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Earlier this week, we took a little bit of time to catch up with our good friend―who just so happens to be one of the best DJ/producers around―Andrew Hooge, a.k.a. Lovefingers. The man recently embarked on a new non-musical endeavor (he and his wife are making clothes together!), which prompted a move from the NYC to L.A., but that doesn't mean he's not keeping active as ever in the world of dance parties, vinyl records, and house boogies. Indeed, he's still poring himself into ESP Institute, a label he started a few years back, and even working on a full-length Stallions album, which features a live band. Read on for our little catch-up session with the guy.
What have you been working on recently?
On my label ESP Institute, I've been dropping fantastic new releases recently for Soft Rocks. And for myself, I just released a new remix by Stallions (Lee Douglas and myself) for the Backwoods (DJ Kent from Tokyo). Summer rave tune! Also, I just finished a remix for Phil Manzanera to be released shortly.
What prompted your move from NYC to L.A.? What have you been up to on the other coast?
All business. I love NYC and want to be back there, but my lovely wife and I run a few clothing brands and set up shop in L.A. for a while to get the whole machine well oiled and running strong. Its growing. I also started buying records for the hands-down-best new record store in L.A. called Mount Analog. Its in Highland Park, close to my house, and it opens official on June 14.
What was the funnest gig you played in the past year or two?
So hard to say without offending a great friend somewhere... but my most fun is always had in Melbourne (at Bamboo Musik!), NYC, Tokyo, Moscow, Turkey, London, and Paris. I hope that narrows it down.
What're some things you're looking forward to in 2012, in terms of releases, parties, etc.?
Working on a full band album for Stallions... but its going slow as Doug and I are 3,000 miles apart right now. In terms of parties, we'll keep busting out the Blackdisco jams! I'll be in Berlin, Paris, and Turkey at the beginning of July, and Stallions are doing P.S.1 Warm-Up on Aug 25.
Tell me about your label, ESP Institute. When did you start it and why? What do you have forthcoming?
Releases by Soft Rocks, Michael Ozone, Chee Shimizu, Pharoahs, Tornado Wallace, Secret Circuit, Lee Douglas, a new volume (II) of the Concentration compilation (this time compiled by Tako), and a little series of previously unreleased remixes (hand stamped w/ etched artwork on one side).
Have you heard anything that really caught your ear this year?
Thom Bullock's remix for Dominik Von Senger on Golf Channel has been melting me.
What was something you learned in 2012 so far? A new production trick... a new instrument... a new word...
Time management and anger management, these are both important if you deal with daily traffic in L.A.
What's something outside of music you've been partaking in as of late?
Hanging out at the beach on the weekends with my wife and kid. When I am not working, everything must turn off.
