Oliver Heldens has revolutionized the electronic dance music landscape with his distinctive future house sound that bridges underground credibility with mainstream appeal. The Rotterdam-born DJ and producer has amassed over 4 billion streams across his career, establishing himself as one of the most influential artists in modern dance music. From his breakthrough hit that topped the UK charts to his latest reimaginings of classic tracks, Heldens continues to push boundaries and define what contemporary house music sounds like in 2025. This comprehensive guide explores the essential tracks that have shaped his legendary career and cemented his status as a pioneer of the future house genre.
Gecko (Overdrive)
The track that launched Oliver Heldens into international stardom remains his most iconic creation to date. Originally released as an instrumental titled “Gecko” in December 2013, the song caught the attention of Dutch DJ Tiësto, who signed it to his Musical Freedom label. The vocal version featuring British singer Becky Hill was released in June 2014 and immediately shot to number one on the UK Singles Chart. This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in dance music history, as it became the last UK number-one single to be based purely on sales before streaming was incorporated into chart calculations. The track’s infectious bassline, which Heldens had conceived three years prior to its release, perfectly complements Hill’s powerful vocals, creating an anthem that still resonates on dance floors worldwide.
Lady (Hear Me Tonight)
In November 2025, Heldens released his masterful reimagining of Modjo’s iconic 2000 classic, demonstrating his ability to honor legendary tracks while bringing them into the contemporary era. This release represents one of his most personal projects, as Heldens revealed that the original was among the songs that ignited his passion for house and disco music during his childhood. Rather than attempting to reinvent the beloved classic, Heldens crafted a modern yet timeless melodic house mix that stays true to the original’s unmistakable groove while elevating it with his signature precision and production finesse. The track received strong support from heavyweights Calvin Harris and Carl Cox before its official release, and it arrived during a landmark year for Heldens as he celebrated 10 years of his Heldeep Records label. His approach of creating a mix that serves the original rather than overshadowing it showcases his maturity as a producer and his deep respect for dance music’s rich heritage.
Mas Que Nada
Released in January 2024, this vibrant reimagining of the Brazilian classic showcases Heldens’ ability to breathe new life into timeless cultural anthems. Collaborating with Ian Asher and featuring the legendary Sérgio Mendes, Heldens transformed the 1966 hit that had peaked at number four on the U.S. Billboard charts into a contemporary house anthem. The original, created by Jorge Ben and popularized by Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66, was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013 and voted the fifth-greatest Brazilian song by Rolling Stone Brazil. Heldens expressed his honor at receiving approval from Mendes himself, acknowledging that he had always loved the timeless vocals of the track. The rework accumulated over 175,000 organic user-generated videos on social media, demonstrating its viral appeal and Heldens’ knack for creating tracks that resonate across generations and cultures.
Turn Me On
This 2019 collaboration with DJ Riton and vocalist Vula represents one of Heldens’ most successful commercial releases beyond his breakthrough hit. The track cleverly samples Yazoo’s 1982 song “Don’t Go,” transforming it into a modern house anthem that dominated charts worldwide. It peaked at number 10 on the Global Shazam Top 200 chart and reached number 12 on the UK Top 40, while simultaneously topping both the MediaBase Dance Radio chart and the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart. The song also climbed to number five on the Dance Club Songs chart, cementing its status as a crossover success. The infectious vocal hook and groovy bassline create an irresistible combination that works equally well on festival mainstages and in intimate club settings, showcasing Heldens’ versatility as a producer.
The Right Song
Featuring Natalie La Rose, this 2016 release showcases Heldens’ ability to craft radio-friendly house music without sacrificing the underground edge that defines his sound. The track became a staple in his live sets and received extensive rotation on dance radio stations worldwide. The collaboration with La Rose brought a soulful vocal element to Heldens’ signature future house production style, creating a perfect balance between commercial appeal and credibility within the dance music community. The song’s melodic hooks and driving bassline make it an enduring favorite among fans, and it continues to appear in his DJ sets years after its release, testament to its timeless quality and emotional resonance.
