Sam Grawe, AKA Hatchback, is producing some of the finest modern, laid back, West Coast US Balearica around.

For a guy whose full time job is editor in chief of a high-end architecture magazine, he sure finds time to squeeze out consistently breathtaking music. We hooked up with Sam to find out what ticks his boxes and motivates him to be one of our favourite cosmic artists of the last couple of years. Sam (And Sorcerer) have finally released their long awaited vinyl pressing of the amazing Windsurf EP on Prins Thomas’ Internajsonal label, available from all good retailers (including Piccadilly Records & Phonica). Get your copies NOW while they’re still available!

Here’s what we found out about the man Hatchback and once you’ve read the interview, check the bottom of the post for an excellent, exclusive mix for Cosmic Disco!:

cosmicdisco: For those unfamiliar with Hatchback, can you give us some details on how he was conceived?

In the second grade a classmate came to school with a new Casio calculator, it also happened to be a synthesizer… the VL Tone. I got the same thing when we went to Hong Kong later that year. I’ve pretty much been hooked on synthesizers from the moment I saw and heard it. About the same time I was listening to tapes of Abba’s ‘The Visitors’ and Eurythmic’s ‘Touch’, so I suppose music based on layers of keyboards was always attractive to me. I played in bands in high school and dabbled in music theory and composition at the same time. I never really learned how to play very well though. I started using the computer to arrange tunes with MIDI back in the early 1990’s, and just continued making tunes for my own amusement. I think during the IDM era I started tagging them as Hatchback. I guess it just stuck…

cosmicdisco: We had a feeling Hatchback had something to do with a possible love of car’s? What’s your favourite make/model?

I grew up in Saab’s, which in the suburban USA was kind of a weird car. I still love the 900 hatchback, which I drove for close to a decade. [Editor - The 900s is also Baggy's current vehicle of choice!] The Volvo PS1800 is a classic too. I always liked listening to music in cars: It’s the ideal place for creating a personal soundtrack.

cosmicdisco: You’re based in San Francisco. Where did you grow up and what music were you exposed to growing up?

I grew up in the Washington DC area and New Delhi, India. I was exposed to all kinds of music from my parents (from Vivaldi to Culture Club, as well as the aforementioned Abba and Eurythmics), and I also was really into the Star Wars soundtrack. Because we lived abroad I didn’t really experience popular radio or MTV until the late 1980’s, which was about the same time I discovered classic rock. My first CD player coincided with getting really into The Who and later Pink Floyd. One day at Tower Records they were playing the live video of YES songs and I saw this guy in a glittering cape play this insane double minimoog solo and I had to hear more. From Six Wives of Henry the XIII I got into all kinds of ridiculous Prog Rock. By the time I graduated from high school I was listening to stuff like Premiata Forneria Marconi (on ELP’s Manticore imprint), Epidaurus’ Earthly Paradise, and a lot of Klaus Schulze.

cosmicdisco: How did you get involved with music and playing instruments?

I mentioned the first synth (Casio VL-Tone) and later on a got a little bit of a bigger one (the SK5), and then in high school an almost full-sized one (not sure which). When I graduated from high school I got a Korg 01w/fd which was pretty fancy at the time and kept me entertained through college. I basically made complete tracks on that thing using the 16 track sequencer. In school I learned to play the clarinet and bass clarinet, and later had classes in music theory, which dovetailed nicely with my teenage obsession with classically-inspired Prog Rock. The only piece of the puzzle missing was that I couldn’t play the keyboard worth a damn (and still barely can) so that’s where the computer came in.

cosmicdisco: What instruments/equipment are you using at present?

I use Logic on a MacBook Pro. I my studio rig is nothing worth mentioning, but I have a great Marantz amp which my ex-roommate bought at Thrift Town for $5. I still use the Korg 01w/fd and the Casio’s (the SK5 is great for lo-fi sampling). I also have a Rhodes 73 Mark I, Korg MS20, Roland Juno106, Yamaha TG-33, and an Arp Odyssey. I have some old drum machines and bunch of electro harmonix pedals that I like to use.

cosmicdisco: And your favourite synth?

I’d have to say the MS20. I got it before they really exploded in popularity and price, for the basic reason that it was the only thing barely even resembling a modular synth that I could afford. It’s really versatile, and almost 10 years later it’s still full of surprises. I love running things through the patch bay; lately I’ve been sending a drum signal into it to trigger the oscillators, while playing the actual notes, which creates a sort of poor-man’s arpeggiator. The only draw-back, which is also a plus, is that once you dial in a sound you have to get it recorded then and there because chances are you’re not going to get it back.

cosmicdisco: What’s influenced the Hatchback sound?

Traveling, friends, nice views, sunsets, forests, windy roads and romance.

cosmicdisco: You jam with Dan Judd (AKA The Sorcerer) under the Windsurf guise, initially releasing the Windsurf EP in 2006 (Digital release). How did you guys hook up and do you have any future Windsurf releases in the pipeline?

