Ruben Reyes also known as HYDEE has made a name of himself in the music community in Canada through the beats of Drum & Bass, Dubstep and dabbling in a little bit of everything in between. His musical passion started with drumming in a local Punk and hardcore bands but then fell in love with DJing and found his way to Drum & Bass. He is known in Toronto’s bass scene and has performed alongside Skrillex, Nero, Bassnectar, Zeds Dead, Rusko, Flux Pavilion, Excision, Andy C, Noisia and many more. He is most recently known for making appearances as a resident DJ at popular bass festivals such as Valhalla Sound Circus in Quebec and everyone's favorite Ever After Music Festival playing the main stage & second stage the past few years. He also recently landed a residency at Club 77 in Hamilton to help build the bass scene and club branded nights. So we had to do an interview with someone that has been in the scene for a while.
Interview
CR: How did the Name HYDEE come to be? Any story behind that?
H: So it’s an interesting story, back in the day when I was about 16/17 years old my buddy said he grabbed some "BOMB HYDEE" aka Hydro, Back then I used to smoke a lot of weed lol So i liked it and I started using it and that's how my name Hydee came to be but back then I
started out as a "Jungle/DNB" MC, I didn't start dj'ing until about 2000/2001. So originally it was actually MC HYDEE.
CR: We know you are in love with Dubstep and Drum & Bass, but is there another genre that you like to dabble in that your followers don’t know about?
H: For electronics music, I love Drumstep as well and some trap but besides those 2 my next favourite would probably have to be bass house. I just love how it’s so bouncy and hype and really gets me moving. Outside of electronic music I love my classic rock, punk, metal, hip hop, etc. I'm pretty open when it comes to music.
CR: What has been your most memorable event so far as an attendee?
That's really hard to say but probably would have to be back in the day when raves were taboo and underground. You'd show up to a busted warehouse with 10,000 + ravers just having the time of their lives, I'm talking back in the late 90's, early 2000's!
CR: With all the artists that you have shared the stage with so far who was the most fun to interact with?
H: I've met so many artists over the years and played with so many talented people but the ones I've really made a friendship with and felt a strong connection with would have to be Tantrum Desire and Downlink. 2 very solid people in the scene who I admire and look up to
as producers and DJ's but also am very proud to call my friends!
CR: We know that you have played in many of the local venues, which one stands out the most in production and management?
H: Nest and Coda have always been amazing in terms of sound and set up but obviously my love goes out to Club 77 in Hamilton where I have my residency! They've definitely helped me with my brand, built an amazing reputation with them, made some great fans and friends there
on top of being a top-notch club to play in terms of stage, production, sound and all-around good vibes inside the main room.
CR: If you produced your first massive track which artist would you collaborate with and why?
H: Alright this one’s going to have a few answers here so bear with me lol
1 - If we are going with dubstep wobbly melodic sounds Rusko, Jansten or Oliverse 100%
2 - If we are talking Drum n Bass I'd have to say Tantrum Desire or Sub Focus.
3 - Lastly the grimy hard hitting dub definitely got to say Kompany or Barely Alive
CR: We ask this to many of the artists, what is an activity you do during your pastime besides DJing?
I love to just relax on my off times, I'm so busy with work full time and DJ'ing, etc that when I have downtime and it’s not focused on that it’s just chill time, I also love to hang out with friends, watch movies, eat good food and share some good laughs. I used to snowboard a lot too but haven't done that in a while, maybe I’ll pick it up again!
CR: Is there anything you are working on for 2020 that we can get information on?
H: TBH I'm probably just going to work on perfecting my craft and sound. Working on my brand and fan base. I'd love to play some new cities and venues and meet some new people, I'm all about expanding my talents and the Hydee sound as far as I can. I feel very fortunate and blessed with the opportunities I've been given and its been one hell of a ride and no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Can’t wait to catch him at this year Ever After Fesitval, unit then check out his mix of his 2019 Ever After Music Festival Mix