Showtek Unveils F_CK THE SYSTEM: A New Label Imprint Championing Genre Agnosticism with Be Yourself Music

After two decades of shaping the soundscapes of electronic music, from the raw power of hardstyle to chart-topping collaborations with global superstars like David Guetta and Major Lazer, the Dutch duo Showtek has officially formalized their long-standing artistic principle: genre allegiance is a choice, not a mandate. Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen, the brothers behind Showtek, have announced the launch of F_CK THE SYSTEM, a pioneering new label imprint established in partnership with Be Yourself Music. This bold venture marks a significant chapter in their illustrious career, underscoring a commitment to boundless creativity and diverse sonic exploration. The label’s inaugural release, a collaborative rework with Belgian-French dance icon Kate Ryan, signals the eclectic and boundary-pushing ethos that will define the imprint.

The Genesis of F_CK THE SYSTEM: A New Era for Showtek

The launch of F_CK THE SYSTEM is not merely a business endeavor; it is a philosophical statement. Showtek, known for their relentless evolution and ability to traverse various electronic music subgenres, has consistently demonstrated a willingness to challenge conventions. From their early days as pioneers in the hardstyle scene, where they helped define a sound characterized by aggressive kicks and melodic euphoria, they transitioned seamlessly into the mainstream electronic dance music (EDM) landscape. Their crossover success, exemplified by tracks like "Booyah" and "Cannonball," and their work with artists such as David Guetta on hits like "Bad" and "Sun Goes Down," or Major Lazer on "Believer," showcased an unparalleled versatility. This new label imprint serves as a dedicated platform to embody this very versatility, offering a home for music that refuses to be confined by stylistic borders.

Wouter Janssen, one half of Showtek, is quoted as stating, "F_CK THE SYSTEM is more than just a name; it’s our manifesto. For years, we’ve navigated the industry, pushing boundaries and refusing to be pigeonholed. This label is a natural extension of that journey, a space where artistic freedom reigns supreme. We want to empower ourselves and other artists to create without the pressure of fitting into a specific genre box." Sjoerd Janssen added, "Our career has taught us that the most exciting music often comes from unexpected places. With F_CK THE SYSTEM, we’re building a community that celebrates diversity – from underground club bangers to festival anthems and crossover pop tracks. If it moves us, it belongs on this label."

A Partnership Forged in Innovation: Showtek and Be Yourself Music

The decision to partner with Be Yourself Music for this new venture is a strategic and historically resonant one. The Dutch independent label has been a cornerstone of the electronic music industry for nearly two decades, fostering talent and championing diverse sounds across the dance spectrum. Established in 2004, Be Yourself Music quickly carved out a reputation as a dynamic and artist-friendly home for a wide array of electronic music producers. Its roster of alumni reads like a who’s who of contemporary dance music, including the melodic house maestro Bakermat, hardstyle legend Headhunterz, progressive house innovators Tinlicker, Grammy-winning producer Imanbek, and the progressive duo Vicetone. This rich history of nurturing diverse talent makes Be Yourself Music an ideal partner for an imprint explicitly designed to avoid a single lane.

A representative from Be Yourself Music commented on the collaboration, "We are incredibly excited to partner with Showtek on F_CK THE SYSTEM. Their vision for a genre-agnostic label perfectly aligns with our own philosophy of supporting creative freedom and pushing the boundaries of electronic music. Showtek’s proven track record of innovation and their deep understanding of the global dance scene make them ideal leaders for this new imprint. We believe F_CK THE SYSTEM will be a vital platform for groundbreaking music and a testament to the evolving nature of the industry." This partnership represents a synergy of shared values, combining Showtek’s artistic vision and industry experience with Be Yourself Music’s robust infrastructure and global distribution network.

Showtek’s Enduring Legacy: Two Decades of Genre-Bending Influence

The journey of Showtek began in the early 2000s, when brothers Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen emerged from the Netherlands’ burgeoning hardstyle scene. Their early releases on labels like Dutch Master Works and Q-Dance Records, and their electrifying performances at festivals such as Defqon.1 and Qlimax, cemented their status as pioneers of the genre. Tracks like "FTS" (which ironically shares initials with their new label, though with a different meaning), "The Colour Of The Harder Styles," and "Black" became anthems, defining a generation of hard dance enthusiasts.

