You will find in this category each week, an interview or a biograhpy of a Dj or artist which is breaking the news. All styles are on the “menu” of this category: minimal, house, electro, techno or even trance in some cases.
The topic will be supplemented by other Djs following the latest electronic music news.
The Dutch duo Hauk 'n Baum consists of the two very good friends Tristan Moons and Rinke Beckers. Growing up in Amersfoort, Tristan played the clarinet and Rinke played the drums. These days they aim to make impulsive, energetic and melodic techno. Their music is deep, moving, highly danceable and full of love. They have played at numerous parties around the Netherlands. Their first release, “Mascotte” / “Welmoed”, was released by Parquet Recordings in December 2011 and we liked it a lot. Other great tracks too have been released during 2012 like “Der Ereignies EP” or “X8ZF”. Today we have the chance to interview one of the hottest Dutch producers! The interview followed notably the ones of other famous producers like Marc Romboy, Da Fresh, Umek, Avicii or Dr. Kucho. First, I wanted to thank Tim, your manager, who helps us to get the interview from Tristan and Rinke.
"Hello guys,
Honestly, it's a real pleasure and honor to interview you, because I discovered your music last year thanks to Parquet Recordings and Solee especially. Since then I've never missed any of your great releases.
Some weeks ago on your Soundcloud account you posted “X8ZK”. Will it be your next release, if not what will it be? Could you please be more specific about your upcoming EP for 2013?
> ‘X8ZK’ could be a possible release, at this moment we haven’t found the right label to release it on. We're in talks with several labels at the moment to see what possibilities there are for new releases. Also working on a lot of new stuff, but we don't think we've found the right combination of tracks suitable for an EP yet.
2012 is over. If you look back to it, what can you say about it? What is your vision of the couple past months following your first track released at the end of 2011 under Parquet Recordings? Everything has changed?
> No not that much has changed. Although 2012 was a year with a lot of new experiences, new venues, cities and people. Highlights would be playing in Berlin (Sisyphos), Bergwacht Cologne and Tomorrowland Festival. All of this probably wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the Parquet Recordings release.
After you give us these info about your music news we would like to go back to your musical roots. Could you briefly tell us how did you become DJs and producers? And how did you two meet?
> We were in the same class first year of high school. In 2006, at age 16, we attended our first big event ‘I Love Techno’ which made great impact to us. After a couple of bedroom DJ sessions we noticed that we wanted more than playing other peoples tracks, so we started experimenting with Ableton together, which led to where we are now.
I saw you had some gigs in Germany recently, but you are from the Netherlands and I think you are still living in Amersfoort. Will you plan to move to Germany? Many producers from all around the world did so, notably to Berlin that is an amazing creative and inspiring city?
> We think Berlin is great. But we have a great production environment in Amersfoort. So for now we’re definitely staying here.
Concerning your career as producers, do you have a pre-determined role in the production of a track? How do you compose together?
> We don’t really have our separate rolls during productions. We have slightly different views on things, but we almost always find a way so that it works for the both of us. This way in the end we both feel content with the result.
At the beginning, did your family understand what you did for a living? And now are they proud of what you achieved?
> At first our parents were a bit skeptical, but after they saw how serious we actually are about making music they gave and still give us all their support. Both our dads have a couple CDs with almost all the tracks we ever made and they listen to it on a regular basis, so i think they're even a bit proud yes.
As I said previously, you released your first EP at the end of 2011 under Parquet Recordings? I remember how amazing the duo production “Welmoed” and “Mascotte” were. Is there a specific story about it and how did you succeed to release it?
> Solee was playing a gig in Holland, organized by friends of ours. We started talking in a small dressing room, after a while he asked us were we had played that night, we told him we played in the third area, to which he replied that he didn't know there even was a third area. So that sucked but after talking about his label he asked us to send some of our stuff. He was enthusiastic about our sound and actually played “Welmoed” and “Mascotte” at Trésor in Berlin. After that he asked us to release them on Parquet.
More and more people are asking us about the material DJs and producers used. What is the software or instruments you use to produce and create a track? Could you please be more specific on a technical side?
> Ableton and a bunch of vst’s. Ableton gives you a lot of freedom, plus we like the playfulness.
The interview will be published on a website mainly read by French people. So, what do you know about the French electronic music scene? Are there some artists that you personally know or especially love their music?
> We like Rodriguez Jr’s productions, also Oxia is in our i-tunes. And of course Daft Punk!
Guys, before we conclude this interview we have a few more questions. Sometimes one word is enough!
An artist you would like to work with one day?
> Leonard Cohen and Alizée ;-)
Craziest or best live souvenir?
> A vinyl from the Bergwacht guys, which we forgot unfortunately.
Best place for a live session?
> In the car, on our way to a gig. Somehow that’s just awesome!
3 words to define your music?
> Dark, light, vibrant.
One privilege, being DJs, gives you access to?
> A woman’s heart.
One word about France?
> Aller!
Your favorite track these days?
> Minilogue - Drop The Mask Of Self Protection
Some words about the website I manage and where the interview will be published: Actualités Electroniques?
> Website looks nice, good place for finding info/music. Keep up the good work!
Hauk 'n Baum thank you very very much for the time you devoted to Actualités Electroniques and particularly for this full and exclusive interview. We will wait for sure for your next productions and your new compilation. I’m sure you’ll have a bright future!”