On today’s Unsung Heroes, we take a look at the brilliant and seldom mentioned collaboration between DJ heavyweights, Laidback Luke and Hatiras. Each of these producers alone have garnered enough accolades throughout their individual careers to fill out several books. The main point that links these two producers is their highly unusual and multifaceted methods of constructing DJ sets. Hatiras has been a mix bag of styles through many of his DJ sets, as his style meshes in between the harder styles, such as gritty Electro and dirty Dutch House; to the older, respective styles of decades past with Tech House and classic House hits. He has also been known to play such genres as Grunge House and even tracks that seem to defy genre altogether. Laidback Luke on the other hand, has had a similar experience in the types of tracks he chooses to play. His rebellious, fidget-like approach to his DJ sets equals a wide variety of genres to choose from to keep things fresh. Even though he is known as a pioneer of the early Dutch sound, he has a deep respect for the older styles of House and even genres such as Disco and Techno.
Because of their unique philosophies towards their craft, both of these artists are arguably true masters of the underground. It was only natural that these two forces would eventually join together to create something truly groundbreaking. It is important to note that this particular collaboration occurred in 2011, because the sounds of 2013 would have definitely influenced both parties towards a maximal, Electro packed track. Instead, they both opt to go towards decades past with their brilliant collaboration of Let’s Go. This is accomplished by heavily sampling melodies and reworking rhythms and instrument placing to a funky and groovy cut for dance floors. This particular collaboration is one of the most exciting ones that we have seen so far, given that both Laidback Luke and Hatiras heavily search for tracks that are highly unusual and sometimes even errs on the side of Avant Garde, in a sense. Instead of creating something incredibly complex, they decide to create a track that had an iconic vibe to it and to also keep things as simple as possible while still containing the most potential towards the true element of House music: dancing.
Let’s Go starts out with an infectious, old school Disco/House riff that is overflowing with class and groove, and serves as the main hook of the entire piece. What is remarkable is that these two managed to create an entire track out of a two bar loop and even goes a step further with a one bar phrase. The entire beginning is marked with a constant, rising, muscle synth that is both relentless and unwavering, amping both the hype and the energy towards a breaking point (with classic drums added to the mix). As the riff gets repeated with shorter and shorter increments, the vocals shout ‘Let’s Go!‘ at the top of their lungs before plunging into the first drop. The sample is further chopped to an even funkier kick as repeating sixteenth notes brings the piece to a techy, yet insatiably groovy vibe and atmosphere. Added vinyl scratches, retro percussion section, thumpy bass kick and vintage drum loops adopts a certain old school flair of Hatiras while keeping the clear Dutch influences (sixteenth notes) of Laidback Luke. The addition of an odd, old fashioned Dutch ostinato with the continuing vibe of true House and Disco influences completely catapults this track into another league of House entirely and creates a truly one-of-a-kind groove that is unmatched.
Even though this track is a relatively simple one, it is both the little details and the painstaking work to create this ‘old school’ sort of vibe that gives it an individual identity and quality where it is deserved. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, as this track is all about care-free fun and jacking your body towards the interpretations of House by two great underground legends. Laidback Luke & Hatiras‘s collaboration, Let’s Go, is unreleased, which means that there is currently no possible way to purchase a copy. However, enjoy the preview above and join us here next week!
Keep the music alive. -Q
Ed note: The lyrics to M.I.A.’s Steppin’ Up are in this track; however, it is not part of the actual track. It is only an acapella layered over the track.
Unsung Heroes is a weekly segment where we take a look back at an amazing production and bring it back into the light for older and newer fans alike. These tracks were often overlooked, overshadowed by a huge release or are just not that well known to the public here in America. Here, you can find all the hidden gems in many genres and find a new favorite track (or another tool/weapon for aspiring DJ’s).
