Interview with Hugh Herrera

Hugh Herrera is a very happy man, and so he should be. The West coast champion of Balearic, lives on a diet of sunshine and Mexican food at his spiritual home, San Diego in California.

For the past 5 years Hugh has been the forerunner at restaurant/party space; Lounge Candelas, with a capacity of under 100 people and a reputation spread purely through word of mouth, many of the world finest DJs have come down to eat and spin records, with DJ Harvey as a monthly regular! As well as this he's released two Lounge Candelas compilations and successfully runs h-track as well as, '39 Hotel' in Hawaii, with Harvey. Hugh kindly took some time out to talk to us and answer some of our questions...      

The interview

DS3:

You hail from San Diego , is this where you were raised and who/what were your earliest musically memories and influences?

HH:

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I left in 1987. I lived in Las Vegas for four years and then Connecticut for five years.   While in CT, I got to know New York City and Boston pretty well. I moved back to LA in 1997. I moved to San Diego permanently in 2003 after having commuted on weekends from Los Angeles to do Candelas for two and a half years.. Thanks to my older brother, I got into music very early.   KISS "Hotter Than Hell" and Blue Oyster Cult's "Godzilla" were in heavy rotation on my parents' Hi-Fi turntable and 8-track console. When he'd be out of the house, I'd go into his room and slip on the headphones. I'd lay down, close my eyes and trip out on things like Steely Dan's AJA album or "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy". I was really overtaken by the sound!

DS3:

They say the sun always shines in California , as a DJ i think this is something that comes across vividly in your sets. Would you agree?

HH:

I can't argue with that. Judging by the parties and the mixes on the h-track website alone, it's evident, right? Also, people always point out how I mention the sunny days on the h-track Radio shows. Funny!   I guess I just want everyone to experience the abundant sunshine.   Another thing I notice is how excited I get when people ask me to do a daytime party. The night time is terrific. Please don't get me wrong here, but this isn't New York City or London.   Being in San Diego gives an entirely different context.  

DS3:

What dish do you recommend on the candelas menu? !

HH:

Good one! For an appetizer it's the Estructura de Aguacate (Avocado Structure with shrimp, lime and mango) and for a quick filler before DJing, it's the Pasta Uxmal (Linguini with lobster and mushrooms in a cream sauce). Can't forget a Washington Apple which is the house drink. Say "shot 30" to Howie, the bartender, and you'll be hooked up with one.      

Overall Candelas is an astounding restaurant. Zagat Survey rated it the "Top Mexican Restaurant" in southern California. Think about that for one moment!

DS3:

h-track and lounge candelas have carved out quite a reputation for all things Balearic . When did the Balearic sound reach the States as it is something that is broadly thought of, as a European thing ?

HH:

There are very few people who know what the term Balearic refers to in regards to music.   Anywhere. Even less in the states.   Even less on the west coast.   When I was listening to music in the 80's, it just so happens that I was into a lot of the stuff that Alfredo and others were playing in Ibiza.   I didn't realize this until I heard the term myself some years ago and began my own research.   So it makes sense that the music followers of the world think of Candelas as a '"Balearic oasis" as a certain Mancunian once mentioned.   And to be tabbed a Balearic DJ is a compliment.

By the way, "Pacifica" is the term we use out here when referring to Balearic-type songs that weren't played by Alfredo or were released after the 80's.

DS3:

You've previously released two compilations , lounge candelas volumes 1 and 2. Both were received ver y warmly. Are there any plans for a third instalment , or maybe some productions of your own?

HH:

Lounge Candelas 3 will be out this year. We were shooting for May, but that might not happen as planned.   Regarding my own productions, I've found a very happy place the way I'm involved with music and realized a long while back that if music production comes my way that it would be far down the road.   I see that time getting closer.   For now, I've done several "off beat" edits, meaning songs not typically edited.   There is, however, one vinyl release out there that captures people when they hear it. But yeah, there are enough people out there making wonderful music to keep me happy. I'm stoked to find it every time!

