Best of 2013 Interview: Hugo de Graaf

Best of 2013 Interview: Hugo de Graaf, A&R Manager Wildife / Rub A Duck for Black Hole Recordings. In the early years of the new millennium 2000 he began as the graphic designer for Black Hole Recordings including all its sub labels, creating practically every known vinyl-, CD- and CD single cover that’s currently in the Black Hole Recordings catalogue. His personal interest in electronic dance later on also got him several remix assignments for tracks like To The Floor by Andy Duguid, Sine Language by the Crystal Method Featuring LMFAO and it also led to his own productions under the moniker of Dunugoz vs Tha Roofas releasing such hit singles as Anita’s Theme and The Cross Eyed Indian.

In late 2010/early 2011 Hugo became the label manager of his own sub label to the Black Hole imprint, entitled Rub A Duck, with a strong focus on high powered underground dubstep, glitch hop, electro, breaks and electro house. The acclaimed releases of Rub A Duck didn’t go unnoticed and in a short period of time the label signed acts like The Freestylers, Drumline & Bassline Smith, Wetdog, Relay & Front, Piyush Bhatnagar, Franky Nuts, Hectic, Jagged HedZ and many others. Famous artists like Cookie Monsta, Ed Rush & Optical, Damn You Mongolians and Datsik all remixed several singles for the imprint and other heavyweights like John B, Dub Pistols and Steve Oaki made it clear that they supported the releases.

Halfway through the Rub A Duck startup, Hugo also took up the baton as label manager of Wildlife, the known Black Hole sub label for club and house releases. 

Dimitri: Can you tell us about your achievements in your career as an A&R at Black Hole in 2013?
Hugo: I am though very happy with the release of The Freestylers album on Rub A Duck.   

                                 
1) Best Track:
Hugo: R.O.A. (Rise Of Artificial) - Hands Up!   

                                             
2) Best Artist (DJ & producer):
Hugo: Disclosure 

3) Best Remix:
Hugo: Freestylers - You And What Army (Marcus Jakes Remix)  

4) Best Remixer:
Hugo: Featurecast  
                                          
5) Best New Talent (DJ or producer):
Hugo: Franky Nuts  

6) Best EDM Album:
 Hugo: Freestylers - The Coming Storm  

7) Best EDM Compilation:
Hugo: The Return Of House 2

8) Best artwork/cover of an album or compilation:
 Hugo: I am extremely satisfied with the artwork I did for the Ad Brown album

9) Best lyrics in an EDM track:
Hugo: Zoo Brazil - Heart's A Legend

10) Best Vocalist/Singer featured on an EDM track:
Hugo: Maikal X

11) Best EDM Label:
Hugo: Rub A Duck FTW!! 

12) Best Music Video:
Hugo: Andy Duguid - 7even

13) Best amusing video from Youtube related to Dance Music:
Hugo: DOn't do drugs!! 

 

14) Best Online Social media network:
Hugo: Facebook

15) Best music composition software:
 Hugo: Ableton

16) Best Event or Open Air Festival:  
Hugo: Speedfest!!

17) Best personal DJ Gig:
Hugo: Shit Is Bangin'

18) Best DJ set of the year from another DJ?:
Hugo: Snoop Dogg - Doggystyle 20 years anniversary

19) Best country in which you have performed:
Hugo: The Netherlands  

20) Best Radio show:
Hugo: Black Hole Recordings Radio!!

Black Hole Recordings Radio Show 289 by Black Hole Recordings on Mixcloud

21) Best Radio station:
Hugo: DI.FM

22) Best Online Record shop where you usually purchase your music:
Hugo: Spotify

23) Best Website that you visit regularly:
Hugo: www.dumpert.nl

24) Best smart phone/mobile/App:
Hugo: Instagram

25) Best DJ/Producer product (software or hardware):
Hugo: DJay

26) Best new sound or sample which has been used in EDM this year, preferably introduced by you?
Hugo: Some sounds have just been used tooooo much!!

27) Best Twitter or Facebook message you received from a fan or friend or you have read from someone else:
Hugo: I look like James Hetfield  

28) Best piece of News you heard this year related to Electronic Dance Music:
Hugo: clickhere

29) Best personal achievement related to Electronic Dance Music:
Hugo: The release of my official mix CD in Russia!  

30) Best holiday destination or best hobby or activity that you spent some time in during 2013
Hugo: Supporting the coolest club in the world NAC.

 31) Best piece of advice you got in relation to your career:
Hugo: Stay close to who you are!

32) The Best Book this year, preferably related to EDM:
Hugo: Not EDM related but must say "De Wake" by Ronald Giphart and Nanne Meulendijks, a graphic novel.  

33) Best Movie of the year preferably related to EDM or inspired you to compose a track.
Hugo: Kevin & Perry Go Large, every year a classic!!  

34) Best tip that you learnt this year relating to DJ’ing or music composition
Hugo: Don't make heart shapes.

Dimitri: 2014 is ahead of us; would you like to tell us your plans for future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations or DJ gigs.
Hugo: We've got very cool stuff in store for the lovers of good  house music and bass!!

Dimitri: Thanks very much for taking the time to reply to this interview

Additional info:
www.blackholerecordings.com
www.facebook.com/blackholerecordings
www.twitter.com/blackholerec
www.facebook.com/rubaduck