US deep tech gurus Hipp-E and Halo (aka. H-Foundation) have a distinct advantage over most of the DJ world. Like many of the worlds best deck technicians they’ve been singled out by record companies and thrust into the delightful task of A&R – finding new tunes, sifting out the shite, and generally hearing the latest vinyl before it even hits the presses.

‘It is fun to see the surprise on peoples faces when we play tunes that no one has heard,’ laughs Halo.

‘We are able to play tracks that people send us on CD before anyone even knows for sure which label will end up with the track - a great perk! I love playing the newest stuff and seeing the crowd response, their responses are the biggest rewards,’ adds Hipp-E.

Hipp-E and Halo have been pushing the envelope of US electronic music since their early teens. As H-Foundation the two produce a hybrid sound that pairs the jacking beats of Chicago with the smoked out sounds of the Pacific. The result is a delightfully deep, smooth and groove laced sound that still packs a hefty punch on the dancefloor.

‘It depends on the night but whether it be pumpin’ or deep we push underground house.’

hipp-e and halo

The results have been picked up by the cream of the electronic music world; labels like Soma, Siesta, Hooj Choons, Yoshitoshi, NRK and clubs including Fabric London, Twilo New York and major festivals worldwide have all helped lay the Foundation.

One reason that things have gone so well for the duo, both as DJs and producers, is that two minds are directing the music – the whole is far greater than the sum of it parts.

‘That’s one big advantage to having both of us behind the decks - it never can go too far in one direction, even if one of us is really feeling a certain vibe. It keeps it moving…so you keep the crowd into it.’

‘We have been very fortunate that people have taken to our sound; we try not to delve into the whys. We are just thankful!’ concludes Hipp-E.

H-Foundation: Hipp-E + Halo (US) play...
- June 7th - Melbourne @ Honky Tonks
- June 8th - Sydney @ Slipp Inn
- June 9th - Canberra @ Trinity

More info on the lads here: www.elitemm.co.uk/hippe.shtml