First and foremost, H.O.S.H. considers himself a DJ, someone who values the art of mixing records and sequencing journeys — preferably long ones — over anything else.
After that German-born Holger Behn will settle for title of producer, remixer, and anything else people throw his way.
The usual biographical tales of teenage years spent taking music lessons do not apply here: H.O.S.H. got into production simply because he wanted to know how the records he was playing were really made.
“Producing or making music for me is like cooking,” he said. “The meal/track gets better the more love you put in.”
Since 2006, H.O.S.H. has been an integral cog in Hamburg collective Diynamic’s wheel, a solid record label and recognisable musical brotherhood.
His productions and remixes to date — for labels like Kindisch, Get Physical, Supernature, Freerange, Strictly Rhythm, Tsuba and more — have blended house, dub, minimal, classical instruments and world music influences with an unmatched deftness and engaging restraint. Tabloid! caught up with H.O.S.H ahead of his debut Dubai gig at N’Dulge, Atlantis, The Palm this weekend.
First gig in Dubai? How does that feel?
It feels great. I only have the impressions of Dubai that everyone has so far from the news. It’s one of those places you wanna see in your life.
Have you ever visited the Middle East before? What are you expecting?
The furthest I have been is Istanbul. So no, but another reason to be excited I guess.
Tell us about the music. What can we expect this weekend?
It’s always hard to put in words. It will be a mixture of modern dance music but also plenty of classics. Genre wise, House with a few very different influences.
Best place to play in the world right now?
There are so many great places to play. For me personally Brazil is amazing but also in Europe I have had loads of great gigs recently.
Most embarrassing moment on or off the stage?!
Ha! It happened to me recently actually. It was the first time that I turned off the wrong CD player during a set at SonneMondSterne Festival. But actually it was also a great moment because people like the DJ not to be perfect. Any kind of interruption at a party can be great for the party.
What does HOSH stand for?
I have had many explanations in the past but to be honest it’s just my nickname. I added the dots just because they looked good to me.
What are you working on right now? Any famous collaborations we would have heard of?
Right now I am working on several remixes and work on a new album has also started. Just collecting script ideas and will put it all together in the first months of the New Year. About collabs, at this point I cannot talk about it but there will be.
Guaranteed dance floor-filler for Thursday night?
Surprise, surprise. Ha!
• iLL Communications presents Diynamic Nights featuring H.O.SH tonight (Thursday) at N’dulge, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Doors open at 10pm, entry is Dh120 with ladies free before midnight. For tables and information call 050 725 8277
