RICHIE HAWTIN STARS ON THE COVER OF NUMÉRO NETHERLANDS FANTASY
interview by NATALIE GAL
We have long been fans of Canadian electronic DJ and musician RICHIE HAWTIN, always looking forward to his sets as we travel the world to festivals and events where he remains one of the most anticipated performers. Renowned for defining the golden era of 1990s techno with his minimal sound, his music is celebrated for its clarity, balance and precision.
full look PRADA
In our conversation, we touched on everything from his many aliases — most notably Plastikman — to the evolution of the techno scene over the past 30 years and, of course, his connection to fantasy. We also reflected on some of the standout moments from this summer, having experienced his sets at numerous events. Each performance left a distinct impression, unforgettable in its own way, and together they formed a season of memories that will stay with us for a long time.
The phrase “pushing boundaries in art” gets used a lot, but it’s rarely explained in concrete terms. What does that idea personally mean to you?
I think it was easier to push boundaries within the electronic music genre in the ’90s because there was still so much to be discovered. I think now we’ve heard so many of the sounds that we’re going to hear, and there’s a certain rule book, or even equation, on how to make styles of music. So, I think pushing boundaries is about being aware of all the different aspects that you can participate in as an artist. It’s about going into the studio and being aware of all the music that came before you and trying to create something fresh and exciting.
That doesn’t mean it has to be revolutionary, but you have to want to get up and dance. That’s the kind of music you want to make. And that’s the kind of feeling you want to have when you’re on stage or when your agent is telling you about a cool new festival that’s coming up by some kids who are really trying to do something different. I think, “that reminds me of where I came from.” I want to be part of that.
I’ve done a lot of work lately with PRADA, and this conversation and collaboration with Numéro Netherlands is also a way to help push this really amazing and beautiful culture that we have in a positive direction.
What does fantasy mean to you in the context of electronic music? When you’re performing, do you visualise scenes or stories unfolding as part of the experience?
It’s about building a narrative one step at a time in real time: creating a picture, a place, a safe space for people to inhabit and dance to release themselves. To have it all magically build up into a real feeling for two or three hours, and then disappearing and being a memory of this place — a place you hopefully want to go back to but maybe will never be able to. That’s what I try to instill in every set.
I play very little “old” music. I’m very much about playing things that are sent to me before they’re released, a lot of demos — and sometimes these demos don’t even ever get released. I try to create every set so that it feels like it’s coming from the same world, but you’re never actually going to be able to revisit that place. Maybe the feeling of that place, maybe a spark or a little moment, but never the same thing twice.
I think the only other musical art form like techno or DJ-driven music is freestyle jazz. The DJs don’t plan. You don’t know what’s going to happen. You’re walking down these roads together with the audience, because they have no idea what you’re going to do. And that’s the best part. The people are all suddenly in sync and they’re going somewhere, they’re looking at each other and the musicians, which is so moving and beautiful. That synchronicity and that experience together is something very, very unique to electronic dance music and DJ culture.
READ THE WHOLE INTERVIEW IN OUR PRINT ISSUE #13.
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blazer and feather boa DRIES VAN NOTEN
jacket EGONLAB X ZADIG & VOLTAIRE
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full look PRADA
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full look PRADA
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blazer, shorts, and feather boa DRIES VAN NOTEN
socks PRADA
shoes JIL SANDER
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boots LOEWE
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shirt, blazer, and feather boa DRIES VAN NOTEN
full look DRIES VAN NOTEN
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full look DRIES VAN NOTEN
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full look PRADA
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full look PRADA
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jacket EGONLAB X ZADIG & VOLTAIRE
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full look PRADA
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full look PRADA
full look PRADA
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full look PRADA
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full look PRADA
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full look PRADA
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full look DIOR MEN
boots LOEWE
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full look DOLCE&GABBANA
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full look DIOR MEN
boots LOEWE
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full look DIOR MEN
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full look PRADA
TEAM CREDITS:
talent RICHIE HAWTIN
photography JINGXIONG QIAO
creative direction MAGDALENA ROE
production EMIL HUSEYNZADE and VLADIMIR FROL DE MOURA
styling THORE DAMWERTH
hair and makeup artist SARA FONSECA
collage artist Portis Wasp
photography assistant TIAGO SERRANO
styling assistant LAURA RATO
studio COMUNA STUDIOS
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview NATALIE GAL
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
