The DJ List

Thomas Zweifel

Hatiras Calls Fatboy Old, Hits Halifax

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Juno Award-winning house DJ and producer George HATIRAS is bringing his party to Halifax's Marquee Club on December 3 and it appears as though he'll be bringing a friend along for the ride.

In 2002, the Toronto-based DJ took home the Juno for Best Dance Recording and also a SOCAN Award for the most radio play by a dance artist for his song "Spaced Invader." He's since started up his own record label, Blow Media, to release his own recordings, as well as to put out music by some of his friends. Blow already has nine releases under its belt since January 2004 by a variety of artists, including BOZA, DA SKUNK, MACCA and HATJAK.

HATJAK, which encompasses HATIRAS and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist JAXON, blends together a mix of underground dance music and hot, accessible grooves. Although HATIRAS was originally booked to perform in Halifax on his own, JAXON has decided to join him on the trip out East.

"Halifax may not be known for its house music, but they definitely know and love [it]," says HATIRAS. "The raw energy, enthusiasm and friendliness of the people is one of the reasons it's one of my favourite cities to play in. As far as playing to a new audience goes - I am down with that. Regardless of the situation, I'll have a blast."

HATIRAS says that his music strays from the norm of typical house style and prefers to come up with something new whenever he lays down a track.

"When I make music, I try to avoid following the rules," he says. "[I stay] away from using standard or generic sounds, traditional production methods or arrangements. That way, I produce freely and end up with the most creative, non-conformist and, ultimately, original end result. Too many producers play it safe - as a result, the music ends up sounding the same. To me, the whole point of producing is to try new things out and to create fresh ideas and break the rules."

In the latest edition of Chart Magazine, British DJ FATBOY SLIM said that dance music has run out of steam and that it isn't fashionable anymore. HATIRAS argues that perhaps the Fatman is the one who has run his course.

"He's just getting old," says HATIRAS. "It sounds like dance music isn't challenging him personally anymore, so it's valid if he wants to go off and try new things. I can understand where he's coming from, but I do think that there will always be a market for dance music. Also, whether or not it's fashionable really isn't the point. To me, all genres of music are valid and need proper representation. House music tops my list at the moment, whether or not it's being supported by the masses."

[ December 01, 2004 ]

Written by Jon Bruhm

Courtesy of ChartAttack

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