I met Dan through his band mates in Call and Response. I was good friends with Simone Rubi (Rubies) who played keyboards and Danielle Rubi her sister, and started going to all of their shows. One night at a party I remember Dan playing a CD-R of some of his tunes (one of which was prophetically titled “The Windsurfer Suite”) and I played him something of mine. We jammed a little while after that to just see what would happen, and it turned out to be pretty rad. While Call and Response did their thing, and Sorcerer did his thing, we would just get together on Saturday mornings and hang out with some coffee and make some fun cuts. It’s basically the same today. After being picked up by Tirk and THISISNOTANEXIT respectively, somewhat ironically, Sorcerer and Hatchback both were remixed by Prins Thomas, which led to him figuring out that we were Windsurf. He approached us about doing something for his new label Internasjonal. The EP, which as you mentioned, Sentrall released digitally, is going to be out on vinyl in early 2008 (like February or March [Editor - Available NOW!]) and a full-length is slated for around April or May. Hopefully there’ll be a couple of 12”s around that time with some ace remixes. We just completed a remix of a track called “Brazilian Bubble” for Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra (Ubiquity) and of “Things Are Gonna Get Easier” for Low Motion Disco (Eskimo).

cosmicdisco: You’ve released output on both Sentrall & THISISNOTANEXIT record labels. Can you recommend any other artists we should be looking out for on these labels?

SEN009 is going to be The Beat Broker (one half of broker/dealer) and its totally great. I’m looking forward to that. Rollmottle has been making some classy tracks recently too, so hopefully those will see the light of day on vinyl at some point. TINAE has these Emperor Machine remixes of They Came From The Stars coming out which should be cool. Simon’s been working hard, so I expect good things for the label in 08. There are always some cool news tunes on the MySpace page.

cosmicdisco: When laying down tracks do you have any specific methods, equipment you use to start work on new material?

There’s no real formula. I really enjoy working on Windsurf stuff because I love getting a file from Dan with all kinds of parts, adding my own stuff, and then seeing what he does to that, and trading back and forth. Its more unpredictable and I feel like our skills compliment each other. I’m not too confident in my drum-making abilities, which Dan is really good at, so it always nice not to have to concentrate on that too much.
With Hatchback, I might start with a chord change, or a little sample of some drums. Usually I just start playing a keyboard (the one I’ve neglected the longest) and see what happens.

cosmicdisco: There’s a rumour that a Hatchback produced track is schedule for release on DFA. Is this true and do you have any productions for other artists we can expect soon?

Its definitely a rumour, which I will neither deny nor affirm. I did a remix for They Came From The Stars of their Track “The Unstopable Kite” but as yet haven’t produced any other artists.

cosmicdisco: Does Hatchback DJ, if so did the DJ’ing come before the production and what kind of stuff are you spinning at present?

I DJ with Dan as Windsurf, but I wouldn’t claim to be a skilled DJ by any stretch of the imagination. I’m really into this record by Interiors (Windham Hill) which we start our sets with and I’ve really enjoyed all the Areoplane stuff I’ve heard. I just got a Tears for Fears 12” of Everybody Wants to Rule the World which I would probably play out.

cosmicdisco: What was the last record you bought?

Inter-Dimensional Music by Iasos

cosmicdisco: Are you a collector of vinyl? If so, what’s your most treasured record?

I have way more records than my girlfriend would like to live with. My most treasured records are probably Space Art’s - Playback, Francis Lai’s - L’Aventure C’est L’Aventure, and David Axelrod’s - Seriously Deep & The Auction.

cosmicdisco: Can you give us your current top 10 tracks?

Reminiscing – The Little River Band, Above The Clouds – Aeroplane, Femme Fatale – Gabor Szabo, The Rest of My Life – Yutaka, Til Lippo Lippa – Klub Kebabb / Rune Linbæk, Over ‘n’ Above – Soft Machine, The Seagull – Klaus Schønning, A NIghclub in LA – The Benjamin Franklin Group, Malisimo – Opa, I’m Not Moving (Idjut Boys Edit) – Phil Collins.

cosmicdisco: We noticed you DJ’d at Softmachines (London) for the White Diamond 12” release. Have you any UK/European dates coming in the coming months?

Not that I know of, but we’ll see what happens after the Windsurf album comes out.

cosmicdisco: Do you have a live band setup, if so how many members playing what instruments and are you gigging/touring?

Dan and I are going to start thinking about a “live” show and how the two of us can reproduce the Windsurf stuff in a way that is organic and exciting for an audience (or us). I think I would play keyboards and do a live mix while Dan played guitar and keyboards. Something like that.

cosmicdisco: Prins Thomas remixed your ‘White Diamond’ 12” (Initially released on THISISNOTANEXIT, July 07). Was Prins your choice for the remix, are you familiar with his work and were you happy with the result?

Prins was Simon Carr’s choice, and I was/am familiar with his work, and I think the result is splendid. Prins told me he couldn’t make the track better so he just made it longer!

cosmicdisco: Is a full length Hatchback LP going to be available anytime soon?

I hope so. I’m not as prolific as Dan, but I do have a pretty extensive backlog of tunes and am always plugging away on new ones. We’re talking 2009 though.

cosmicdisco: Sentrall sounds like they have it down in California. How did you get involved with them and what’s your current relationship with them?

