Over the last few years, the West Coast of the US has quietly been gaining momentum in the electronic dance music scene and one man that has been a part of the growing ‘West Coast’ sound is San Diego’s Hipp-e. Most dance music purveyors will be more familiar with his work with former collaborator, Halo, under the guise of H-foundation. Under this moniker and the name ‘6400 Crew’, the pair have worked for various labels ranging from Soma in Glasgow through to the prestigious Yoshitoshi. However, Hipp-e has been involved with dance music, in one form or another, since the tender age of 16. Not being content with just creating and/or remixing music, Hipp-e has been expanding his DJing career over the years with solid sets at some of the most influential clubs around the world including Fabric in London and Pacha in Buenos Aires. On top of all that, he has found the time to take on the role of A&R Manager for one of my favourite record labels, San Francisco’s Tango Recordings. The next coming weeks see Hipp-e touring Australia with Alex Kid for the ‘F-Comm & Soma Sessions’ playing their unique blend of dance music. RA had the pleasure to speak to Hipp-e on the eve of his Australian visit. Much respect!

1. I expect you've been asked many times as to why your partnership with Halo in the form of H-foundation came to an end. I won't. What I would like to know, since you've kept the rights to the name, what does the future hold for future H-foundation releases? Will fans see a change in music direction?

Well, I would say you can expect a bit more of the same. I still want to do nice dance tracks as well as alot of different styles of music. The last album we just touched the surface as to what could be done. This one you will see alot of work and collaboration, both with other producers and musicians. Dont take that the wrong way though, it will have the same feel. If you liked the first album, You will love the second.

2. I personally hate having to define a sound but how would you describe the sound you play in your sets or as h-foundation to someone who has never heard your previous work?
I tend to play quite jackin and funky house, I love the deep stuff and I will sometimes go a bit latin vibe, being mexican allows me to do that. I still like to see what the crowd reacts to most and rock that. I have had nothing but great times in AUS.

3. There seems to be a lot of argument about DJs using CDs in their sets. Some use it more than vinyl. Do you feel that the days of 'vinyl' are a dying trend that will ultimately be replaced completely by CDs?
I certainly hope not, being a label owner and an avid vinyl junkie, I think if it all goes to CD and computers it looses all the soul. I have seen alot of criticism of DJ's that use only CD and Finalscratch sets. I feel there is room for it all and the technology is amazing, But in the not so far future it's just going to be a computer for a DJ, that's a scary thing.

4. As the A&R manager of Tango, who release all their artists' music on vinyl, what are your thoughts on the growing number of 'Laptop' DJs?
Last year we went on-line with all three labels, offering downloadable music, and it went well. We had to take it down due to programming issues, but we plan to have it up and running later this year. The music is made for whomever wants to enjoy it, when i see lap-top or home DJ's i am hyped that they are active in searching out the music, they are the stars of tomorrow and if they play my music than that is dope. We are very conscious about the power of the internet and also of the new DJ's that don’t use vinyl.

5. Your collaboration with Tony Hewitt for 'Tango - Past & Present' was one of my favourite compilations last year, will we see a continued collaboration in regards to future Tango compilations?
Definitely we plan on doing a Nightshift compilation for later this year. And we have done alot of studio work for releases on both our labels and Soma under the "Soul Interactive" moniker. Tony and I are good friends as well as partners in the label, so you will continue to see lots of collaborations.

6. Some of the music that has been coming out of the West Coast is wonderful. I personally have been enjoying a lot of Tango's releases and for such a young label, your consistency in quality is exceptional. However I'm sure there must be a lot of up and coming DJs and producers that we, in Australia, have yet to hear about. Who are some of the names that you think will be making an impression in the next few years?
We are working with a newcomer, Joey Youngman on nightshift and people are buzzin about him. There are alot of new artist and DJ's that are going to be stirring it up this year, I hope that the 20 for 7 (Junkbeats) guys get more props this year as well. They work so hard on their live gig that they havent had much time for studio work , I plan to get them in the studio and record an album for them.

7. San Francisco is regarded by many as the sister city of Sydney and is a definite holiday destination for many who travel to the USA, what would a Sydney-sider expect to experience in terms of clubs and music?
Well I live in San Diego, where the sun is always shinning so i would say visit here first for sun and fun, But for the more serious clubbing I would have to say be ready to go all-nite in San Fran!! The club scene is strong and the music is hot, you have got alot to do in SF. I lived there briefly when i first moved to California, and I am not much of a big city type guy, But the scene is thriving and the music is wicked!!

8. You seem to enjoying the collaboration experience. Is there one person in particular you would love to sit down with in a studio and create music?
Yeah, I would love for the Jazzanova guys to invite me into their studio, I am a huge fan and i think that they are about the best producers in the world, for what they do. I also plan to work with some other people this year on different type of projects. I like the experience you get from working with others in the studio. They may do other things you never thought to do, and vice versa, so it can be a real treat.

9. London's Fabric has an exceptional reputation not only in the UK but worldwide. Seeing as how you've played there and contributed to their CD series with Halo, what makes the club such an attraction to clubbers?
I just played my first solo gig there last week and it was amazing. The club just has a great vibe and the most important things you want in a club, wicked sound and a great music format that they have stayed true to. It seems to be that even londoners, who are very picky, Can't stop going. If you ever have the chance , GO!!

10. In recent years, I've noticed that a lot of DJs include Pacha in Buenos Aires in their touring schedules. Is it the new Ibiza? What's it like playing there and what kind of response do you get from the clubbers?
I played there almost three years ago, and it is still fresh in my head. I think that club has done well to bring alot of heavy hitters to it. It is an amazing vibe. Latin Americans go off, and that is one of the better spots in South America to see that. I wouldn’t call it a new Ibiza that would be-little it. It's got a vibe all to itself, the people in that club are ready to party and they let you know!!

11. Finally, the French label, F-Communications and the Scottish Soma Records have joined forces on a national tour, as one of the headlining DJs what will make this night unique thereby attracting punters?
Well I am planning to do a magic show and pull rabbits out of beer cans!!, So if that doesn’t excite you I don’t know what will!! Just kidding!! I have had some great tours in Aus., I expect more of the same on this tour, Alex kid is a wicked DJ, and The 20 for 7 guys will be joining me on a few dates to do some live house improv, I look forward to that and so should the "punters". If you have seen me before you can expect a great time , if you have not, Than come out and let us make house lovers out of you!!!

Related links:

www.h-foundation.com
www.nightshiftrecordings.com
www.somarecords.com

FEBRUARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES:
Friday 13th Feb Quest Nightclub, Surfer's Paradise. F-Com & Soma Sessions Hipp-e & Alexkid and guests .
Saturday 14th Feb The Bourbon, Sydney. F-Com & Soma Sessions Hipp-e, Alexkid, 20 for 7 (Junkbeats live), Homegrown, Ghetto (live).
Sunday 15th Feb Beach Hotel, Byron Bay. Alexkid
Thursday 19th Feb Beach Hotel, Byron Bay. Hipp-e & 20 for 7 (Junkbeats)
Friday 20th Feb The Office Nightclub, Perth. F-Com & Soma Sessions Hipp-e, Alexkid and guests
Saturday 21st Feb Passion Nightclub, Melbourne. F-Com & Soma Sessions Hipp-e, Alexkid and guests