However, their creative curiosity soon led them beyond the confines of hardstyle. Around 2011-2012, Showtek began to experiment with electro house and big room sounds, a pivotal shift that would propel them into the mainstream. Their collaboration with Tiësto on "Hell Yeah!" was an early indicator of this transition. The subsequent release of "Cannonball" with Justin Prime, and most notably "Booyah" featuring We Are Loud and Sonny Wilson, became global EDM anthems, topping charts and dominating festival stages worldwide. "Booyah" reached the top 10 in several European countries, including the UK Singles Chart, and earned platinum certifications, solidifying their status as mainstream dance music powerhouses.

Their collaborations with David Guetta further amplified their global reach. Tracks like "Bad" (featuring Vassy), released in 2014, became a massive international hit, accumulating hundreds of millions of streams and further showcasing Showtek’s ability to blend their signature energetic sound with commercial appeal. Subsequent collaborations with Guetta, such as "Sun Goes Down" (featuring Magic!) and "The Death of EDM" (with Moby), continued to demonstrate their versatility. Their work with Major Lazer on "Believer" further underscored their capacity to cross into diverse musical territories, from dancehall-infused pop to electronic anthems. This two-decade trajectory of continuous evolution and genre fluidity provides the perfect foundation for an imprint like F_CK THE SYSTEM, a label designed to embrace this very spirit of musical exploration.

Be Yourself Music: A Pillar of Dutch Dance

Be Yourself Music’s role in the global dance music ecosystem cannot be overstated. Founded in 2004, the label emerged from the fertile grounds of the Dutch electronic music scene, which has consistently produced some of the world’s most influential DJs and producers. Over the years, Be Yourself Music has cultivated a reputation for its keen ear for talent and its commitment to artist development. Unlike many labels that might specialize in a single genre, Be Yourself Music has historically embraced a broad spectrum of electronic sounds, from progressive house and trance to techno and even pop-infused dance music.

Its diverse roster of artists highlights this commitment. Bakermat, known for his unique blend of house music with jazz and soulful influences, found a home and significant success with the label. Headhunterz, a towering figure in hardstyle, has also been associated with Be Yourself, demonstrating the label’s ability to cater to niche but powerful subgenres. Tinlicker’s melodic and progressive sound, Imanbek’s chart-topping remixes (including his Grammy-winning remix of SAINt JHN’s "Roses"), and Vicetone’s anthemic progressive house all point to a label that prioritizes quality and innovation over strict genre adherence. This established infrastructure and open-minded approach make Be Yourself Music an ideal partner for Showtek’s ambitious new imprint, providing the operational backbone and industry expertise necessary for F_CK THE SYSTEM to thrive. The partnership signifies a mutual recognition of each other’s strengths and a shared vision for the future of electronic music.

The Inaugural Release: A Festival-Tested Triumph with Kate Ryan

To christen F_CK THE SYSTEM, Showtek has delivered a powerful and highly anticipated collaboration with Belgian-French dance staple Kate Ryan. The inaugural release is a vibrant rework of Ryan’s enduring hit, "Ella Elle L’a." The original song, a classic French pop track by France Gall from 1987, was famously covered by Kate Ryan in 2008, becoming a major European hit and solidifying her status as a Eurodance icon. Showtek’s reimagining of this track is not just a studio creation; it’s a festival-tested phenomenon with a captivating origin story.

The Dutch duo road-tested an early edit of the flip during their electrifying set at the Fun Radio Ibiza Experience, held inside the prestigious Accor Arena in Paris. The Accor Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena with a capacity of over 20,000, is a revered venue for major concerts and events, and its packed house that night provided the ultimate litmus test. The crowd’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming. As Showtek dropped their rendition, the thousands of attendees spontaneously sang the iconic hook back at full volume, creating an unforgettable moment of collective euphoria. This powerful, organic audience response was more than just a signal; it was a clear mandate to transform a live edit into a formal collaboration and the debut release for F_CK THE SYSTEM. The track marries Showtek’s signature high-energy production with Ryan’s instantly recognizable vocals, promising a dancefloor filler with broad appeal.

Kate Ryan, commenting on the collaboration, expressed her enthusiasm: "It’s always exciting to hear new interpretations of my music, especially from artists as talented and innovative as Showtek. Their take on ‘Ella Elle L’a’ brings a fresh energy while respecting the original’s spirit. The crowd’s reaction in Paris was incredible, and I’m thrilled that this collaboration will be the first release on their new label, F_CK THE SYSTEM. It truly captures the essence of breaking boundaries."

