Hernan Cattaneo Interview

With a music career spanning three decades, we speak to South American born, world famous DJ, producer, record label head and radio station owner Hernan Cattaneo, ahead of his Australian tour.

Hi Hernan, How are you?
I’m very good, thanks.

Where in the world are you right now?
Barcelona

Cool! Have you been up to much this week?
Yesterday I got back from London where I played at MOS with Guy J back to back, and it was awesome! Last night I went to Camp Nou (a football stadium in Barcelona) to watch Barcelona.

You’ll be playing at the famous Burning Man festival in the Nevada Desert, have you been before? What’s it like?
It’s out of this world really! I did it a long time ago and can’t wait to go back. Imagine the mad max three camp with the coolest and weirdest people from music and the arts all together for seven days. It’s a really special and rare event and should be a must on the agenda for anyone looking to do something exciting and intense.

Are you looking forward to playing there? I’ve always wanted to go, but it does seem a little extreme!
Traveling is not easy. I’m playing the day before in Marbella, Spain, so it’s going to take three flights and a three hour drive to get to the stage. Once you are there though, you don’t care about anything else. It’s a big privilege to play there and probably the most interesting and different festival in the world.

It certainly sounds it! You’ll be playing in Macedonia soon, what’s the scene like out there?
It’s rocking, young and super energetic – they love music. Eastern Europe has the most enthusiastic crowds of the old world – comparable to South Americans.

And you’ve got Chile & Buenos Aires coming up too. Tell us, what are the clubs and crowds like over there?
Buenos Aires is my hometown and it feels like I’m a local hero there for most clubbers! It’s always great to go back and play for them as they really make me feel welcome. The Chile scene has been growing big over the last five years and it gets better and better all the time.

If you could tell our readers one club to visit, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Only one? Very difficult but Warung, Brazil is always a winner for me.

You’re heading to Australia and touring through Sydney’s Chinese Laundry, Melbourne’s The Prince Bandroom, The Met in Brisbane, and you’re playing at Habitat Garden Party in Perth… what are you most looking forward to whilst in Australia?
Australia’s been great for me since my first ever tour almost 10 years ago. Every time I come back I meet old and new friends. The scene is always quality down there, so I’m really looking forward to it! Australia is one of those places where every single time I play, the sets seem to be too short for me even after four to six hours playing music!

Quite simply, with all the traveling you do, could you sum up what it’s like to be a world famous DJ in just three words?
A fantastic journey.

You’ve released tracks from Guy J, Henry Saiz and Nick Warren on your label Sudbeat, tell us more about the label and what you look for in the artists you sign?
I started the label trying to push the artists I like, the same way I do in my sets or radio shows. The idea is very simple: new and established artists all come together with musical common denominators – melody is the key.

Can you tell us the craziest thing that has ever happened when you’ve been DJ-ing?
I’m not a crazy person at all, so in general I’m good to avoid those moments.

When you’re not jetting around the world every weekend, what do you like to do?
Being a DJ/producer/radio and label owner takes much more time than jetting around. I also have a wife and three little daughters so I try very hard to be the best dad I can possibly be.

They’re very lucky to have such a cool dad! Have you got any suggestions about new tracks that our readers should download?
I would say mixes. The Balance Presents Guy J is magnificent. The same for the Guy Gerber Piknic mix. Moderat’s new album is super good too.

Quickfire round… Let’s get to know Hernan Cattaneo a little better…

Name three of your all time favourite songs that you listen to over and over again (see we were kind and didn’t make you choose one!).
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
Dépêche Mode – Almost anything from them
Underworld – Dark & Long

Favourite film?
Star Wars IV-V-VI
Goodfellas
Reservoir Dogs
Usual Suspects
English Patient

Favourite food?
Japanese

What colour socks do you wear?
Black

Your favourite holiday destination (or the most amazing place you’ve travelled to)?
Greek Islands

Thanks Hernan, and we look forward to seeing you in Australia!

Hernan Cattaneo Australian Tour Dates
Friday 20th September- Funf & Darkbeat present: An Evening with Hernan Cattaneo at The Prince, Melbourne
Saturday 21st September (Day time)- Chinese Laundry Garden Party Feat. Hernan Cattaneo & Stimming at The Ivy, Sydney
Saturday 21st September (Night time)- Ulterior/Lemon & Lime, The Met, Brisbane
Sunday 22nd September- Habitat Garden Party, The Court Hotel, Perth