IN CONVERSATION WITH HELENA HAUFF
interview by MAGDALENA ROE
Who hasn’t dreamed of a life free from the incessant buzz of social media, one where peace and quiet reign, allowing for a deeper connection to what truly matters? Then, meet HELENA HAUFF, acclaimed DJ and producer, who embraces an analogue approach to both life and music.
With powerful drumming intertwined with fluid melodies, her sound is crafted for those who appreciate a raw yet restrained intensity and an old-school spirit. I dug into the vinyl aficionado’s outlook on life and her deliberate step away from the pressures of social media. Our conversation reveals a heart committed to authentic sound and the mental clarity that blossoms from disengaging from digital distractions. Through her pared-back and effortless style, Hauff embodies a truly timeless sensibility.
coat SANKUANZ
rings TALENT’S OWN
What is your sound like at the moment? Has it changed over time, or is it constantly evolving? Do you still integrate the genres you used to enjoy 20 years ago?
I tend to go through phases with the music I enjoy. About 10 years ago, I had a dark wave phase, but nowadays, I don’t listen much to wavy music or tracks with prominent vocals. Right now, I’m really into UK breaks, particularly the rave-infused kind. Not electro but actual break music. I find it fun and a bit humorous, and I always appreciate humour in music.
You proudly showed me the golden poodle ring on your finger. In what way is your bond with the legendary haven, the GOLDEN PUDEL CLUB, special to you?
That place is where I learned how to DJ. When I started, though, it was open every day, and that brought in a diverse crowd. As a DJ there, I faced a wide range of situations, from the chaos of a packed Friday night with everyone going wild on the dance floor to a quiet Monday evening where I could literally play whatever I wanted. I collected all kinds of music beyond just club tracks – from ambient to psych rock. Techno and electro were my main focus, but I never limited myself to one genre.
dress and skirt MILK OF LIME
shoes AEYDE
How has it shaped your musical journey?
It really formed my musical brain and changed the way I listen to music. Even though my sets have become more genre-focused now, I still approach sound differently than most people. I connect sounds that, on the surface, may seem incompatible. I pick up on nuances in music that I believe link together, and I enjoy drawing connections between old and new records across various genres.
Can you think of a funny story from that time?
I used to organize nights and invite artists to play. One of my highlights was inviting Guy Tavares from Bunker Records in The Hague, who was like a musical hero to me. Bunker was a pivotal label for me at that time, along with Unit Moebius and Drexciya and Autechre. I remember one night at the Poodle, when Guy Tavares took the stage. It was the middle of the night, and everyone was dancing when he suddenly picked up a microphone and started reading one of his stories. He performed for a full hour without any music, just him talking and sharing his story. No one said anything about him turning off the music to speak, even though pretty much everyone ended up leaving.
trousers RICHERT BEIL
top OTTOLINGER
chair SÖDERBERG
blazer and trousers RICHERT BEIL
ring FORMAT
What kind of magic do you think vinyl translates that digital formats can’t?
I do believe there’s some kind of magic to vinyl, even though the outcome is what truly matters, not the format. It’s a skill that’s less common now, and because vinyl is so hands-on, the audience can see what I’m doing much better than with CDJs – where it’s often unclear – and that adds a visual aspect to the performance that people enjoy. It definitely has a nostalgic aspect, even though I’m not a very nostalgic person.
If you’re not a nostalgic person, how do you deal with the here and now, and how do you see the future?
I’m very optimistic, even though I don’t have much faith in humanity any more. While we tend to return to a baseline level of happiness, sometimes life can feel a bit boring without those ups and downs to remind us of how incredible things can be. I like to live in the moment and appreciate the little things around me.
dress HADERLUMP
coat SÖDERBERG
shoes AEYDE
It can be tough to stay present with everything happening, especially in our digital world. I find it fascinating that you’ve chosen to stay offline and not engage with social media, especially in a scene where many feel pressured to constantly promote themselves across various platforms.
How do you maintain your commitment to creating art while staying offline, and how do you position yourself as an artist in a time when mainstream culture is increasingly focused on digital presence?
I’m actually glad to be offline. I think it’s quite healthy, especially now. The intensity of not just the electronic music scene but everything happening politically, along with all the misinformation and nonsense out there, would really weigh on me if I had to face it 24/7 on my phone. It would be overwhelming. I’ve made a conscious decision not to check my computer or phone first thing in the morning.
I made this decision very early in my career. Back in 2007, I tried Myspace for about two months, but I quickly realised it was silly. I wanted to be in the studio, creating music and doing cool things instead of relying on pretty pictures and comments from people. Looking back, I’m not sure if I would have made the same decision if I had known that social media would become such a massive tool for promoting careers. But I didn’t know that when I started, and I’ve never felt the need to engage with it. My career has developed just fine without it, and I hope to be a role model, showing that you don’t have to be on those platforms to succeed.
What has your journey of self-discovery been like over the years?
I'm constantly changing. I’ve never found myself because I don’t think I’m ever complete. I may have lost myself a few times. It’s easy to lie, but it’s hard to be honest with oneself. However, if you truly are who you are, you won’t lose yourself; you may even be able to dig yourself out of the hole you fell into. This idea applies to me both personally and musically.
I’m curious how fashion or certain pieces reflect your identity. How would you define your style?
I find it difficult to define my style, and I'm not sure if I have a recognizable one, even though others often say that I do. I’m drawn to certain materials and colors, particularly earthy tones with lots of forest greens and natural shades. I tend to go for classic styles, especially from the 70s, and I appreciate timeless pieces like a Chanel tweed jacket. I love Dries Van Noten for his play with texture and color, as well as punk influences from designers like Vivienne Westwood. I adore the rock-and-roll style of the 60s and 70s, just as I like the 90s rave aesthetics. I believe fashion is about selecting pieces that work well together, much like how I curate my music. I don’t want to limit myself; I enjoy experimenting with my style. While I have a staple wardrobe that feels true to me, I also cherish the moments to dress up and embody different characters from time to time.
coat SANKUANZ
rings TALENT’S OWN
blazer and trousers RICHERT BEIL
ring FORMAT
TEAM CREDITS:
talent HELENA HAUFF
photography SVEN MARQUARDT
styling MAGDALENA ROE
hair and makeup SASKIA KRAUSE using ORIBE and ARMANI BEAUTY
photography assistant HARDY PAETKE
styling assistant LINUS GEDE
location LOBE BLOCK
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview MAGDALENA ROE
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