Sentrall are our Pacifica bros. from Dream Chimney. They are a class act.

cosmicdisco: And how did the hook up with THISISNOTANEXIT happen?

TINAE and Tirk were both trying to sign Sorcerer and Dan opted for Tirk since they had more releases under their belt, but in doing so referred Simon to me. Simon emailed saying he wanted to put White Diamond on a 12”, which sounded great. Basically through the web.

cosmicdisco: On the European scene we’ve noticed a similarity in styles between such artists from the US West Coast such as yourself, The Sorcerer, Rubies etc. and the Scandinavians with Lindstrom & Prins Thomas, Studio, Music For Dreams, Todd Terje etc. Are you aware of the European artists/producers/labels and can you identify as to why there might be some similarities?

Maybe it’s being able to watch the sun set over the ocean?

cosmicdisco: As well as the Californian artists there is some great music coming out of N.Y labels such as of Whatever We Want, Rong & Italians Do It Better. The US West/East coast rivalry is famous. Is there any recognized (If friendly) competition on the underground scene?

Not that I have come across, but I’m just a guy with a day job and a home studio.

cosmicdisco: We first came across your work via The Sorcerer and the networking websites such as MySpace. What ways has the internet performed a role in your marketing and logistics of your production and DJ careers?

All of them. Everything happened through the internet and email which is kind of crazy. Honestly, it’s great that people are interested in releasing my music at the moment, but one day when they’re not, I’ll still be doing my little thing and making tunes to make my ears happy.

cosmicdisco: What’s happening on the current Californian underground scene and who’s making waves at present?

I really wouldn’t be the one to ask. But if you lurk on Dream Chimney long enough you’ll probably find out.

cosmicdisco: Do you have any amusing tales of previous party scenes in Cali? We’ve heard of the strong British Disco House & Space Funk parties that occurred in San Francisco in the early 90’s. Did you ever frequent the legendary San Francisco Full Moon/Wicked Sound System events and where did you/do you go for inspiration?

I missed out on early 90s SF. Because I have a pretty serious day job I barely have a clubbing-style night life. I like to go see my friends Broker/Dealer DJ, or see someone whose music I am into when they roll through town, but I seek my inspiration in traveling, nature, and dusty record stores.

cosmicdisco: Do you have any connections with the Dream Chimney website? If so, on what level?

Mother Chimney since July 12th, 2002.

cosmicdisco: Outside of music, what does Hatchback like to get up to?

I’m the editor-in-chief of Dwell Magazine which deals with modern architecture and design, so that probably takes up 80% of my waking life. I’m into finding old books about modern design and records wherever possible. I enjoy a good samurai flick. I like to cook dinner for my lady.

cosmicdisco: You are responsible for organizing a music festival and can book whoever you want. (Alive or dead) Who would be on the bill and where would the festival be held?

Vangelis / Harmonia / Pete Townshend performing an exclusive set on the ARP2500 / The Mizzell Brothers All-Star band featuring Donald Byrd, Harvey Mason, & Bobbi Humphrey / The Herbie Hancock Sextet / Haruomi Hosono & The Yellow Magic Band / Pink Floyd circa 1969-1972 / Marcos Valle with Azymuth / Gabor Szabo / Steely Dan / Brian Eno with The Edge in the chill-out tent / Francis Lai at the Rhodes 88 in the cocktail lounge. As long as we’re being fanciful, it would be held at EXPO 70 in Osaka, Japan.

cosmicdisco: What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Amazing $1 record with a tequila on the rocks.

cosmicdisco: What’s next for Hatchback?

Going back to work after two weeks in Hawaii.

Now, as a bonus for reading the interview all the way to the end we are very pleased to have another exclusive mix for your aural pleasure. A mix of west coast vibes, Balearock and a smattering of pop. Unfortunetely there is no track list available for this mix at the present time so if you can I.D any of the tracks, please feel free to do so with not forgetting to leave any other feedback in the comments box below.

Once again we’d like to thank Sam for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions and provide you lucky readers with what we think is a ‘high grade’ selection of records for his ‘Pacific Winter Sun’ mix.

Enjoy!

Hatchback’s - Pacific Winter Sun Mix

• Sara - Fleetwood Mac
• Samba Trip - Richard Schneider Jr
• California 1 - Con Funk Shun
• The Left Bank - Ryuichi Sakamoto & Robin Scott
• Listen Now! - 801
• I’ve Got Your Number - Ned Doheny
• Pennants - Steve Howe
• When Time Stood Still - ELO
• You Might Recall - Genesis
• Perfect Love - L.A. Boppers
• Ballad of Aya - Tin Pan Alley
• Hollywood Dreaming - Father’s Children
• Far East Man - George Harrison

Last 5 posts by baggy

• Zuckerzeit Guest Mix - July 7th, 2008
• Makin Music - July 2008 - July 5th, 2008
• Hidden Depths Hits Manchester - July 1st, 2008
• Cosmic Boogie Guest Mix - June 27th, 2008
• Beat Electric Guest Mix - June 20th, 2008