“Drink more, smoke more, party more. Peace out.”
Taken by Katja Ruge
Community Queen Helena Hauff is a DJ of the people. Her technical tracks and stripped-down sound exemplify what techno means today, releasing it all on the dancefloor in a cacophony of anarchy, smoke and sensation. Famous for her analogue affliction, Helena has been a staple on many of our lists for some time now, and since her Birds and other Instruments days shes come a long way! After her debut record, Actio Reactio in 2013 Hauff was on the up and we practically fell to our knees when her most recent solo album Qualms was released. Named for creating one of the best electronic albums in 2015 as well as winning BBC’s Mix of the year (the first women btw!), it’s no surprise she’s whipped up her own label to success, ‘Return to Disorder’. Not to forget that her newest mix for “Kern Vol.5″ (check out below) truly lifted our spirits during recent times and we are too ready for its June release! Politically and socially engaged, Helena simplifies her desires to ‘I just want the people to have a good time and dance like idiots.’ and we couldn’t agree more. For a discussion on Techno’s resolve within quarantine and what we can do to stay strong (and entertained), tune in!
Hey Helena! To start off, how are you doing during these crazy times? personally, as well as with your work?
Well, ok. My friends and family are healthy and I don’t have financial trouble (yet), but am I enjoying life? Nope.
It’s been good to do mixes though. I’ve also been doing some recording as well, but that’s not something you can just switch on because you’ve got time. Also, my main enjoyment is dj-ing and playing in clubs and touring is something that has always made me happy and fulfilled, obviously that ain’t happening right now.
As a community, how can we help support the scene?
We can help by raising money, by doing mixes and stuff! We really need to help clubs to survive a few months first, but at the end of the day, if this is going on for longer there’s nothing we can do. If there are no clubs there is no scene.
Steering to more positive topics! Your recent successes have been huge; how has this journey been? Any notable moments?
Fuckin great! It’s been incredibly exciting to see so many different places and meet so many great inspiring people.
And kinda loads of things! When my first record came out, starting to playing mainstages at cool festivals and seeing loads of people going crazy.
How has the industry changed since you began to now?
As for changes in the industry, I guess being visible as a woman has helped a lot. I feel like women get a lot more respect these days. Hard to say at the minute, for now, I think we just have to wait and see what comes out the other side at the end of this!
The club scene has always been a politically engaged community. Is it one you felt instantly connected to then and how do you connect now?
Initially, it was the music that made me get into clubbing and stuff. I was then positively surprised to see that most people involved in the scene are just really cool, open-minded and socially engaged people. Course you meet the odd dickhead but they are definitely the minority within the scene. Today, I just want the people to have a good time and dance like idiots.
Creating these liberated spaces is always important (but right now it’s vital). Where are you finding these spaces yourself? Any recommendations ;)?
To be honest, at the moment I’ve just been playing loads of shit free online video games on dodgy websites that infiltrate your computer with weird viruses. But I’ve also been cooking. I love Italian food! I cook every night (if I don’t order Pizza because I’ve a hangover). Other than that, I’ve been watching loads of British comedy series, like Camping, Taskmaster, or Man Down. Best way to waste your time.
Once this is all over, is there anything you hope as a society we learn from this experience? What do you hope to see for the future of techno music?
Go out more, drink more, smoke more, party more. Peace out.