Fire in My Soul
Released in 2018 and featuring vocalist Shungudzo, this track demonstrates Heldens’ evolution as a producer and his ability to create emotionally resonant dance music. The song’s powerful message combined with its uplifting production made it a festival favorite and a personal anthem for many listeners. Shungudzo’s passionate vocal performance elevates the track beyond typical dance music fare, addressing themes of perseverance and inner strength that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. The production showcases Heldens’ maturation, with intricate layering and a more sophisticated approach to arrangement that maintains dancefloor energy while allowing space for the emotional core of the song to shine through.
This Groove
This 2019 collaboration with Lenno exemplifies Heldens’ mastery of creating infectious, groove-driven house music that captures the essence of classic disco while maintaining a thoroughly modern production aesthetic. The extended mix version became a DJ favorite for its seamless blending capabilities and its ability to energize any set. The track’s funky bassline and sparkling synth work create an atmosphere of pure joy and celebration, making it a go-to track for peak-time moments in clubs and festivals. The song’s success demonstrated Heldens’ continued relevance in the rapidly evolving electronic music landscape and his ability to create tracks that work across different contexts and audiences.
Chills (Feel My Love)
This 2024 collaboration with David Guetta represents a meeting of two generations of dance music royalty. Debuted on the mainstage of Ultra Miami in March, the track combines Guetta’s signature shimmering synths with Heldens’ playful touch and bouncing bassline, creating a soaring dance anthem. The lyrics, performed by Fast Boy, convey raw emotion and desperate devotion despite their simplicity, cutting through the polished production with genuine feeling. Heldens revealed that he first heard the demo in 2023 and spent months reworking it, testing early versions at his shows before achieving the massive, fresh sound he envisioned. The track’s development process showcases Heldens’ perfectionist approach to production and his commitment to crafting tracks that feel both big and innovative.
Shades of Grey
Featuring vocalist Delaney Jane, this 2015 release marked an important moment in Heldens’ career as he established his signature sound beyond the success of “Gecko (Overdrive).” The radio mix became a crossover hit, while extended versions satisfied club DJs seeking longer, more immersive takes on the track. Jane’s emotive vocals tell a story of emotional complexity that perfectly matches the track’s nuanced production, which balances melancholic undertones with uplifting house energy. The song received numerous remix treatments, including versions from other prominent producers, demonstrating its impact within the dance music community. “Shades of Grey” remains a defining track in Heldens’ discography, showcasing his ability to create music that works on both emotional and physical levels.
I Was Made For Lovin’ You
This 2022 collaboration brought together disco legend Nile Rodgers of Chic, the House Gospel Choir, and Heldens for a celebration of house music’s roots in disco and gospel traditions. The track pays homage to the foundations of dance music while applying Heldens’ contemporary production techniques to create something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Rodgers’ signature guitar work adds an authentic disco flavor that elevates the production, while the House Gospel Choir’s powerful vocals inject spiritual energy into the track. The collaboration represents Heldens’ respect for dance music history and his desire to connect past and present, creating bridges between different eras and styles of electronic music.
Break This Habit
Released in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this charity single featuring British reggae singer Kiko Bun showcased Heldens’ social consciousness and willingness to use his platform for good. The track benefited organizations helping people affected by the pandemic and those struggling with addiction. Beyond its charitable purpose, “Break This Habit” demonstrated Heldens’ versatility as a producer, incorporating reggae influences into his house music framework to create something unique within his discography. The song’s message of overcoming destructive patterns resonated deeply during a time of global uncertainty, and its success showed that dance music could be both meaningful and charitable while maintaining artistic integrity.
Space Sheep
This 2016 collaboration with fellow Dutch producers Chocolate Puma exemplifies the playful, imaginative side of Heldens’ production approach. Released on his Heldeep Records label, the track features quirky sound design and a driving bassline that made it a festival favorite. The tongue-in-cheek title matches the track’s fun energy, demonstrating that house music doesn’t always need to take itself seriously to be effective. “Space Sheep” became a staple in DJ sets across the festival circuit, with its distinctive sounds and grooves making it instantly recognizable. The collaboration showcased the creative chemistry between Heldens and Chocolate Puma, both masters of crafting innovative house music that pushes boundaries while remaining accessible.
