Considered one of the most important DJs in Argentina and the world, Hernan Cattaneo is a source of inspiration for artists and followers of the electronic scene. “The Maestro”, aware of the privileged place he has in the music industry, has decided to dedicate part of his time to social work that will leave a mark among the most vulnerable population, with the aim of making echo of the good actions in the country.

We talked with him about his mission as Ambassador of Alegría Intensiva, an organization dedicated to sharing laughs in different hospitals in his native country.

Electronic Groove: Hello Hernan, thank you very much for your time. Tell us a little about what is Alegría Intensiva. What is the main objective of their work?

Hernan Cattaneo: Alegría Intensiva is an Argentinean NGO dedicated to bringing joy to sick and hospitalized children, their families and hospital staff, all through clown art, more known by some as hospital clowns.

EG: How long have you been part of Alegría Intensiva? What is your role within the NGO?

Hernan Cattaneo: I’ve known them for a long time through Jackie, my wife, but about a year ago we set out to generate a more active bond with them and that’s when they invited me to be a kind of ambassador. From there, my mission has been to tell and explain their work to all my followers in order to give them more visibility around Argentina and the world and luckily we have done very well.

“We Argentinians are supportive by nature and this is even more visible when there are children involved”

EG: How can we collaborate with them?

Hernan Cattaneo: Through his web page www.alegriaintensiva.org.ar or by entering this link.

EG: How do you think one can make a difference in the world?

Hernan Cattaneo: I am very clear that if we ever want a better world, we cannot wait for others to come and fix it, but each one of us must do what we can to change the current global situation that is already quite daunting. From my place, I can show all my fans what they do in Alegría Intensiva, and in that way more and more people will collaborate with such an important cause. We all can help.

EG: When in your life do music and solidarity connect? Have you ever participated in something similar?

Hernan Cattaneo: We Argentinians are supportive by nature and it is seen even more when there are children involved. Another good example was in Macedonia. Last year with Nick Warren we held an event for the benefit of the people of Orevche and with the results, two new playgrounds for the children of that place were built. Those of us who have a privileged situation have an obligation to help and try to make our followers do the same within their means.

EG: As a messenger of joy, do you think the music was made to help healing?

Hernan Cattaneo: I have no doubt that music can heal, as well as make company, and of course, entertain. Many times I have received comments from fans telling me about very difficult situations that they had to go through and where music was one of their main supports.

EG: Speaking of music, what are the plans for the summer? Are you anxious about a particular date?

Hernan Cattaneo: Regarding the Summer of the northern hemisphere, it begins very soon, so there are a lot of club shows and festivals in Europe, USA and Canada. It is difficult to choose one, but in the last 5 years, Woodstock 69 is always the best summer show in the European season.

“I have no doubt that music can heal”

EG: Your Sudbeat label has been growing steadily with different showcases around the world. Is there a confirmed date for another event like that?

Hernan Cattaneo: This month we have two great shows in Mendoza, that although they do not have a showcase format, they will still be very attractive for all our fans, as it has been with all the last shows held in Córdoba and Buenos Aires and in July we have the showcase in Barcelona as part of Off Sonar with Danny Howells, Graziano Raffa, Nick Varon and Oliverio from Soundexile.

Follow Hernan Cattaneo: Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram
Follow Alegría Intensiva: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter