Real name: Oliver Heldens
Date of birth: February 1, 1995
Place of birth: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Genres: Future House, House, Techno, Deep House, Progressive House
Aliases: HI-LO
Labels: Heldeep Records, Musical Freedom, Spinnin’ Records
Occupations: DJ, producer, composer, label owner
Early Years
Oliver Heldens was born and raised in Rotterdam — a city considered one of the centers of the Dutch electronic scene. From an early age, he showed interest in music, inspired by both classic electronic artists (Fatboy Slim, Tiësto, Armand Van Helden) and modern pop stars. At age 12, he began experimenting with digital audio workstations (DAWs), creating his first original tracks.
By 17, Oliver had signed his first contract with the renowned label Spinnin’ Records, where his talent was quickly noticed by industry leaders. His early releases blended elements of deep house and progressive house, but his next step would bring global fame.
Breakthrough: “Gecko” and Worldwide Fame
In 2013, his track “Gecko” caught the attention of Tiësto. The track was released on Musical Freedom and quickly became a global club sensation. In 2014, a vocal version — “Gecko (Overdrive)” featuring Becky Hill — reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart and achieved platinum status.
This track marked the beginning of the future house movement — a new style combining energetic grooves, deep basslines, and melodic textures. Heldens became one of the genre’s pioneers, inspiring a new wave of artists including Don Diablo, Tchami, and Zonderling.
Career Development and Key Releases
Following the massive success of “Gecko,” Oliver cemented his status with a series of hits:
- 2014: “Koala” — a club anthem later re-released with vocals as “Last All Night”
- 2015: “Shades of Grey” (with Shaun Frank & Delaney Jane)
- 2016: “Waiting” (with Throttle)
- 2018: “Fire in My Soul” — featuring Shungudzo
- 2019: “Turn Me On” (with Riton & Vula) — a remake of Yazoo’s classic
- 2020: “Details” — melodic collaboration with Boy Matthews
- 2023: “Oops” (with Karen Harding) and “Blue Monday” — a remake of New Order’s iconic track
His tracks regularly top the Beatport charts and serve as soundtracks to major festivals. Heldens has also produced powerful remixes for Calvin Harris, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, Katy Perry, and other global stars.
Heldeep Records — A Platform for Talent
In 2015, Oliver launched his own label Heldeep Records, which quickly became a leading platform for fresh sounds. Artists such as MEDUZA, Zonderling, HI-LO, MOGUAI, Dada Life, and Throttle have released music on the label.
Heldeep has evolved into a community brand, hosting its own stages at Tomorrowland, Ultra, and ADE, as well as global Heldeep Nights — from Amsterdam to Miami and Tokyo.
HI-LO: The Dark Side of Creativity
In 2015, Heldens introduced his techno alias HI-LO, showcasing his passion for darker, deeper, and more industrial sounds. Under this name, he releases melodic and peak-time techno tracks:
- “Renegade Mastah”
- “Poseidon”
- “Saw of Olympus”
- “Nirvana” (2021, with Reinier Zonneveld)
- “Samsara” (2023, with Space 92)
HI-LO has become one of the most in-demand projects in modern techno. His collaborations with Reinier Zonneveld and Space 92 consistently top Beatport. In 2023, HI-LO was ranked among the Top 5 Beatport Artists of the Year and became a regular performer at Awakenings and Drumcode Showcase.
Heldeep Radio
Since 2015, Heldens has hosted the weekly Heldeep Radio, broadcast in over 90 countries. Each episode introduces listeners to new talents, exclusive tracks, and current trends. The show attracts over 15 million listeners monthly, making it one of the world’s most popular EDM podcasts.
Festivals and Performances
Oliver Heldens is a regular at the biggest festivals: Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, EDC Las Vegas, Creamfields, Electric Zoo, Parookaville, Lollapalooza. His sets are known for their high energy, visual flair, and narrative flow — blending future hits with old-school classics and remixes to create musical storytelling.
In 2024, Oliver launched the “Heldens Universe” tour, combining house and techno performances (Oliver Heldens + HI-LO), showcasing his dual musical identity.
Achievements
- Ranked in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs (Top 10 since 2015)
- Winner of EDM Awards and International Dance Music Awards
- Over 3 billion Spotify streams
- One of Beatport’s top artists by #1 releases (2021–2024)
- Multiple platinum certifications (UK, NL, DE, AUS)
Personal Life and Philosophy
Oliver is known for his humility and creative focus. He actively supports environmental and educational initiatives, participates in charity events, and advocates for eco-friendly touring among DJs.
He emphasizes that “music should unite, not divide” — a philosophy at the heart of his cross-genre creativity, where house meets techno, and joy meets depth.
Legacy
Oliver Heldens is a pioneer of the future house genre and a key figure of a new generation of producers. His influence extends beyond club music — he shaped a sonic and aesthetic trend that inspired thousands of artists. Through Heldeep Records and HI-LO, he continues to bridge commercial and underground scenes.
Oliver stands as a symbol of balance between innovation and accessibility, between festival energy and deep musicality. His career exemplifies how an artist can stay true to house roots while leading the sound of the future.