The French Connection: Expanding Global Reach

The choice of "Ella Elle L’a" as the debut release also underscores Showtek’s significant and ongoing "French connection." Their relationship with the French music scene has deepened over the years, extending beyond festival appearances to significant collaborations. This includes their official remix of GIMS’s "Ciel" in 2025 (a testament to their continued relevance and adaptability) and numerous co-productions with global superstar David Guetta, who himself has deep roots in the French dance music scene. These collaborations have not only expanded Showtek’s artistic repertoire but have also solidified their appeal within the French-speaking market, one of the most vibrant and influential music markets in Europe.

The success of "Ella Elle L’a" in its original and cover forms within France and across Europe makes it a culturally resonant choice for F_CK THE SYSTEM’s launch. It leverages a beloved melody while infusing it with modern electronic energy, bridging generations of dance music fans. This strategic move not only provides a strong opening for the label but also reinforces Showtek’s global appeal and their ability to connect with diverse audiences through universally recognized music.

The Philosophy of F_CK THE SYSTEM: Breaking Down Genre Barriers

At its core, F_CK THE SYSTEM is built on a philosophy of liberation from the increasingly restrictive categorization within electronic music. The electronic music landscape has often been characterized by subgenre proliferation, leading to fragmented communities and, at times, limiting creative exploration for artists who feel pressured to adhere to specific sound profiles. Showtek’s label aims to dismantle these barriers.

According to Showtek, F_CK THE SYSTEM is structured to house a comprehensive array of electronic music. This includes:

• Underground club records: Tracks designed for intimate venues and discerning dance music aficionados, focusing on innovative sound design and deeper grooves.
• Festival weaponry: High-energy anthems crafted to ignite massive crowds at major festivals, characterized by powerful drops and infectious melodies.
• Crossover material: Pop-infused electronic tracks that blend mainstream appeal with dance sensibilities, echoing the success Showtek has achieved with their Billboard-charting collaborations.

This multi-faceted approach reflects a broader trend in contemporary music where artists and listeners increasingly reject rigid genre classifications in favor of fluid playlists and diverse listening habits. By explicitly stating its intention to embrace this wide spectrum, F_CK THE SYSTEM positions itself as a forward-thinking imprint, ready to champion music that prioritizes quality and impact over genre labels. It’s an invitation for artists to experiment, innovate, and express themselves without compromise, fostering a truly diverse and dynamic musical ecosystem.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The launch of F_CK THE SYSTEM carries several significant implications for Showtek, Be Yourself Music, and the wider electronic music industry.

For Showtek, the label represents a new level of artistic control and entrepreneurial expansion. Having spent two decades creating music under various labels, launching their own imprint allows them to directly curate a roster of talent, nurture emerging artists, and release their own material exactly as they envision it. This move solidifies their brand beyond just performers and producers, positioning them as tastemakers and industry leaders. It also provides a platform for their future musical endeavors, ensuring that any direction they choose to explore will have a dedicated home.

For Be Yourself Music, the partnership with Showtek and the addition of F_CK THE SYSTEM to its portfolio further strengthens its position as a diverse and influential independent label. It brings in a high-profile, globally recognized brand, attracting new talent and expanding their reach into different segments of the market. This collaboration underscores Be Yourself Music’s adaptability and its commitment to staying at the forefront of electronic music trends.

For the electronic music industry, F_CK THE SYSTEM serves as a powerful example of artist empowerment and the evolving landscape of music distribution. As artists increasingly seek greater autonomy and control over their creative output and business ventures, artist-led imprints are becoming more common. This trend fosters innovation, allows for quicker response to musical trends, and can provide a more direct and artist-centric path for emerging talent. The label’s explicit genre-agnostic stance also challenges the traditional compartmentalization of electronic music, potentially inspiring other labels and artists to adopt a more fluid approach to creation and curation. It reinforces the idea that good music transcends categories and that the future of electronic music lies in its boundless capacity for evolution.

The future outlook for F_CK THE SYSTEM appears bright. With Showtek’s extensive network, industry credibility, and a clear artistic vision, combined with Be Yourself Music’s established infrastructure, the label is poised to become a significant force. It promises to be a hub for innovative electronic music, providing a platform for both established artists looking to break new ground and fresh talent eager to make their mark without being confined by genre expectations. The success of the Kate Ryan collaboration is just the first step in what promises to be an exciting and boundary-pushing journey for F_CK THE SYSTEM.