Haute technologie
>>
Hautec take the "boring" out of "boring minimal wankers"
by CHRIS HATHERILL
These days, minimal techno labels are about as common as poutine joints in Montreal. They're all making high-quality, less-is-more beats for the refined raver, but how many have received personal props from the head of Kompakt, the most happening German label these days? Just one: Hautec.
Founded in September '99 by Martin Dumais as a little sister label to his funky, fun, disco-house imprint Haute Couture, Hautec looks about set to grow tits, get a flash new wardrobe and overtake its big brother both around town and around the globe.
"It feels like we're on the right track," Dumais explains with characteristic humility. "Kompakt's Micheal Mayer was really into the first two records, so they and some other distributors are taking care of us in Europe."
That must be peace of mind for Dumais, who has always appreciated the value of a European fan base. His band Les Jardiniers sell more copies in France than here, and Haute Couture and Hautec artists have played all over ze continent, from festivals in Spain to boats in France to dodgy Internet cafés in England and underground techno clubs in Scotland. Refreshingly, it hasn't gone to their heads. Anyone who's caught their various appearances at the New Cinema & Media Festival, Mutek, Laika and elsewhere on the island knows the Hautec crew are about the friendliest and most open kids around, which might explain why they've made so many good connections. All were and continue to be integral parts of the local game in addition to their Hautec duties.
Mateo and Pheek, whose 12" kicked things off in the spring of 2000, need no introduction. Long-time DJs, Mateo has produced tracks for a bevy of labels while Pheek is relatively new to the computer-based side of things, also working with Mitch Akiyama as Datka. The second piece of wax to roll off the assembly line was Deadbeat's "Cesium Beat" 12". Recently signed to German label __***__, he will be someone to watch this year--one that will be busy for Hautec. On deck is a brilliant mix from Mighty Kat, which will be out as soon as the tracks are cleared, followed by 12"s from Mad Max (wearing his DJ Champion disguise), Akufen and Jetone, followed in turn by a "here is what we've done so far, plus some new tracks" compilation.
Serious plans. And though it's serious music for serious people, the gang is anything but pretentious, as is so often the case with producers of intelligent, forward-thinking tunes. As Mateo told a complete stranger inquiring about the label via e-mail, "Hautec is a label run by a wanker who signed a bunch of wankers who produce music for wankers..."
Of course, that's bollocks.
|