DS3:

What can someone expect on a Sat night at Lounge Candelas?

HH:

Wow! I've been doing this almost five years now.   I'm not sure where the time has gone. I think that's a good thing, isn't it? Anyway, over that time the nights have been so varied from week to week.   Since Candelas is a small space, the people who occupy that space drive the rhythm of the night.   And since I know a lot of those people, I can sense what's gonna turn them on, and how they can be stretched.   Sometimes there are more new faces in the crowd and than familiar ones, and that will completely change the environment, and so the music will follow suit.

Musically, the regulars have to come to expect anything. There's a guy who's been coming since we've started.   He's from Liverpool and loves to tell me about The Hacienda (which is a place I literally would dream about as a teenager in Los Angeles). So when he's in the room, I might play something when he's not expecting it that I know will put a big smile on his face like "Bedbugs and Ballyhoo" or "Fools Gold" or "Voodoo Ray."  

So this will begin to explain the custom treatment an individual might get at the club while maintaining the integrity of the music as a whole. It's A LOT of fun for me!

On occasion we have friends join us in the booth.   Harvey is basically a resident.   Others include Phil Mison, Alex from Tokyo, Danny Krivit, Alex from Voices, Paul Takahashi, Tony Watson, Citizen Kane to name a few.

The crowd is diverse. International.   The women outnumber the men on most nights.   There aren't many trainspotters, just people who appreciate an alternative to typical club music these days.   Last weekend women were competing to take their tops off. You never know what will happen or who will walk through the door, but at the same time it's never a surprise.       

Something to mention is that we have never advertised. The word of mouth appeal at Lounge Candelas can't be overstated.   If you've been there, it's because someone told you about it.   You didn't see an ad in an airline magazine or such. It means everything in terms of what we can do and get away with.  

DS3:

You were last in the UK back in March w h ere you spun at Phil Mison ' s sat afternoon session at cafe1001. Did you enjoy your time here, and can we expect to see you again sometime soon?

HH:

My time there was brilliant! The party at Café 1001 was really special.   It was the first party of the series, it was in a great spot, and it was during the day. The weather was particularly nice that weekend so people were out in force. The patrons at Café 1001 were stoned off there heads, sitting around, and enjoying the tunes. I could sense an appreciation from them. What more could you want besides another Red Stripe? Which we had, as well, again and again!   Major props to Steve Terry for putting on that series. It sounds like a new place is in the works and the party's reincarnation will happen this year. I hope so.

Later that night Phil and I DJed another party.   My brother, who I mentioned earlier, happened to be in town.   He came by.   It was the first time he heard me as a DJ.   So, it was the closing of a huge circle which began back in the days when I was listening to his tunes some of which I played for him that very night.   It was a complete trip!

The next night was The Loft Party which was nice to attend in London, moreover because I met a lot of the local heads for the first time.   So yeah, it was a great time! Oh, and it's always a time and half to hang out with Gerry Rooney!!!

DS3:

Along with DJ Harvey you've recently opened 39 Hotel in Hawaii . Where did the idea come from and what plans have you both for it in the future?

HH:

The Hotel, as we like to call it, is Harvey's baby. He'd been out to Hawaii several times over the years and cultivated a tight knit following through a series of parties hosted by Gelareh Khoie. The party became so successful that it had to be put on hiatus because the space lacked the size to continue. The only way to go on was to secure a proper space, and that happened with the hard work of Gelareh. She now runs the daily operation of the space.

I should say that there were others involved, as well, who helped see the dream come true-- not just me; Heidi Lawden, Michael Koppelman, and Paul Takahashi, for instance.  

