DRO Showcases Unrelenting Hard Dance Energy On New Guest Mix

DRO makes his Paradigm Shift debut, showcasing his unrelenting style that pulls from all corners of hard dance.

The Bay Area has no shortage of hard dance artists, and should be on everybody’s radar when talking about the best on American soil. Of the Bay’s plethora of talent, DRO surely stands out. Although he started his artistic journey in outside genres, he uncovered a deep passion for hard dance as soon as he heard it for the first time.

“I first discovered hard dance music while working out at the gym,” DRO said. Rap music didn’t give him the same energy, so he sought out something more intense for workouts. “That’s when I found hard dance. The energy and drive of the genre instantly hooked me, and it’s been a big part of my life ever since.”

Initially, he was DJing and making mixes for his friends. One backstage experience at Basscon Wasteland in 2023, however, changed everything for him. “I got the chance to go backstage during Dionysus’ set, and seeing his energy and ability to make people move inspired me to do the same,” he told EDM Identity. Afterwards, he returned home to practice on borrowed mixers every day. After connecting with local Bay Area promoters, he finally got his first booking.

Ever since that first live show, things have taken off, and I’ve been blessed to keep performing and building my name as the hardcore DJ from the Bay.
DRO

Like many other artists, DRO learned the art of DJing first, then producing came next. He admits that his first tracks weren’t great, but he has taken the time to learn music theory and master his DAW of choice. DRO expressed that learning is what he loves about the process. Currently, his style blends elements from hard techno, hardstyle, rawstyle, and uptempo. At its core, his music is fast and loud. And the best part is that his sound is starting to click with his audience, and every release is showing progress.

As a part of the growing hard dance movement in the States, DRO believes that the sound is poised to become one of the top genres here. He expressed gratitude to the event organizers who have always believed in the sound, and who put on events to expose it to new audiences. What once was too extreme is now being embraced by fans of other genres who crave something faster, harder, and experimental.

What makes hard dance special is its range. There are so many subgenres and unique sounds that keep it exciting. I see it expanding quickly and gaining major recognition in the EDM scene.
DRO

The rest of the year and beyond is already crucial for DRO, with plenty of new collaborations and originals in the works. There are also many more shows, like on November 22, when he’s taking the stage alongside Yosuf and some of the Bay Area’s best DJs, J. Slai and Brizzy, for Basscon’s latest event in San Francisco. Looking ahead, DRO also hopes to perform alongside bigger names, and play at larger festivals and events.

Before he continues his hot streak of performances and banging releases, DRO stopped by to make his debut on our hard dance mix series, Paradigm Shift! For 40 minutes, DRO takes his fans on a wild ride across the music spectrum, featuring hardstyle, zaagkicks, gabber, uptempo, and a sprinkle of schranz. As we head into the final months of 2025, make sure DRO is on your radar as he’s sure to dot lineups all over the Bay Area and beyond!

Strap in and stream DRO’s exclusive guest mix for Paradigm Shift, and make sure to snag tickets to his next show in San Francisco on November 22 on the official website!