Exclusive Interview: Hatiras

In this week’s Artist Spotlight we have not only one of the dopest underground Electro House producers but also a good friend of ours, Hatiras. He is the man responsible for creating the worldwide hit Spaced Invader in 2001. He has also released music on a number of huge labels including Defected, Ministry of Sound, Sony, Parlophone and his very own Hatrax Records, among many others. You can catch Hatiras live in Chicago tomorrow night, September 30th, at Evil Olive for the Trap House afters presented by United2nite, On Point Parties, Tru Musica. Make sure you also check out the preview of his up coming tracks after the interview.

What made you want to start DJing/producing?

As a kid in Toronto I was introduced to electronic music by my sister and her older, cool, skater kids that DJ’d. When I got my first mix tape from them I was hooked. I learned about a few really cool radio shows and became a loyal follower.

 

Who is your biggest influence(s)?

Daft Punk, Green Velvet, alien beings.

 

Whats you’re favorite record of all time?

My own record: Spaced Invader – if it wasn’t for that tune I probably wouldn’t be doing music full time after all these years.

Album: Daft Punk’s Homework or Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

 

What was your favorite party of all time that you have played?

Too many to pick one. Roots Society at Burning Man was unforgettable and Wire Festival in Japan was so massive, professional and cool!

 

Who is your favorite artist to collaborate with?

MC Flipside and Nom De Strip.

 

Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?

I’m doing trips to Chicago, Denver, Vegas and LA this month. I’ll be collaborating with as many of my friend’s as I possibly can along the way (Bam Bam, Alex Peace, Bad Boy Bill, Brett Rubin, Kings of Class, Nathaniel Knows, Nom De Strip, Hot Mouth, etc.)

 

What’s the most embarrassing thing thats happened to you at a show?

I don’t have any “embarassing” DJ stories I can think of… hmm… Maybe playing the same song twice in a row while drunk?

 

What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/DJing?

I love visual art: graphic design, visual design, video editing, special effects, home decorating and renovating and cooking (normal stuff).

 

What is your opinion on the current EDM scene?

You’re either a newbie or you’ve been around. It’s easy to be jaded and bitter but it’s more fun (and productive) to stay focused and make dope music. In every big scene there are always tourists and purists. The current EDM scene has reached that state.

 

What do you think will be the next big thing in EDM?

More house, house, house music. More educated people.

 

What do you think about all these “frauds” in the EDM scene using ghost producers, buying likes and purchasing their own tracks on Beatport?

It’s whack. Too many people are trying to be DJs because DJing is easier to do nowadays and they have the hope of some fame or quick money. It’s not that easy though. To achieve lasting success you have to work hard. Short cuts are for babies.

 

Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?

Oh yes. Too many. Keep an eye out for new music on Hatrax Records releasing this fall. Lotsa great techy, driving and housey beats. Expect more solo releases, collabs with MC Flipside and Macca (Gio Perri) and new music by mystery duo Melvin & Klein. More news at www.hatiras.com

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/169490951″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/169489602″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]