Nico Hamuy and Ortzy, better known as South American electronic music duo HIIO have been making their name in the electronic music circuit. After a chance encounter with producer Dannic at Tomorrowland Brazil last year, the guys came together to create an epic, booming festival track entitled "Funky Time". Dannic decided to make it the first release on his new label, Fonk Recordings, and fans will get a chance to hear the track in full on February 15. I spoke with the guys recently to talk about the making of the song and how they were able to completely bring it to life.
You’ve got a brand new collaboration coming out with Dannic on February 15, huge congratulations on the new song. How did this collaboration initially come about? Initially, who approached whom?
At the time we really wanted to create a festival anthem, one which everyone could play - a big-room track. While we were at Tomorrowland Brazil last year, we met and hung out with Dannic and got to know him. Once we got back to Buenos Aires, we started working on the drop and brainstorming on how we wanted to do this, and approached Dannic to collaborate. He loved the idea! So much in fact, it’s the first release coming off his label Fonk Recordings.
Going off of that last question, was there anything particularly enticing about Dannic’s style of producing that made you know it would be a good fit with your production style?
Dannic’s production style really speaks to the festival crowd - and that was our target for this release. We were on the same page when producing, and he was really great to work with.
HIIO working with Dannic on the track, "Funky Time".
About how long did it take for the song to come to life?
It took about a month of going back and forth until we were 100% happy with the results!
You’re going to be the first release on Fonk Recordings with this track. Is there any kind of pressure with being the first release, or is there more of a feeling of excitement?
Excitement! We’re really happy and honoured to have the first release off Fonk. We think this label will house some really great releases this year.
Dannic & HIIO - Funky Time (Teaser 1)Funky Time!! DANNIC & HIIO Out on February 15th on Fonk RecordingsPreview: https://goo.gl/DBTlP7
Posted by HIIO on Wednesday, February 3, 2016
One of the tracks that I absolutely loved from you guys was “Jaguars”. It was a fun song to listen to. Compositionally, about how long did it take for the whole song to come together?
Ah yes! Jaguars probably took about a few weeks before we were ready to send to the labels to lock it in. It’s a great one at the main stages, with lots of energy!
The crowd watching Dannic and HIIO performing at INJOY Festival.
This last question is one that I ask to every artist that I interview. It’s rather broad, but what does music mean to you?
Nico - Life. Happiness. Love.
Ortzy - Music is a lifestyle, and brings people together. It’s a universal language, and we’re happy to be a part of the journey.
For more information and music from HIIO, visit www.facebook.com/HIIOmusic. "Funky Town" will be released on Fonk Recordings on February 15.
This has been another Shameless Promotion.