ASM: So when did you first start DJing and producing?
Hatiras: I used to put together and sell mix tapes with my old school double tape deck at the age of 12. They were cut-ups of songs from my favorite underground dance radio shows. In my late teens, I dabbled with turntables and vinyl. My first record was released in 1998, and by the next year, I was touring as a DJ. However, before all that I was throwing massive raves in Toronto and Minneapolis. I've done event promoting, MCing, DJing, radio, production, design, management and more. You could say I've worn every hat in this business.
ASM: What's your process like when you head into the studio to make music?
Hatiras: My biggest limitation is time, due to all of my traveling. When I do decide to make music, I go on a creative blitz. Everything in my studio has to be clean, organized and clutter free. I'll get into a relaxed state and then mess around with the gear and software. The process usually starts with excitement, then depression, and finally it ends with euphoria when I finally nail an idea that's dope. It's a truly strange ride that has really torturous and manic moments, as well as ridiculously high points. It's weird because I tap into the logical part of my brain to work the equipment, but connect to the irrational side to get creative.
ASM: "Spaced Invader" obviously was an enormous success for you. Did you have any idea that you were on to something big?
Hatiras: I knew I was onto something big on an underground/ravey kind of level, but never imagined that the tune would break into the pop-world. It was aired on radio stations in pretty much every country on the planet. We also filmed a music video and I did a whole bunch of TV, radio and press. It was kinda fun seeing myself in all the European music magazines, but I took it all in stride and remained humble. Overall, the experiences that 'Spaced Invader' gave me taught me a lot about the music business (both good and bad).
ASM: You've worked with a lot of different artists over the years — people like Jaxon, Macca, Bad Boy Bill and DJ Dan. What do you pick up from each artist and how do those collaborations help you?
Hatiras: All of those guys are good friends. They're all unique in their own way and really great. Jaxon is one of the most talented musicians I know — and he's an absolutely insane performer. Macca is one of the most technically skilled and detail-oriented guys I know. Bad Boy Bill is a true entrepreneur. Dan is a straight-up, down-to-earth guy who exemplifies the notion that good guys can finish first. There's definitely something to learn from all of them.
ASM: Is there anyone in particular that you'd love to work with in the future?
Hatiras: I don't know where to begin... Hmm. It would be cool to work with really high-end singers like Madonna or members of Depeche Mode. I would probably relate to guys like Daft Punk or the Swedish Mafia in the studio — everything they do is great. It might also be fun to work with some gangster rappers. How about 50 Cent on a house tune? It would be a dream to have a team of brilliant engineers and musicians following my command!
ASM: How has electronic music changed over the years and what do you predict for the future?
Hatiras: I feel that electronic music has really matured to a point now where the musicality, quality and use of technology in the productions has never been better. There will always be a lot of bad songs out there, but some of the good ones are really outstanding. You'll always have to pick the great tunes out from the pack of filler.
ASM: Obviously electronic music is huge overseas. How do you rate the scene in the U.S. and how would you make it better?
Hatiras: The scene in the U.S. is held down by lack of media/radio/TV support. However, a lot of people do follow the music in their homes and in the clubs. It's gonna take some publicity and some fresh approaches to blow it up here. I feel that it's only a matter of time until that happens. Things will change dramatically when the Internet finally overtakes television. The Internet gives people the freedom to support what they like, as opposed to being force-fed what the mainstream media is pushing — the future is exciting.
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