Hernan Cattaneo and the Sound of South America

A simple guy from Buenos Aires, an avid reader of Billboard magazine, a fan of Depeche Mode and New Order, discovered house back in 1987. Records from the Vinylmania store, brought from New York by a friend, literally turned Cattaneo's mind upside down. His former idols faded into the background, and their place was taken by Frankie Knuckles.

Today Hernan Cattaneo has behind him a win in the "Best New DJ" category at the prestigious Pacha Ibiza Awards, his own show on the Argentine radio station Metrodance, a firm position in DJ Mag's Top 25 ranking, production work together with Dean Coleman, appearances at many cult festivals, as well as wonderful releases on the Renaissance label. On 16 May 2008, to mark the release of his latest record Sequential Vol. 2, Hernan will visit Moscow! We spoke with the DJ on the eve of his performance:

I've always had a wonderful attitude toward Russia! But I've started to notice that, playing in different clubs, I always discover something new and interesting. In any case, I'd like to come visit you many more times.

No. I merely carry the flag of South America across the whole world.

Yes, it's a very long list, which includes Frankie Knuckles, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha & Digweed, Laurent Garnier, Danny Tenaglia and other wonderful musicians and DJs.

We met when Paul came to Argentina in 1998. I got lucky: he heard my set and immediately offered to take me on a world tour with him. He entrusted me with opening all his shows. In the end I became known all over the world, and Paul played a significant part in that.

I always choose the place where deep house is playing.

I prefer not to drink alcohol at parties...

Sleep!

I believe that club fashion welcomes modernity and individuality.

Yes, I've already released four discs on the Renaissance label! And the concept is very simple - to express yourself as a disc jockey, to show what you're capable of. But above all, these compilations are a reflection of my work.

It's always nice when people vote for you. But you have to understand, popularity has nothing to do with quality. These are completely different things.

Tokyo, without a doubt.

I've prepared identical programmes. The only thing I might change is the order of the tracks. Come along and you'll see everything with your own eyes!