TONIGHT !!!
Another interview.
Opinion Blogs Fly Music manipulation superstar
Music manipulation superstar
The most decisive aspect that serves to fortify the significance and integrity of any form of art is the ability to weave a good tale. If we were to simplify the equation, it could be said that an artist's true ingenuity comes from taking common objects, such as paint, plaster or in this case music, and transforming them into something much more ponderous, more expressive.
To make a successful segue into dance music at this point might seem a tad zealous to those who understand it to be little more than a late night party soundtrack, although purists will argue that electronic music can be just as worthy of admiration as any tactile creation.
Enter Hernan Cattaneo. The Argentinian strikes an imposing presence, tall and chiselled with a dark mane of hair flanking a pensive gaze - think Ridge Forrester crossed with a young Viggo Mortensen. Alongside modern-day scene legends such as Sasha, John Digweed and Danny Tenaglia, Cattaneo is part of an elite breed of superstar music manipulators most famous for pushing the boundaries of audio craftsmanship through breathtaking live performances, some which have been known to extend well beyond 10 hours.
''I think its a combination of knowing your music very well and then programming it with care and patience during the night,'' Cattaneo says. ''Long sets that build slow are great to play, but not all audiences are ready for them.''
Outside of the club, he is best known to the masses for his legendary Renaissance mixed compilations. Cattaneo's fusion of sound is a unique blend of down tempo trance, deep, luscious house music and sexy tribal drums, intertwined into a lucid, involving soundscape.
''I think it's like a musical collage, I'm after different elements like groove and melodies, emotion, tension. You can find those on any style of music so I don't rule out anything,'' he says. ''Just as I always say, never too hard or fast.''
While many DJs seem happy to be associated with a particular type of dance music, Cattaneo is more of a square peg in a round hole when it comes to attempting to attach himself to a specific genre. His approach to his chosen art is more individual and personal, rather than trying to pander to any social barometer.
''I always play a variety of sounds, even when I know that people consider me a prog DJ, not that it bothers me. I just play what sounds good to me and fortunately there's a lot of people paying attention to that,'' Cattaneo says.
''I strongly believe that your personality is what matters, not music styles.''
In between shows, the Argentinian is also an extremely accomplished and in-demand music producer.
''This year we've been doing remixes for other labels like the ones just released for Richie G in Hacienda Records, we like those a lot,'' he says, excitedly. ''I'm also working on stuff for Monique Musique, Highway Records and many more.''
It's been a while since Cattaneo visited Canberra, and those lucky enough to be crammed into the belly of Lot 33 to witness his amazing performance back in 2005 will know exactly what to expect when he steps up to the turntables at Trinity Bar onSunday.
''I remember perfectly that night!'' he says. ''Smaller, intimate venues are sometimes the best. I am really looking forward to going back to Australia. Everytime I have been it went great and they have some of the best crowds in theworld.''
Hernan Cattaneo
WHEN: Sunday
WHERE: Trinity Bar
Perth went well !!
