Hernan Cattaneo: The groove goes on 
Argentinean house don Hernan Cattaneo is one of those DJs who continues to inspire intense devotion amongst fans, and it’s not hard to see why. Instead of coasting on past glories or constantly changing his tune, the man has maintained consistency right through his career.
Much of the reverence is stirred up by his precisely-constructed DJ sets, built around the key factors of “melody and groovy basslines”. Cattaneo is also a tireless traveller, equally at home in front of a heaving tent at the likes of Creamfields as he is commanding a club over several hours. The certified master returns to Australia this month for four club shows, including the relaunch of Sydney’s musica party series. In between transit lounges, Cattaneo found a moment to answer some questions for inthemix. The year has already started out very busily for you with touring. What have been some of the highlights so far?
Every year I start the summer season in South America and Peru is always one of the highlights. I play at La Huaka, one hour away from Lima. It’s a half-open-air club with an amazingly enthusiastic and educated crowd. It’s a pleasure to play for hours and hours; definitely one of the best clubs in the world for me.
When we last spoke to you, you were preparing for the release of the third Masters Series volume. Are there any mix compilations or significant releases coming up for you this time?
I just finished the work for my next Renaissance compilation, coming out in the summer. I followed the path of the last masters and produced more than half of the CD with my friends Soundexile, John Tonks and Martin Garcia, so we are getting closer to what an artist album will be some day.
Also, the first CD goes at around 105 BPM so it’s completely different to the previous ones, but keeps those elements I like in electronic music: melody and grooves. Then, of course I’ve been busy working for my digital label Sudbeat and there are loads of exciting new tracks are remixes coming your way soon.
As someone who is constantly swamped with track promos, do you have to develop a very ruthless approach to determine what’s worth your time and not?
Well, the more you get, the more you learn how to be focused and separate what is worthy from what is not. These days, a minimum of around 500 new tracks a week arrive to any top DJ’s email inbox. That takes a good four or five hours a day to check, but of course there are some ‘filters’ you develop that helps you on the way. Good labels and producers always get the best of your attention, and from the new ones, there are things like the way they approach you that can set a difference. Sometimes even the names they use can tell you a lot about the producer’s bad taste!
As a DJ who is renowned for the flow and programming of your sets, does that come instinctively to you now? Is DJing always a work-in-progress?
I think there’s a part of it that comes with your persona, and another one that goes along the kind of music you are playing at any given moment. As I’ve said many times, electronic music changes all the time and as new things arrive, there are new ways of playing those new sounds along with the more established ones. So you always learning in a way, I guess.
Has what you look for in a track remained fairly consistent over the years, despite the various trends and shifts within house and techno?
Absolutely. I’ve always been motivated by some elements that are crucial for me to find. Melody and groovy basslines are always part of my sound. Whether the emotion is happy, sad or dark, there must be something to translate to the crowd. Having said that, you can find those elements in almost any kind of style, so I don’t rule out anything. I’ve never been a trend follower. I have my own personality and style. If you look back to my career you will find elements from house, techno, prog and deep all in together.
Last year, you mentioned to us that it’s essential to keep your DJ bag constantly updated to stay ahead of the curve. Is that philosophy something you feel your fans expect of you?
I guess a big section of my fans expect me to deliver new stuff all the time, and also that keeps me excited to play the 100-plus shows I do every year. It would be really boring to play the same tracks month after month.
On your last tour to Australia, you played alongside Loco Dice for the Likes Of You parties, which are quite techno-oriented. How did you find that experience?
We did two shows with Dice. The one in Melbourne was fantastic; the Alley was packed everywhere and we all had a great time. The Sydney show was looking amazing but then some sound problems came in the way and we felt a bit frustrated because we were all really excited about that night.
Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to trying out on the crowds at these upcoming Australian dates?
I’ve got tons of new music to play that I think crowds will enjoy a lot. Last year’s tour was amazing so my expectations are really high. I did a lot of new tracks for the new album that will be playing too, so I am excited to see how they go with the Australian crowds.
This time you’re playing some shows alongside Marc Marzenit (who I notice you charted in April) and Apparat. Are you looking forward to hearing what they come up with at the shows?
Yes, of course. I know Marc very well and I’m a big fan of his music and feature it a lot in my sets. Apparat has been making some fantastic music too, so it will be great to share the line-up with them at música.
Hernan Cattaneo tour dates:
Thurs 22 April – Family, Brisbane
Fri 23 April – No Nonsense @ Brown Alley, Melbourne
Sat 24 April – musica @ The Forum, Sydney
Sun 25 April – Democracy @ Ambar, Perth
