5 questions for... H.O.S.H.

H.O.S.H. is a mystery. Holger Behn, the man behind the tracks, is a high flying party machine crafting uncommon sounds for labels such as Diynamic, Kindisch and Stir Vor Talent, and is currently based in Hamburg, Germany. We took some time to chat him up during his first ever date in Canada at Piknic Électronik on August 9th.



You're one of the first artists to have released on Diynamic. How did the label come together, and how much were you implicated?
I was actualy implicated a lot from the beginning on. Solomun and me met around that time and found out we had the same vision of electronic music. We also both produced for a couple of years and kind of shared the same experiences - that people would always like our music, but still wouldn´t put it out because it didn´t fit the sound of their label. So we figured it would be best to form our own label, where we would have complete control. I guess that worked out pretty well.

Please explain the name "H.O.S.H."
I´ve been asked that question a lot, and already have a couple of good explanations, but honestly must say Hosh is just the short form of my nickname "Hoshy", and the dots are just looking good to me. It's also a quite nice tool of presentation because it will stand out, no matter where you are on the flyer!



What's your definition of "modern house"?
Flow, sex, groove, hypnotism, and a certain freshness... and NO, not just chords, which is what a lot of people think at the moment.

If you didn't do music for a living, what would you do?
I love cooking! So maybe a cook, in a small restaurant I would own. But right now, there is nothing else than music for me.



How did you enjoy your Montreal experience, overall?
I think it was a very good. Nice crowd, nice location, and nice atmosphere. It´s gonna be hard for future Montreal gigs to top! I hope you and the crowd enjoyed it as much as I did, and I hope I get back into town soon!

5 questions for... Stimming

Martin Stimming needs no introduction. Those who haven't heard his finely crafted productions, mainly released by Hamburg's label Diynamic, must have been living under a rock for the last two years or so. He has also released music on Freerange, Buzzin' Fly and liebe*detail, and is currently touring the world with a unique live set mixing his own productions and remixes. He also just released an immensely beautiful debut album, Reflections.


You have been praised repeatedly by the press as an artists with a unique sound. In this music industry where it's quite difficult to come up with something original, how does that feel ?
It feels very good, because I see that at least a couple of people seem to understand what I'm doing. You know, I'm playing all my percussions by myself, especially for the album - there is about 70% handmade, which I'm very proud of... But for the usual techno listener, it doesn't sound enough like machines. But I love the little mistakes I do.


Have you taken many latin vacations lately ? Your sound is unusually warm, for a german guy.
Haha, no I didn't, but I prefer a warm and deep sound. I like the aesthetics of house and the energy of techno - thats what I'm trying to combine. And Hamburg doesn't have very nice weather, so escaping is the thing.



How is the dynamic between all Diynamic guys ?
Very good - we're good friends and in a way it feels like a family. With great dynamics.


I heard you in Miami in March at the Diynamic Vs Poker Flat party... how did you enjoy your Miami experience, overall ?
I'm not sure if I should be honest because in a way it was a waste of time. The only venue which I really liked was (The Ice Palace for) Sunday School, and especially Marco Carola's set, which was the bomb! But all the stuff before wasn't very inspiring, and shaking Hawtin's hand and getting just a tired (not even a) smile back wasn't such a good experience (but i can understand him, i would have done that also). But I was there with my mates from Diynamic, which was very good.



What's next for you ?
New releases, moving on to a more complex and radical form than before. Ha! I came to stay, as I always say.