Unfold Records celebrates 100th release with 'The Story Unfolds'

Today marks the 100th release on Unfold Records, a label that has made big moves in the hardstyle scene since its inception in 2022. This milestone is celebrated with the release of "The Story Unfolds," a collab between Sparkz, Heavy Resistance, Required, BMBERJCK, and MC Activate. We spoke with the artists and Robin, the manager of Unfold Records, about the making of this release and the future of the label.

Robin Weima, manager of Unfold Records, explains how the collaboration came about: "Since the start of Unfold Records, we had the idea of making a group track, but the right moment never came. When we received the Defqon.1 Showcase, we immediately knew it was the perfect moment. The track had to become an anthem for Unfold Records, with vocals that reflect our vision and rise in the scene."

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The process went suprisingly smoothly

The collab began with a writers' camp where the artists gathered in a villa. "We rented a villa at Europarcs for three days," Robin says. "Everyone brought their computers and speakers, and we started building the track. First, the melody, and once that was set, we divided the drops so that two artists worked on each one."

For Required, one of the artists on the track, the collab was long-awaited. "We had talked about a group track before, but with our busy schedules, it kept getting postponed. When the Unfold Showcase at Defqon.1 was announced, we immediately planned a weekend to create the track. We started together, and despite our different working styles, the process went surprisingly smoothly."

MC Activate, responsible for the vocals, looks back enthusiastically on the collaboration: "For me, it was a no-brainer to get involved. I often perform with these guys on stage, and I love what they bring to the table. The writers' camp was a great mix of having fun and building the track. We already had great memories of the track before it was first played at Defqon.1."

Artistic freedom is a core value

The 100th release is not only a milestone but also sets the tone for the future of Unfold Records. Robin emphasizes that the label was founded out of a love for the hardstyle scene: "Unfold Records was created out of passion to contribute to the scene. We focus on artists with innovative, unique sounds. Artistic freedom is a core value."

The future vision for Unfold Records centers on growth and innovation. "We’re building a platform for artists to develop their music. We are always scouting for new talent and giving them a stage through our guest release EPs," says Robin. The label is also working on a special live show for 2025 and creating custom merchandise for each artist. "Hosting events, like our upcoming party with REBiRTH Events on November 9th, remains a key focus. It’s the ultimate way to show what the label stands for."

For Required, the creative freedom offered by Unfold is a major source of inspiration. "The label gives us the space to explore our styles and grow as artists. This motivates me to work even harder on my own sound, where metal and rock influences take center stage."

When asked if The Story Unfolds represents the sound of Unfold Records, Robin answers with a resounding yes. "The track contains all the right elements: hard kicks, a strong melody, powerful vocals, and lots of energy. The drops received the most attention because we knew our fans expect an energetic track at festivals. MC Activate's vocals tie everything together."

Robin describes the Unfold sound as "hard, unique, and innovative." The label encourages artistic freedom and pushes artists to try new ideas and techniques. "This way, it remains interesting for both the artists and the fans, and we constantly bring something new to the hardstyle scene." Required agrees: "The Unfold sound reflects who we are: driven, creative, and always seeking innovation."

With "The Story Unfolds," Unfold Records has not only delivered an impressive track but also reached a milestone that symbolizes their passion and vision. The future of the label looks promising, with new releases, events, and an ever-growing impact on the hardstyle scene.

To never miss out on any shows, releases & more, make sure to follow Unfold Records. There are also still tickets left for their Boiler Room event on November 9th, at the 013 Tilburg - don't miss out on that!

Header image shot by Martin Hols, at the Indigo stage @ Defqon.1 2024.