Tenerife might not be renowned for its house and techno inclinations, but Hector Couto is far from your average DJ/producer. The brains behind the always on-point Roush label, Couto’s own stock has risen considerably in recent times, not just as a result of his label but also as a result of his many stunning productions and his astute DJ sets. We nabbed him for a quick chat recently, as he talked us though his current agenda…

How has life been recently? What keeps you bust apart from music?

I’ve been busy at work but I always have time for family and friends. I love surfing and every time I can, I go down to Las Americas to practicing.

How is everything going with the label?

I´m a little bit surprised how good the label is going to be honest. We are planning some really good releases for 2015. My partner and I have been planning a very special release on vinyl, so stay tuned for that!

What made you want to start the label in the first place?

I really wanted to created a brand that represented me and my music, mixing big names with new young artists. We are focusing on good underground house music and we love what we been doing with artists like Hector Moralez, DJ Sneak, My good friend Tuccillo, DJ W!LD, Darius Syrossian, Truth Be Told, Julien Sandre, Josh Butler, Mennie or Di Chiara Brothers, and more yet to come.

What has been your proudest moment with the label so far? And the most challenging?

The beginning was a little hard but my partner and I soon found the direction we wanted for the label. We have a strong relationship with all our artists and our success comes from them. We feel like a family and we are glad to have all this great people on board.

How do you look back on your raver days in Spain? How do you think you’ve changed since then?

My raver days in Tenerife where really cool, but right now the scene had change for the better there. There are a lot of good house producer on the island like Jose Armas and new promoters who’ve been doing great shows. Things looking good in the island, Tenerife is a must visit!

Was Ibiza hugely influential for you back then?

Not really… But it’s always a pleasure to play on the island because it’s a really special place and everyone have their eyes on it every summer. I really enjoying playing there, that’s for sure.

So what sort of music were you listening to growing up?

In Tenerife we were very influenced by the UK movement of the 90´s. When I was young I listened to a lot of hardcore and breakbeat, even today that scene is still alive there too.

What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

Playing at the Amnesia closing in Ibiza with artists I support like Seth Troxler, Ricardo Villalobos, Tini and Butch, was a dream to me.

So apart from at home, where’s your favourite place to DJ? And why?

Amnesia…haha!

What are your thoughts on the EDM scene?

To be honest, I’ve never understood this kind of music.

Can you tell us a bit about the Darius Syrossian EP on the label? How do you know Darius and why was he the right man to do an EP for you guys?

I know Darius for more than 3 years now and we have collaborated on some really good stuff. I’ve always looked up to him as a DJ and producer and we have a similar vision of house music, His sound fits perfectly in Roush, and we are really happy to have him on board. Check out his latest for us below, which comes with a great DJ W!LD remix.

How would you describe a typical day in the studio?

Well, my little doggy Bimba is usually around while I’m working on some beats!

Do you produce on the road on your laptop too? Does your touring schedule make it difficult to get to the studio sometimes?

It’s usually too difficult to create music whilst I’m travelling. Normally I develop some ideas and when I get home I finish them in the studio.

And what else can we look forward to from you and the label?

I have a strong release coming out soon on Defected, another great one on Roush with two big remixers and very important gigs all over the world. I’m really happy how things are going. I’ve had to work hard to get where I am, but I’m mainly hoping to continue my progression as a DJ and producer.

Darius Syrossian’s Roush EP (w/DJ W!LD remix) is out April 13th on Roush.