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Hernn Cattaneo

Few, if any, Vancouverites will be aware of this master but his talent and rock climber good looks are imprinted on most other clubbers minds. In the international scene Cattaneo is a king. He just finished a two year residency at Cream London, toured as the opening DJ for Oakenfolds North American tour for the second time, currently ranks #19 on the DJ Mag Top 100 list, and has just released a new compilation CD.

You were one of the DJs who introduced dance music to South America. How were you introduced to it?

Around 1987 I was a DJ at a club called Cinema in Buenos Aires and I had a friend who was a flight attendant. He would bring me records from New York. He would always bring back the records that I would specifically ask for. One day he went to a very well known record store in New York, Vinylmania, and the sales person suggested that he bring back some new records for me. Those were the first of the Frankie Knuckles house records. When I heard them I went crazy. I told my friend, From here on in only bring me back records of this style. Before being introduced to house I listened to a lot of New Order, Depeche Mode, and other groups similar to them but once I was introduced to house I couldnt go back. In fact, I enjoyed the music so much it was the only kind of music I would play for people at the club.

How long have you been a DJ?

About fifteen years.

When you decided to become a DJ was it difficult to find places where to play? Was your music accepted?

It wasnt easy being a DJ that spun house. But in reality, I was so hooked on house music that I couldnt have cared less and, luckily, the clubbers at Cinema accepted my music and the owners encouraged me to continue (playing it).

How long was your residency at Pacha Buenos Aires?

Since opening in 1993 up til two years ago when I moved to London. Up until then I played every Saturday. Now I only play every two or three months. I fly to Argentina exclusively to play at Pacha. I dont play anywhere else in Argentina.

How were you able to convince international DJs to play in Buenos Aires?

I dont think I actually did anything to convince other DJs. There were quite a few English and American DJs that would spin in Pacha Buenos Aires and they were just fascinated with the response of the people. They would really enjoy playing there. Upon arriving to their home the DJs would just talk amongst themselves and word ended up spreading and now everyone wants to play there All DJs want to play in Argentina Because the reaction of the clubbers is incredible and you wont find something comparable in many places.

Do you have any residencies now?

I dont have any residencies because at the moment I am just touring. I was resident of Pacha Buenos Aires for seven years and then two years at Cream in England and Ibiza. I decided that I would spend the next two years (2002 and 2003) touring. Having a residency would mean having to stay in the same place and at this point in time I would like to travel.

Ive been told that you do not use drugs. Are there people that tell you that you cannot really understand and enjoy the electronica you play because you have never experienced being high?

I think this topic has been exhausted. There was a time when people said that if you didnt get high you couldnt fully understand the music but I think I am living proof that that is not the case. Not only do I not use drugs but I do not drink alcohol; nothing, never, not even a tiny bit. I think the music is in the heart.

How does it make you feel if someone tells you that they only like electronic music when they are high?

I guess I feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for them because you dont need drugs to enjoy the music. Im not saying that it is wrong to use drugs or that people shouldnt use them but I dont think its necessary. If you cant have fun without drugs then you have a problem and its not the music or the lack of drugs thats impeding your pleasure.

How did you get connected to Paul Oakenfold?

In 1994 he played in Pacha. He heard me spin and then told me that he wanted me to go on tour with him through Europe. Thats how we first started touring together.

Where is your favourite place to spin?

Can I give you three? The first one would be Clubland in Pacha Buenos Aires. The second would be Yellow in Tokyo. And the third would be Back to Basics in England.

Do you tag?

Yes. Actually, for New Years 2001 in Pacha I did a ten-hour set with Lee Burridge.

Do you like to dance?

No, well yes, I like to dance but Im horrible at it. Im a repressed dancer. My biggest regret is not being able to dance well. I would love to know how to dance. When I mean dance I dont mean how they do it in the clubs but like Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.

So why dont you take classes?

No, I dont have time, plus, my body is made of wood.

What is the biggest difference between North American and South American clubs/clubbers?

The South Americans have a different passion for everything. They go nuts and they enjoy everything more.

Interviewed and translated by Ariadna D. Peretz