Showtek Unveils F_CK THE SYSTEM: A New Era of Genre-Defying Dance Music
After two decades of shattering industry conventions, the Dutch production powerhouse Showtek is embarking on their most ambitious chapter yet. Brothers Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen are officially launching their own record label, F_CK THE SYSTEM, in a strategic partnership with the renowned independent label Be Yourself Music. This new imprint arrives with a bold mission: to provide a home for the duo’s diverse musical evolution, starting with a high-profile collaboration featuring dance music legend Kate Ryan.
A Legacy of Constant Evolution
Since their inception, Showtek has never been content to stay within the lines. Their career trajectory is a masterclass in reinvention-transitioning from the architects of the hardstyle movement to global superstars who have collaborated with industry titans like David Guetta and Major Lazer. This refusal to be pigeonholed is the core DNA of their new label.
By partnering with Be Yourself Music, a label group that has spent two decades nurturing talent ranging from Bakermat and Headhunterz to Tinlicker and Imanbek, Showtek is positioning F_CK THE SYSTEM to be a versatile powerhouse. The label is designed to house the full spectrum of their artistry, encompassing everything from gritty, underground club tracks to massive, radio-ready festival anthems.
The Debut: Reimagining a European Classic
The inaugural release on F_CK THE SYSTEM is a fresh, modern take on Kate Ryan’s iconic hit, “Ella Elle L’a.” The track’s origin story is rooted in the energy of live performance; Showtek debuted an early edit during their set at the Accor Arena in Paris for the Fun Radio Ibiza Experience. The audience’s overwhelming response-singing every word in unison-convinced the duo that this needed to be more than just a live edit; it needed to be their label’s flagship release.
This collaboration serves as a bridge between generations of dance music. Kate Ryan, who is currently marking her 25th year in the industry with a massive 2026 European tour across markets like Germany, Spain, and Sweden, brings a timeless pop sensibility to the table. With a career boasting over 3.5 million physical sales and half a billion streams, Ryan’s influence remains undeniable. Her partnership with Showtek-who have recently deepened their French market presence through their 2025 remix of GIMS’ “Ciel”-highlights a shared commitment to keeping European dance culture at the forefront of the global stage.
Why F_CK THE SYSTEM Matters
In an era where streaming algorithms often force artists to stick to a single “sound,” F_CK THE SYSTEM acts as a creative sanctuary. It is a direct response to the industry’s tendency to categorize artists too narrowly. For Showtek, this label is not just a business venture; it is a platform to follow their creative instincts wherever they lead, whether that means returning to their harder roots or exploring new, experimental club sounds.
By blending the nostalgic power of “Ella Elle L’a” with contemporary production techniques, Showtek and Kate Ryan have created a blueprint for what fans can expect from the label moving forward: music that respects the past while aggressively pushing toward the future.
Showtek & Kate Ryan’s “Ella Elle L’a” officially drops on July 3 via F_CK THE SYSTEM.
