The track Gecko (Overdrive), released in June 2014, reached number 1 on the UK Top 40 chart and secured the position of Oliver Heldens as a central figure in the rise of the future house genre. As a prolific producer, DJ, and recording artist, he transitioned from a newcomer in 2013 to a global streaming presence with over a billion cumulative Spotify streams by 2021.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in 1995 in Rotterdam, Heldens began his professional journey in 2013 by signing with Spinnin' Records. His initial output included tracks such as Stinger and Thumper. Fellow Dutch DJ Tiësto recognized his potential, signing Gecko to the Musical Freedom label. This led to a vocal version featuring Becky Hill, which achieved significant chart success. BBC Radio 1 host Pete Tong identified him as a breakthrough producer, and his debut in the DJ Mag Top 100 in 2014 placed him at number 34.
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In 2015, Heldens established Heldeep Records to showcase emerging talent, including artists such as Alok, Chocolate Puma, and Dada Life. The label hosted stages at international festivals like Tomorrowland and Mysteryland, while also syndicating the Heldeep Radio show to over 90 stations across 65 countries. Under the alias HI-LO, a name derived from reversing Oli H, he explores a darker, underground sound. His first release under this moniker was Renegade Mastah, followed by subsequent productions like Wappy Flirt and Ooh La La.
Collaborations and Industry Reach
Heldens expanded his production scope by signing with RCA Records in 2018. His single Fire in My Soul reached number 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The 2019 collaboration Turn Me On, featuring Riton and Vula, incorporated a sample from the Yazoo song Don't Go. Beyond his own compositions, he has provided remixes for artists including Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, and Jamiroquai. In 2018, he took on an ambassador role for the Plastic Soup Foundation to address ocean pollution.
Fast facts
- Born: 1995, Rotterdam
- Primary Genres: Future house, deep house, techno
- Label 1: Heldeep Records
- Label 2: HILOMATIK
- Breakthrough hit: Gecko (Overdrive)
- DJ Mag Top 100 2015 rank: 12th
- Environmental work: Plastic Soup Foundation ambassador
- Notable alias: HI-LO
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the HI-LO alias?
The name is a palindrome for Oli H, referring to his own name.
What major label did Heldens sign with in 2018?
He signed with RCA Records.
Achievements
- Genres: electro house and future house
