
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Yeah, we taking it back.
We gonna keep it real
The rest down the drain
We run melodies
But you know we ain’t playing
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Yeah, we taking it back.
Yeahhh.
We taking it back
Come on.
Repeat it in your mind
You better understand
We gonna start a fire
That wasn’t supposed to end
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Yeah, we taking it back.
We gonna keep it real
The rest down the drain
We run melodies
But you know we ain’t playing
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Come on.
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Ha, yeah
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Let’s go
/We taking it back/ (x3)
Ha, yeah
takin it back by headhunterz
Kevin Brand
Okay , I know you love hardstyle, but please !! This track is phenomenal, a master piece from the legend "Headhunterz".
Respect the passions towards certain musical genres and stop the "hater".