Get To Know: Hector Couto
What age did you start DJing?
At 21
How did you learn to produce and DJ?
By myself and seeing some local DJs and friends making music at an early age
What inspired you to get into this business and how did you achieve it?
It was like my dream since I was a kid and now I'm working hard to make it happen
Did your hometown of the Canary Islands influence you into the house scene at all?
Yes absolutely, the scene of electronic music in the 90s was very big. A lot of UK talents came here and they created a 'music scene' in my island; I take a lot of influence from that into my music style today
What was your breakthrough moment?
When I released for Hot Creations and Get Physical
Which DJs have influenced your style of producing?
DJs like Steve Lawler, DJ Sneak, Phil Weeks, Todd Terry, Dennis Ferrer....
Which 5 DJs do you listen to the most currently?
Jamie Jones, Phil Weeks, Darius Syrossian, DJ Sneak, Sven Vath
Who would you most like to play b2b with?
With Jamie Jones for sure
Which 10 artists would you choose to perform at a Hector Couto electronic festival?
Darius Syrossian
Dale Howard
Sidney Charles
Jordan Peak
Julien Sandre
Cuartero
Josh Butler
Jose Armas
Raffa Fl
Tuccillo
Whats your favourite song of all time?
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
What was the first record you bought?
Ellis Dee + DJ Swanne – Ruff Neck Bizznizz
If you were not making music what other career path would you have gone down?
I'm not sure about it, because music is my life, probably something about music.
What’s been your proudest live moment so far in your career?
This year
Hector you have performed all over the world. Has there been a stand out memorable country you performed in for any reason and why?
UK, The reason is the people, the scene, the crowd in the clubs… I love the UK!
We love your remix of Inner City - Good Life that was released on your recently launched label, Roush. What does the future hold for your record label and what music will you be looking to sign?
My philosophy is simple, if I like one track for play it, I like for my label. Im looking for good Underground house music.
Taking into account the rapid rise in popularity of house music over the course of this year, what do you think about the house scene currently?
in my opinion the scene is so strong worldwide, and always changing, appearing new talents every month, and that’s great! Because is going to be bigger and bigger…
What advice would you give up and coming producers?
Be humble, honest, yourself and of course, make good music.
How do you rate 90s house music with todays?
The 90’s was the best era for the music in all genres, everything was new in that years, today is difficult to create original sounds or different of the rest.
What track would you play to rescue a dance floor?
DJ Le Roi – I Wanna Go
Where do you dream of being in 5 years time?
In the same place that today, and continue enjoying my job
What next for you?
Concentrate on my Own label ‘’Roush’’and make it bigger.
Upcoming gigs
13/12/13 Pacha, London
14/12/13 Stoke, UK
21/12/13 Brazil
26/12/13 Dawn Chorus, Huddersfield, UK
27/12/13 New York
31/12/13 Milton Keynes
1/01/14 XOYO, London
3/01/14 Xlr, Lyon, France
24/01/14 Le Freak, Thessaloniki, Greece
25/01/14 Koo Koo, Atenas, Greece
8/02/14 Rock Club, Luzern, Switzerland
15/02/14 Luzern
20/02/14 Mint Club, Leeds, UK
21/02/14 Lost Society, Dublin, UK
22/02/14 Dock Road, Chatham, UK
28/02/14 The Moko Lounge, Harrogate, UK
1/03/14 No.65, London, UK
14/03/14 Nute, Manchester, UK
4/04/13 Magdalen Street, Essex, UK
17/04/14 London Warehouse, London, UK
20/04/13 DGTL Festival, Netherlands, UK
22/05/13 Mint Club, Leeds, UK
31/05/13 Area, London, UK