Summer Lover
The 2019 collaboration with Nile Rodgers and vocalist Devin created the perfect soundtrack for summer festivals worldwide. Rodgers’ iconic guitar playing brings disco authenticity to Heldens’ contemporary house production, creating a track that feels both timeless and current. The song captures the euphoric feeling of summer romance and festival season, with its sunny disposition and infectious energy making it impossible not to dance. The track demonstrated Heldens’ continued evolution as a producer and his ability to work with legends from different musical eras, creating something that honors both artists’ strengths while pushing into new territory.
Lift Me Up
This 2019 collaboration with Firebeatz and Schella, featuring vocals from Carla Monroe, showcases Heldens’ ability to work within a larger production team while maintaining his distinctive sound. The track’s uplifting message and energetic production made it a peak-time anthem in clubs and festivals worldwide. Monroe’s powerful vocals deliver a message of resilience and hope that resonates with listeners, while the production team’s combined efforts create a track with multiple layers of interest and depth. “Lift Me Up” exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives much of Heldens’ work and his willingness to share creative space with other talented producers and vocalists.
Cucumba
This playful 2019 collaboration with Moguai demonstrates Heldens’ sense of humor and his ability to create club weapons that don’t take themselves too seriously. The track’s quirky title and distinctive sound design made it an instant conversation starter among DJs and fans alike. The driving bassline and infectious groove showcase both producers’ technical skills while maintaining a fun, accessible energy that works across different dance music contexts. “Cucumba” became a beloved track within the house music community, demonstrating that sometimes the most memorable tracks are those that embrace playfulness and creativity over strict adherence to formulaic approaches.
Blue Monday
Released in 2023, this track demonstrates Heldens’ continued productivity and his ability to craft club-ready house music that resonates with contemporary audiences. The song showcases his evolved production techniques and his understanding of what works on modern dance floors. While maintaining the signature Heldens sound that fans know and love, “Blue Monday” incorporates fresh elements and production choices that keep his music sounding current and relevant. The track received strong support from DJs across the electronic music spectrum, from underground club nights to massive festival mainstages, demonstrating Heldens’ unique position as a producer who can appeal to both credibility-focused and mainstream audiences.
Out of Love
This 2023 collaboration with WeiBird brought an Asian influence into Heldens’ signature sound, creating a unique cross-cultural fusion. The VIP Mix Extended version became particularly popular among DJs for its extended arrangement and enhanced production elements. The track demonstrates Heldens’ global perspective and his willingness to incorporate diverse musical influences into his work. The collaboration showcases how electronic music serves as a universal language that can bring together artists from different cultures and backgrounds, creating something that transcends geographical boundaries while maintaining authenticity to each artist’s individual style.
Bunnydance
Released in 2015, this energetic track captures the playful spirit that defined much of Heldens’ early work following his breakthrough success. The distinctive sound design and driving energy made it a favorite among DJs looking for peak-time weapons to energize their sets. “Bunnydance” demonstrates Heldens’ technical proficiency and his ability to create tracks with instant recognition value. The song’s infectious groove and memorable elements ensured its longevity in DJ sets well beyond its release year, cementing its place as a classic within the future house genre that Heldens helped pioneer.
You Know
This 2015 release showcases Heldens’ ability to craft deep, groovy house music that works equally well in intimate club settings and massive festival environments. The track’s hypnotic elements and driving bassline create an immersive experience that builds tension and releases it in perfectly timed drops. “You Know” demonstrates the technical sophistication that underpins even Heldens’ most accessible tracks, with careful attention to arrangement, sound design, and dynamics. The song became a favorite among more discerning house music fans who appreciated its depth and nuance alongside its dancefloor effectiveness.
We Don’t Need
Released in 2022, this track represents Heldens’ more recent production work and his continued evolution as an artist. The song showcases refined production techniques and a more mature approach to arrangement and sound design while maintaining the energy and accessibility that defines his best work. “We Don’t Need” demonstrates that even after years of success, Heldens continues to push himself creatively and explore new sonic territories. The track received strong support from both fans and fellow DJs, confirming that Heldens remains at the forefront of contemporary house music production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oliver Heldens’ most successful song?
“Gecko (Overdrive)” featuring Becky Hill remains Oliver Heldens’ most commercially successful track, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2014. The song marked a pivotal moment in dance music history as the last UK number-one based purely on sales before streaming was incorporated into chart calculations. It has accumulated hundreds of millions of streams across various platforms and remains a staple in electronic music DJ sets worldwide. The track’s success launched Heldens from a promising young producer into an international superstar and established the future house sound that would influence countless artists in the years that followed.
