Hernán Cattáneo
by Harley Augustine
In an illustrious career that spans some twenty meteoric years, Argentina’s favourite son, Hernán Cattáneo, has forged a reputation of distinction; and, in the process, has also earned the mantle of being one of the planet’s few undisputed Kings of deep, driving electronic nirvana. A master craftsman in every sense of the word, his globally-revered sets are a sublime melting-pot of inimitable sounds and lush grooves – programmed with deft precision and laced with throbbing, pulsating frequencies that hit you somewhere between your chest, your ears, your heart and your mind … and often, all at once. Rising to prominence via a pivotal residency at Pacha in Buenos Aires in the late 1990s, Hernán’s magic captured the imagination of dance luminaries the ilk of Digweed, Sasha, Seaman and Oakenfold – with the latter signing him to his iconic Perfecto record label and showcasing his infectious sound internationally via early tours throughout Europe and the United States. Since then, Hernán’s star, like one his own exquisite sets, has slowly, steadily, but surely built to a magnificent crescendo. From his legendary ‘Sequential’ radio show and his own studio gems for labels like Bedrock, Perfecto and Urbantorque, to his five stunning mix compilations for Renaissance (the latest of which heralds the infamous label’s 50th release and hits shelves later this month), consistently chaotic international tour diary and now, in 2009, heading up his very own digital label ‘Sudbeat’; the man they call the Wizard of Buenos Aires is, quite simply, a sonic force to be reckoned with. 100% caught up with Hernán on the eve of his long-awaited return to Melbourne for two massive club sets that for fans far and wide equate to one thing and on thing only: 10+ hours of dancefloor paradise …
Congrats on your forthcoming Master Series compilation for Renaissance – are you please with how it’s turned out?
Yes, I am very pleased! It took some extra time since I did more work for this than any other CDs in the past, but in my opinion it was very worth it. DJ mixes are easy to get this days, so you need to give something else to please the fans.
You’ve included some 12 of your own edits and originals on it – how long have you been working on those?
It took me like 4 months since the process started. I travel a lot so unfortunately I can’t ever really spend as much time in the studio as I would like. The production and track selection took the most of my time up for this release, and at the same time this is also the most stressful part of it all because you want to use more tracks that the ones you can fit on a double CD. It’s always the same, though, but it’s not nice to take out tracks that you like!
Several of the tunes you’ve done are alongside fellow countryman, Martin Garcia – what do you enjoy most about working with Martin?
I have known Martin for long time and we been working together for almost a decade, so we know each other really well and he knows exactly the kind of sound I’m looking for when I do stuff with him. I also collaborated with John Tonks and Soundexile to get some different styles for this release, too. All together we did six new tracks, four remixes and two re-edits … so I’m very pleased.
Did you approach the Master Series in a different way to one of your Sequential mixes? Is there a different sound for each?
Well, my approach in terms of music is similar since I always look for a certain sound and some elements within the tracks. Then, since this was Renaissance’s 50th CD, and also my third Masters Series mix, I thought it was going to be an extra special one: so I decided to make it more unique by doing all those special tracks, remixes and edits, and also asked some of my fave producers to do tracks especially for the CD. So, by the time it comes out, most of the tracks will still be unheard by the majority of people.
You’ve been flat out touring over the last 12 months – do you get to spend enough time at home with your family?
Yes, I do - I normally play 2/3 times a week and then go back home and spend the weekdays with the family.They are based with me in Barcelona, so it’s not as difficult as it may look.
What are your favourite clubs in the world to play at these days?
It’s never easy to say because luckily there are so many good ones! Studio Martin in Bucharest has been amazing since the first time I ever played there. Venue in Athens is great, too. I don’t know, it’s not fair to all the great places that I’m going to every week to just out a few! However, Japan is always my fave country to play, and of course, anywhere in Argentina!
There are a lot of great producers and DJs rising through the ranks in Argentina – you must be proud of that?
I feel proud of the whole scene at home really. We were a few DJs and clubbers starting this a long time ago and now it’s everywhere. You can find all top DJs raving about Argentina and playing festivals for 60,000 people. So yes, I’m very happy and proud.
We didn’t get to see you in Australia last year – are you looking forward to visiting our shores again?
Of course I am! Last time in 2007 was amazing. The Melbourne gig was one of the highlights of that year and I can’t wait to go back. Sydney has always been great for me as well, and it’s gonna’ be my first time in Brisbane so I’m really looking forward to it. It will also be the start of my Masters Series World Tour so I´m extra excited about the trip.
Who are some of your favourite new, up and coming producers at the moment?
There’s just too many to mention! The last two years have been great for new music. People like Henry Saiz and Marc Marzenit have been regulars in my box, and Eelke Kleijn is consistently doing great music too. From Argentina, Soundexile and Mercurio always feature in my sets, to …
How is life in Barcelona? Is the city still inspiring and motivating you?
It’s great - we are really happy living here. It’s been four years now and we are very pleased. It’s a very cosmopolitan city and I like that a lot. Then you have the beach and the mountains all very close since it’s not that big. The city’s restaurants and bars are very nice and, to top it off … the airport’s only 20 min away which is very handy if you go overseas 2-3 times a week!
Hernán Cattáneo (ARG) plays a special 6hr set at One Night Only at Eureka 89 on Thursday May 14; he also plays the Likes Of You party at Brown Alley on Friday May 15.
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