Meet Zatox: The ‘Unstoppable’ Force in Hard Dance

Zatox dives into his latest album, Unstoppable, Italian Hardstyle, and his drive to nurture the next generation of producers.

Italian artist Zatox is a key player in the history of hard dance music. The man behind the alias, Gerardo Roschini, has been around since the early days of hardstyle, developing his sound and becoming a pioneer in its evolution. Today, Zatox continues to push the envelope of hardstyle music with his unique style that blends intense energy with immaculate technical precision, destroying dance floors worldwide. But to better understand his journey, it’s best to start at the beginning of Zatox’s career.

Looking back on the last 20 years, it’s amazing to think that hardstyle was just starting out. We were young producers experimenting and creating something new. The genre has changed a lot since then and so have I, but my love for the intense energy of hardstyle hasn’t faded. That’s the main reason I’m still here and still making this music. It’s not just about the sounds; it’s about the energy that keeps me going.
Zatox

From the 2000s onwards, Zatox continued to climb the ranks while searching for a way to leave his mark on the scene. Despite the incredible releases in between, it wasn’t until the creation of Italian Hardstyle that Zatox became a household name in hardstyle. In collaboration with Scantraxx, Italian Hardstyle was Zatox’s way of showcasing Italy’s unique approach to hardstyle.

Italian Hardstyle is like the Ferrari or Lamborghini of music – it’s about precision, passion, and flair. We take the raw energy of hardstyle and infuse it with the artistic and innovative spirit of Italy.
Zatox

Photo Credit: Lorenzo TNC

Since then, the Scantraxx sub-label has been home to many key releases, including the Creation EP and the inception of raw hardstyle with the Raw Style EP in 2010. Most early hardstyle tracks already had darker, harder elements, but the scene lacked a term for this emerging subgenre.

The breakthrough came with a unique vocal collaboration with Nikita, which truly defined this new path. It was during this creative process that we came up with the term ‘Rawstyle,’ perfectly capturing the essence of this experimental sound.
Zatox

Like most good things, unfortunately, Italian Hardstyle came to an end after a short but explosive run in the scene. During his time away, Zatox delivered some of the best work of his career, with multiple albums on prestigious labels and a run of shows all over the world. The Italian maestro always knew a part of him was missing, however. Nearly a decade later, Zatox and Scantraxx finally gave life to Italian Hardstyle once again, and they have major plans moving forward.

My primary focus right now is to use this platform to release my own music, showcasing the latest in Italian Hardstyle. But looking ahead, I have bigger plans. I want to expand this platform to support other Italian hardstyle talents and to nurture the next generation of artists in this genre. Returning to Scantraxx feels like coming home to where my journey in hardstyle really took off. It’s a fresh start with familiar roots, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Zatox

Photo Credit: Lorenzo TNC

One of the latest advancements for the label is Zatox’s newest album, Unstoppable, which is “a tribute to everyone who strives to find the balance [between personal and professional life], proving that with passion and dedication, we can all be unstoppable.” Expressing the significance of the album title, Zatox said, “It reflects not just my musical journey but also my personal life over the past decade.”

Becoming a father to two boys has been an incredible and transformative experience. Balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood with the demands of a global DJ career requires an unstoppable spirit.
Zatox

Listeners will uncover Zatox’s signature style, which is updated with current trends and fresh collaborations with artists from all over the hard dance spectrum. “Teaming up with diverse artists is crucial because it brings a rich variety of perspectives and styles into my work,” he said. From tunes with Zyon, The Purge, DJ Gollum, and more, there’s truly something for everybody with a love for the harder styles.

Collaborating with different artists allows me to explore new sounds, techniques, and ideas, which is essential for keeping my music fresh and dynamic.
Zatox

Among all of the chaos in this album, Zatox heavily leans into the theme of mixing hard techno and hardstyle with tracks like “Techno Power,” “Acid For Your Brain,” “Rave Attack,” and others. Instead of simply following the trend, Zatox aims to “highlight the deep connection between hard techno and early hardstyle/hardcore as both genres share a raw, intense energy and driving beats.” It also intends to honor the roots of both genres while creating a fresh, energetic sound.

Photo Credit: Jeancarlo Nunes dos Anjos

In addition to this fresh genre hybrid, Zatox included an updated version of his hit single, “For Ever,” on Unstoppable. The original release was a tribute to the most important things in his life – his wife and two sons. In Unstoppable, this record received a brand-new facelift while maintaining the original feel with new kickdrums and a hardcore twist at the end, becoming an instant fan-favorite.

Updating “For Ever” for Unstoppable was about revisiting and breathing new life into a track that holds a lot of sentimental value for my fans and I. The original version captured a particular moment and emotion, and it’s been a significant part of my journey. However, as both my audience and I have evolved, I felt it was important to refresh the track to reflect where we are now in 2023.
Zatox

Unstoppable is yet another masterpiece from the Italian Hardstyle heavyweight that allows fans to explore his inner thoughts and emotions expressed through grand melodies and monstrous kickdrums. Within, listeners can understand that Zatox’s attitude is all about helping the next generation, creating great music, and, most importantly, having fun in the process. Although he’s solidified himself as a legend in the scene, he’s more than happy to share his wisdom so that others can reach and surpass his level.

To all the aspiring producers looking to make their mark in the hard dance scene, my advice is to stay true to your unique sound and vision. The journey isn’t just about technical skills, but also about finding and nurturing your own style. Be bold in your experiments and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of the genre.
Zatox

It’s easy to understand that Zatox is at a stage in his career where he is happy and fulfilled, continuing on purely for the love of the music. There’s no doubt that this attitude will bring him many more years of success and greatness, so make sure to stay tuned into his frequencies and stream Unstoppable on your preferred platform.

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