Well I suppose the future is now for 39 Hotel. There's a consistent serious jazz night on Tuesdays. The space operates as an art gallery by day, a happy hour by early evening, and dance club on weekends. There's a host of one off events from film viewings, to bands, to you name it. In terms of known DJ's to appear, the list includes Francois Kevorkian, Nicky Siano, and Kool Herc.  

The sound system is a work in progress. Harv's mission is to make it world class, and we've just acquired some components that are getting us there. Right now there are a couple of massive JBL horns (named Ashley and Mary-Kate) in my kitchen waiting to be shipped to Honolulu.

By the way, the website does a good job of delivering the complete picture: www.thirtyninehotel.com

DS3:

I think the h-series is a great retrospect look at the musically journey you've carved out over the past 7 years. Back in 1999 when you started this series did you have any idea where it could all lead ?

HH:

Thank you and good question! There was never a long term goal when beginning the h-series. The one thing that h1 marked was the first compilation of mine to be put on CD. Prior to that they were put on tape. In fact, maybe someday there will be a "pre-h-series" section added to the h-track website.

Anyway, there's really no way I could've predicted what might happen by starting the series.   The only thing I knew at the time was that it felt right. Totally right!

DS3:

Where's your favourite place to spin outside of San Diego, and why?

HH:

Oof! Putting me on the spot here.

Whenever I'm outside San Diego, I'm playing with good friends of mine. It's hard to choose one favourite location.   Hawaii is a special place as you could imagine. Recently I played records in New York with Christine Renee while Harv, Gerry and some of our NYC friends were just hanging around. NYC is always fun. Playing music with Phil is always a pleasure, too.   That speaks for London.   There's a great vibe and scene in Hong Kong!   Los Angeles needs to be mentioned because it's my hometown and there's a certain relationship I have with LA.  

Then there's Ibiza. Two summers ago I was there for about 10 days. One night a girlfriend and I stumbled onto a chiringuito where the owner really took us in, fed us, and kept the place open for us to late night hours. He invited me to come back the following day to play music. I programmed the entire day for him and his patrons.   My friend and I were living in heaven and well wasted by the end of the day. I think we were there some 14 hours. Gotta love it!    

DS3:

Currently here in the UK the whole 'nu-disco' explosion is really popular , producers like Lindstrom , Prins Thomas , Toby Tabias, Mudd and Todd Terje all leading the way. Which DJs and producers are doing it for you right now, and are there any names over on the West coast that we here in Blighty should be looking out for?!

HH:

Anything that Larry Heard does seems to have a touch of class. New productions that seem to be finding their way on my play lists are coming from Reverso 68 and Frontera. Eric and Thomas (Rub-n-Tug) have taken their underground New York party scene world wide and I'm digging it.   Danny Wang's Berlin disco production factory is lovely. From this part of the world, I've really sunk my teeth into the entire Sentrall catalogue. That label's architect is Anthony Puglisi (aka Rollmottle), and together with Tony Watson they've released some exquisite productions under the name Project Sandro. Sentrall is single-handedly driving the new Pacifica sound. It would be unjust to not mention Map of Africa whose long awaited soon to be released full length LP/CD is incredible!   And I don't hear many talking about FK anymore.   He's continued to do remarkable remix work in the last couple of years that's on a level of it's own.     

DS3:

Ok, picture the scene, we've just arrived a Candelas after leaving a rainy , cold and windy London. We've had a long flight and we get there just as the sun is setting - what ONE record would you play at sunset to introduce us to Candelas?!

HH:

"This is What You Wanted" by Sun. Oooohhh!

DS3:

What 5 essential things in life make you smile?

HH:

You mean aside from music or playing record? Five things only?

1) Cycling at sun-soaked Mission Bay, 2) San Felipe, Baja California Norte, Mexico, 3) Disco Island, Greenland, 4) Spotted Dick and 5) The Divine Cosmic Force

...just off the top of my head.     

DS3:

Sum up Hugh Herrera in 3 words.  

HH:

Music is aloha.

Words deepsoul3

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