After the anarchy that erupted from Hernan’s previous B2B visit with Henry Saiz, Senor Cattaneo assumes centre stage alongside another Spanish producer in Luis Junior. Making his debut last October, Luis Junior has proven his worth over and over. A monumental year heralding two ‘Top 20’ Beatport remixes with Guy J’s ‘Pathos’ and DNYO’s ‘Aquatika,’ Luis is certainly no junior in this playing field. Expect an unparalleled mastery of melodic bass and deep groovy beats, the ethos of Hernan’s brand new Renaissance compilation. Entitled ‘Hernan Cattaneo – The Masters Series,’ his landmark seventh album re-kindles a love affair with this legendary label. Fresh from having headlined Renaissance’s recent 20th anniversary celebrations, Hernan is sure to showcase exclusive album tracks, plus a few retrospective classics. Earmarking this 5th residency gig of 2012, as one not to be missed...
Interview – Hernan Cattaneo
An in depth look at the album concept, plus which tracks Hernan foresees to do the damage….
Hola, back after August’s B2B action with Henry Saiz. How did this stand out, from your previous residency gigs this year?
It was our first time playing B2B and was great fun. Henry & I are good friends and we like similar music. So playing together worked really well and the crowd reaction was excellent.
This event marks the release of your new album on Renaissance – The Masters Series. What was your logic behind which tracks to include?
Always try to reflect who I am as a DJ, when I make a compilation. So I choose tracks from my favourite producers around the world - to make my musical collage.
It’s such a privilege to be able to use and rework stunning tracks from people like Guy Gerber, Guy J, Henry Saiz, Agoria, The Timewritter, Ripperton, Microtrauma, Guy Mantzur and many more extraordinary artists. Also to introduce new and fresh ones to the scene like Fran Von Vie from Spain, or Nobuyuki Tokunaga from Japan, just to name a few…
CD1 is downtempo, and the more melodic, hypnotic & cinematic tracks really shine wonderfully at that slower speed. CD 2 is very much into the more intense clubbing territory and similar to what I do every weekend at any city worldwide. I think it’s definitely one of the best albums I’ve done and needless to say, I’m very excited to hear what fans will have to say about it.
This being your seventh compilation on the label, how has the sound changed from the first?
I got the tremendous opportunity to make seven albums in eight years and have the chance to express and expose myself. Through the sounds I like, to music lovers around the planet! Now it’s interesting to see how all those compilations are different or not - and stand the test of time.
I think and have said many times, that electronic music sounds change constantly. But the elements I like and look for in the music, don´t vary that much. So if you compare this compilation to my first Renaissance album from 2004, you will find those groovy basslines and melodies. But they way they sound now, is not that similar to 8 or 10 years ago.
Would you say this is an indication, of how the scene has changed in general?
It’s an indication of how the scene has changed, on many levels. New sounds and technologies are a big part of the difference, but at the same time - the essence of what i do and my musical personality has been the same and will not change. It’s always been about sharing the music i feel passionate about.
Which track are you most looking forward to testing, on Ministry’s famous sound system?
There are many of course, but I have 3 new singles we did with Soundexile for the album that are perfect for MOS on Friday night. Can’t wait to play them in that amazing sound system!
Finally, 3 words to describe your forthcoming set?
My new Renaissance…