Picture this: you’re at a festival, the lights are pulsing, the crowd’s energy is electric, and then that iconic vocal from Zedd’s “Clarity” hits—but it’s not the original. It’s faster, harder, and absolutely euphoric. Enter Darren Styles and Toneshifterz, two hard dance titans who’ve teamed up to deliver the first-ever hard dance version of “Clarity,” released on June 13, 2025, via Be Yourself Music. This isn’t just a remix; it’s a full-on reimagining that’s already got fans buzzing. Ready to dive into why this track is your new festival anthem? Let’s go!
A Hard Dance Glow-Up for a Timeless Classic
Zedd’s “Clarity” is one of those songs that defined a generation of EDM fans. Its emotional vocals and heartfelt lyrics about love and vulnerability struck a universal chord. But what happens when you take that emotional core and crank it up to hardstyle levels? Magic, that’s what. Darren Styles (UK’s happy hardcore and hardstyle legend) and Toneshifterz (Australia’s hardstyle trailblazer) have transformed “Clarity” into a high-octane banger that keeps the original’s soul while adding sky-high BPMs, euphoric piano builds, and a drop that’ll have you jumping with your hands in the air.
The track kicks off with those familiar, soaring vocals, instantly pulling you into a wave of nostalgia. But then the tempo ramps up, and the hardstyle kicks hit like a tidal wave. The production is crisp and powerful, blending happy hardcore’s uplifting vibes with hardstyle’s raw energy. The result? A cathartic anthem that feels both timeless and fresh, perfect for festival main stages or late-night club sets. As the artists themselves put it, “This wasn’t just about remixing a hit—it was about giving hard dance its own moment of beauty, vulnerability, and pure energy.” And trust me, they’ve nailed it.
What makes this rework stand out is how it balances emotion and intensity. The poignant lyrics still shine, but the explosive drop adds a layer of euphoria that’s tailor-made for the dancefloor. It’s the kind of track that’ll have you singing along one moment and fist-pumping the next. Whether you’re a die-hard hardstyle fan or just someone who loves a good EDM throwback, this version of “Clarity” is bound to hit all the right spots.
Meet the Icons Behind the Track
Let’s talk about the masterminds behind this banger. Darren Styles is a household name in the harder styles of EDM. From his chart-topping debut album SkyDivin’ (which hit number 4 in the UK and sold over 250,000 copies) to his groundbreaking sets at festivals like Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and EDC Las Vegas, Darren’s been pushing the boundaries of happy hardcore and hardstyle for years. His collabs with acts like Da Tweekaz and W&W have produced some of the genre’s biggest hits, and his label Electric Fox is a hub for cutting-edge hard dance.
Then there’s Toneshifterz, the Australian hardstyle pioneer who’s taken the genre global. With over 50 million streams on tracks like “Paradise” and “All or Nothing,” he’s a force to be reckoned with. Toneshifterz has graced stages at Defqon.1, Ultra Music Festival, and Tomorrowland, and he’s even crafted two Defqon.1 anthems (“Psychedelic Wasteland” in 2011 and “Dragonblood” in 2016). His innovative “PSYSTYLE” sound shook up the hardstyle scene, and collabs with heavyweights like Armin van Buuren and Timmy Trumpet have cemented his status as a genre-blending icon.
Together, these two bring a wealth of experience and passion to “Clarity.” Their shared vision—to create a track that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking—shines through in every beat. They’ve been teasing this rework in their live sets for a while, and the crowd’s response pushed them to make it an official release. It’s a tribute to Zedd’s original but also a bold statement about the emotional power of hard dance.
Why This Track Matters in 2025
Hard dance is having a moment right now. Festivals like Defqon.1 and EDC are showcasing harder styles more than ever, and artists like Darren Styles and Toneshifterz are leading the charge. Their “Clarity” rework taps into a growing trend: blending nostalgic EDM hits with modern hardstyle to create tracks that resonate with both old-school ravers and new fans. It’s a perfect example of how hard dance can be emotional and accessible without losing its edge.
Plus, the timing couldn’t be better. As live events continue to dominate the music industry in 2025, tracks like this are designed to create unforgettable moments on the dancefloor. Whether it’s the euphoric piano builds or the heart-pounding drop, “Clarity” is built for those hands-in-the-air festival highs that fans live for.
Get Your Music Out There with DistroKid
If you’re an artist dreaming of getting your tracks onto festival stages, take a page from Darren and Toneshifterz’s book and get your music out there! Platforms like DistroKid make it super easy to distribute your songs to Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Plus, you can save 7% on your membership with this link: DistroKid VIP. It’s a no-brainer for independent artists looking to reach a global audience and keep more of their earnings. Who knows? Maybe your track will be the next festival anthem!
Final Thoughts
Darren Styles and Toneshifterz have done something special with their hard dance take on “Clarity.” It’s a track that honors the original’s emotional weight while giving it a fresh, high-energy spin that’s perfect for 2025’s festival season. Whether you’re a hardstyle fanatic or just love a good EDM banger, this one’s worth a spin. Stream it, share it, and let me know what you think in the comments! What’s your favorite moment in the track? And if you’re an artist, drop a link to your latest release—I’d love to check it out!