What genre of music does Oliver Heldens produce?
Oliver Heldens is primarily known for pioneering the future house genre, which blends elements of deep house, bass house, and nu-disco. Under his main artist name, he creates melodic, groove-oriented tracks that bridge underground credibility with mainstream appeal. However, Heldens also produces techno music under his HI-LO alias, releasing darker, more underground-focused tracks on labels like Drumcode. His versatility extends to remixes and collaborations that incorporate disco, funk, Brazilian music, and other genres, demonstrating his broad musical palette and refusal to be confined to a single style.
How did Oliver Heldens get discovered?
Oliver Heldens’ breakthrough came when he sent his track “Gecko” to fellow Dutch DJ Tiësto via Twitter while on holiday with his family. According to Heldens’ own account, he created the original version of “Gecko” in the back of his mother’s car during this trip. Tiësto was impressed by the track and signed it to his Musical Freedom label, which led to its release in December 2013. The instrumental version became a hit within the electronic music community, and the subsequent vocal version with Becky Hill propelled Heldens to international fame and established him as one of the most promising young producers in dance music.
What is Oliver Heldens’ Heldeep Records label?
Heldeep Records is Oliver Heldens’ own record label, launched in July 2015 with the HI-LO track “Renegade Mastah.” The label was created to provide a platform for showcasing music from budding producers and releasing tracks that might not fit traditional label structures. Heldeep has become known for releasing both Heldens’ own productions under various aliases and tracks from emerging artists in the house and techno scenes. The label celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025 with a sold-out Amsterdam Dance Event showcase featuring artists like Tchami, Don Diablo, Chocolate Puma, and Lee Foss, demonstrating its growth into a respected institution within electronic music.
Does Oliver Heldens have a radio show?
Yes, Oliver Heldens hosts Heldeep Radio, which has become one of the most successful electronic music radio shows globally. The show has produced nearly 600 episodes and is syndicated on 180 stations across 55 countries, reaching approximately 80 million monthly listeners. Heldeep Radio features extended mixes that incorporate various genres of electronic music, including different types of deep house, tech-house, and future house. The show has become an important platform for both established and emerging artists, with Heldens using it to showcase new music from his label and introducing listeners to tracks that might not receive mainstream radio play.
What is the HI-LO project?
HI-LO is Oliver Heldens’ techno-focused alter ego, which he uses to release darker, more underground-oriented music. The name was chosen as a palindrome for “Oli-H,” signifying his name in reverse. Under the HI-LO moniker, Heldens has released tracks on prestigious techno labels like Drumcode and Filth on Acid, including seven collaborations with Reinier Zonneveld. His HI-LO productions are regularly supported by techno heavyweights including Carl Cox, Solomun, Charlotte de Witte, Adam Beyer, Tale of Us, and Amelie Lens. The project allows Heldens to explore different sonic territories than his main artist project while maintaining the technical excellence and innovation that defines all his work.
Has Oliver Heldens won any awards?
While specific award wins aren’t extensively documented, Oliver Heldens consistently ranks on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list, reaching as high as number seven in 2019. This placement represents voting by fans worldwide and recognition from the dance music community. Beyond formal awards, Heldens’ achievements include multiple number-one chart positions, billions of streams across platforms, residencies at prestigious venues like Hï, Pacha, and Ushuaïa Ibiza, and headlining slots at major festivals including Glastonbury, EDC, Ultra, and Tomorrowland. His influence on the future house genre and his contributions to dance music’s evolution represent perhaps the most significant recognition of his impact on electronic music.
What makes Oliver Heldens’ sound unique?
Oliver Heldens’ signature sound is characterized by deep, groovy basslines, melodic elements drawn from disco and funk, and a production approach that balances underground credibility with mainstream accessibility. His future house style incorporates shuffled rhythms, pitched-down vocals, and a warm, organic quality that distinguishes it from harder-edged electronic genres. Heldens demonstrates meticulous attention to arrangement and sound design, often spending months perfecting tracks before release. His ability to honor dance music’s history while pushing it forward, combined with his versatility across different styles and his collaborative spirit, creates a distinctive sonic identity that remains influential across electronic music.