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Q&A: GILLES PETERSON

Remix your way to Cuba with Havana Club

"I think that, without realising, it we've all got an affinity with Cuban music," opines world music guru Gilles Peterson. "It's influenced so much of what we listen to, particularly disco and the stuff that was coming out of New York in the '70s and '60s. Cuba is well known for particularly every Latin rhythm you can think of— it's had a huge influence to us."

DJ Mag caught up with Peterson ahead of his partnership with rum producer Havana Club to offer budding musicians and producers the chance to remix their way to Havana – Cuba's cultural and administrative capital city.

You can enter the competition by using the remix tools within the Havana Cultura Mix App or by using your own software and submitting your remix through the same platform.

The winners will be flown to Havana, where they will record a track with leading Cuban musicians and Gilles himself.

What are you looking for in winning remix?
"I am really looking forward to seeing what entries we get. Of course I'll be one of the judges, so I'll be assessing the remixes on the way they work, through the stems available. You can be an expert at this or you can be someone who’s just doing it for the first time. It’s all about ideas!”

Then what is the plan for the winning remixers out in Havana?
"We're going to go out to Cuba and I'm going to hook them up with people that I know over there to make some incredible music."

Which artists are you excited to hook the winners up with?
"I can’t say too much yet but there are lots of incredible musicians I am going to hook them up with. One in particular is just amazing – the best singer I've possibly ever worked with! I will obviously get involved, too, and there will be a whole heap of great percussionists, some of the best conga players out there. That is what I'm really looking forward to!"

Think you can cut it? Submit your remix for a chance to join Gilles in Havana!