Bassjackers are a Dutch electronic duo from Tilburg, consisting of Marlon Flohr (DJ, frontman on stage) and Ralph van Hilst (studio sound producer). Starting in 2007, the duo established themselves as one of the most distinctive and consistent projects on the global EDM scene thanks to their signature sound, powerful festival tracks, and steady presence on the world’s biggest dance stages.
Formation and Early Years (2007–2011)
As friends, Marlon and Ralph decided to combine studio production and stage performance into a single project. Their early releases quickly drew industry attention, and the breakthrough came with “Mush Mush”, which became an anthem of festival big room sound. During this period the duo began touring actively while developing their own production aesthetic.
Breakthrough and Global Recognition (2013–2016)
Massive success arrived with “Crackin” in a joint version with Martin Garrix, which became one of the defining hits of the international EDM scene. The duo cemented their status with releases on leading labels and collaborations with top-tier artists. Bassjackers became regulars at major festivals—Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival—achieving full mainstage headliner status.
Further Development and Collaborations
In the following years the artists continued releasing a steady run of club hits, including “Derp”, “Rampage”, “Like That”, “Savior”, and “Wave Your Hands”. The duo’s ability to adapt to trends while staying recognizable is clear—their hard-edged synths, heavy basslines, and high-energy drops became a calling card. Bassjackers work actively with both European and American scenes, expanding their musical horizons and showcasing flexible production.
New Wave of Releases (2023–2025)
In the 2020s the duo focused on reimagining dance classics and crafting contemporary festival bangers. Notable releases include “Wrong or Right (The Riddle)”, “Bla Bla Bla”, “All Around The World (La La La La La)”, and a series of works under the “Fuego” banner. Bassjackers perform actively across Europe, Asia, and North America, appearing on winter and summer festival lineups.
Style and Production
The hallmark of the Bassjackers sound is the aggressive energy of big room and electro house, built around dense bass, hard-hitting drum patterns, and “sawing” synths. The “one DJ + one studio sound architect” concept keeps the project highly efficient: ideas are quickly tested on audiences and refined in the studio, helping the duo stay current.
Selected Discography
-
Mush Mush (2011)
-
Crackin (Martin Garrix Edit) (2014)
-
Derp (2014)
-
Rampage (2014)
-
Like That (2014)
-
Savior (2014)
-
Wave Your Hands (2015)
-
Wrong or Right (The Riddle) (2023)
-
Bla Bla Bla (2024)
-
All Around The World (La La La La La) (2024)
-
Fuego (2025)
Legacy and Impact
Bassjackers have made a significant contribution to the festival sound of the 2010s. Their tracks regularly appear in top artists’ setlists and continue to be played at international events. The duo have proven to be a steady creative force capable of shaping dancefloor energy and influencing a new generation of producers.
Conclusion
Bassjackers remain an example of discipline, creative synergy, and professional resilience on the global electronic scene. Their ability to harmonize studio-grade technical expertise with expressive stage shows helps the duo maintain popularity in an era of rapidly shifting trends. Their name is firmly associated with powerful festival drops, high dynamics, and quality club production, and the influence of Bassjackers is still felt in the music of new artists carrying forward the big room revolution.
