With their collaborative EP 2009 landing on Sasha’s iconic Last Night on Earth imprint, Hernan Cattaneo and Mercurio bring a deep sense of perspective and continuity to the label’s catalog. These are not artists rushing to stay relevant; they are artists who have shaped the very idea of what enduring relevance looks like. The new record blends elegant restraint with refined musicality, echoing the same energy that defines their decades-long relationship with dance music: focused, expressive, and never in a hurry to prove anything.
In this exclusive conversation with Magnetic Magazine, the two long-time friends and collaborators reflect on how they stay centered when attention comes their way, what routines keep them creatively anchored, and why the best music often comes from quiet persistence rather than chasing validation.
What helps you stay centered when your work is getting attention?
Hernan: I think it’s always the music. That’s my space, my place to disconnect from all the noise. When there’s a lot of attention or pressure, I just go back to the music. Play some records, listen to new stuff, go deep into it. That’s what I love, and that’s what keeps everything real for me. Also, traveling helps a lot. You’re always moving, new people, new energy. It reminds you why you started doing this in the first place. Music has always been like stepping into a tunnel for me. It doesn’t take much for me to get in there and lose track of time.
Mercurio: For me it’s always about music, so I focus on my purpose and the attention becomes secondary. I produce music or play the guitar every day of my life no matter what else is happening. I’m always looking for improvement. Enjoying the process and not attaching to the results has been key for me. Most of the time when I finish a track, I’m already deep into the next one. I stay focused on the act of creating.
Have you ever lost your way creatively after a win?
Hernan: For me, creativity is always there waiting to be discovered—you just have to dive in. I get inspired by everything around me. Working with close production friends really helps, too. We share ideas and that energy fuels the process. Plus, electronic music evolves so quickly. There’s always something new. I actually like that pace.
Mercurio: I don’t think it’s connected to winning or losing. My creative flow has always followed my life moments and emotions. Sometimes I’m totally connected, other times nothing comes out. I think it’s more about internal cycles than external outcomes.
What’s one routine or practice that keeps you anchored?
Hernan: I’ve always been someone with pretty chill habits, but what keeps me grounded is the people around me. My wife, my daughters, my close friends and my team—they’re my base. In this industry, there are always temptations. You need reasons to stay centered, and those relationships are mine.
Mercurio: Going to the gym and doing sports in the morning helps a lot. It gives me structure and resets my mind. Also, weekends with my kids are essential. In the studio, drinking mate is part of the flow.
How do you deal with pressure to follow up a successful release?
Hernan: Honestly, I’ve never felt like I’m under pressure to top anything. I’m not trying to be that kind of producer. I just love what I do and I enjoy sharing it. Luckily, the creative process keeps going. Some moments are more exciting than others, but it’s all part of it.
Mercurio: Pressure is real, but trying to chase a previous success usually leads to forced results. Each project has its own life. I try not to top the last one—just stay honest and keep creating.
When do you know you’re overidentifying with success?
Hernan: That’s a great question—probably more relevant for younger DJs today. I’m 60. I’ve been doing this for over 40 years, and honestly, I’m just happy to still be playing the music I love. Success comes and goes, and it’s not always connected to what you’re doing. So it’s better to focus on what makes you happy.
Mercurio: If I ever catch myself making decisions based on what people expect, rather than what feels real, that’s a red flag. That’s chasing validation, and that never leads anywhere good.
How do you celebrate wins without getting stuck on them?
Hernan: Things move so fast now. You’re still celebrating one thing and someone’s already asking about the next. Social media feeds that cycle. I think the old school mentality helps—you learn to enjoy the good moments but not get stuck there. Same when things don’t go well. It’s never the end.
Mercurio: I celebrate wins quietly. If something does well, I stay close to home, spend time with my family and friends, and enjoy my garden. That’s what matters to me.
What keeps your creativity separate from outside noise?
Hernan: I think having a clear identity is the key. I don’t chase trends. I don’t care what’s hot in Ibiza or Berlin. If you stay true to your sound, outside opinions don’t make much noise. In the end, only you should judge your work. That took me years to figure out.
Mercurio: I’ve played guitar and made music almost every day since I was a kid. It’s always been about inner voice for me. The outside world should be background. Too much feedback or media scrolling messes with your instinct. Quiet trust is important. That’s how I stay connected.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
