I was actually supposed to interview Andy Butler of Hercules & Love Affair a while ago at the Park Hyatt but I had to run. Lolla weekend was busy and later on Andy’s publicist approached me about Andy’s new project/label, Mr. INTL. This is basically just an email exchange between us, Andy is currently touring the world and working on managing his new label, but he did take the time to name five songs that influenced his unique house and disco sound.
Jorge: I’ve got to say that when I first read that you were only interested in coming out with music that sounded like that from ‘85 to ‘94 via your new label, my ears perked up. Mainly because well some people would say that HALA already seem to have that aesthetic. What makes Mr. INTL different?
Andy: Hercules is a vehicle for songwriting in my mind. On the first album “Easy” or “Iris” wouldn’t be considered in that aesthetic vein necessarily and certainly not “Boy Blue” or “Blue Songs” on this record.
Is the name of your new label named after the Mr. International leather competition? Are you a leather daddy?
Nope. It’s cause I travel a lot and I like flags.
What about House music connected so deeply with you?
Communal dancing, big vocals and emotions, and lots of strobes.
If you could ask a genie what you wish for your label to be like in 10 years — what would it be?
Just quality music that withstands the test of time.
How hard is it finding vocalists like Jamie Principle, Darryl Pandy or Robert Owens?
Impossible.
CHECK OUT ANDY BUTLER’S LIST OF INSPIRATIONAL SONGS ON THE NEXT PAGE.
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