EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
After more than 10 years since your global success with “Party Non Stop”, you’ve come a long way. What has changed and how do you feel you’ve matured over the past decade?
In 2012, I was still very young, around 25 years old, and “Party Non Stop” completely transformed my life. It placed me on the dance music radar and introduced me to everyone, ensuring that I’m respected as an artist to this day. Musically, I’ve evolved a bit. Over the years, my production has varied, moving from Defected, Desolat to Crosstown Rebels, followed by a Techno phase with releases even on Drumcode. Just before Covid, I returned to the most renowned Tech House labels in the circuit. During the Covid period, I also experimented with more commercial sounds, but in the end, I chose to stay true to my House/Tech House sound, which brought me success. Moreover, it’s the genre I love to play the most in clubs and festivals.
We often see you touring the USA. Can you share your experiences in the States?
For over a year now, I’ve been dividing my time between the United States and the rest of the world, living between Los Angeles and Teramo, my hometown. In the last 2 years, House and Tech House have literally exploded in America. I found myself receiving many more requests, double compared to Europe, prompting me to spend more time across the ocean. I genuinely love performing in the States. The audience has truly transformed, becoming deeply interested in electronic music, which was unthinkable a few years ago. Consider that my first gig in LA was in 2011. I vividly remember that night; by the third track I played, I was asked to step down because the club owner didn’t appreciate my music. They abruptly replaced me with a hip-hop and RnB DJ. Now, my last three shows in LA have all been sold out, highlighting just how much things have changed! I’ve been doing some incredible gigs in the USA, with the majority being sold out. This proves that the region is now a hotspot for electronic music, perhaps the hottest globally!
You also frequently visit South America...
Yes, I have strong ties to Central and South America. My first international tour was in 2010, specifically in Colombia and Brazil! Over the years, I’ve built a solid fan base and perform annually in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and other countries. I love the Latin audience; they’re consistently enthusiastic. I often find myself doing very long DJ sets, sometimes 7/8 hours, like my recent performance in April at Lost Beach, one of my favorite clubs in the world!
Speaking of going abroad. What isn’t working in Italy?
I think there are several things that are working well in Italy; take Kappa, Nameless, Cocorico’, Muretto, Clorophilla, and others for example. The issue I’ve always encountered is the harsh criticism towards artists, something I feel less abroad. Abroad, artists are more respected, supported, and treated as family. When you succeed, they’re happy for you, not envious as in Italy. Internationally, if you fill clubs/festivals and make people dance, you’re reinvited. In Italy, there’s too much focus on personal taste, criticizing the DJ set and other aspects. I believe that if you sell tickets, pack venues, and get people dancing, you’ve done your job well and deserve respect. Personally, I feel more pampered and respected abroad than in Italy, but I’m always thrilled to play in Italy because I love my country. We have one of the most enthusiastic crowds in the world!
After so many years, your tracks are still played by many of the world’s most famous DJs. You’re the most streamed Italian Tech House artist on Spotify, and your tracks often top charts, including Beatport. How have you managed to stay on top for so long?
Over the years, I still spend a lot of time in the studio creating new music, listening to other artists, and drawing inspiration from my travels. I also like to keep up with new sounds, and stay updated with the latest plugins or music-making
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techniques. During the Covid period, I spent 2 years in the studio, producing over 80 demos in various genres: House, techno, tech House, pop, break, hip hop, melodic, etc. Being home-bound made me delve into experimenting, watching tutorials, and doing things I previously couldn’t due to constant touring. To achieve success, you have to work every day!
Which of your many productions gave you the most satisfaction and are you proudest of?
“Party Non Stop” was definitely the most significant, but I also want to mention “We Don’t Need”, a Pink Floyd cover released on Spinnin’/Warner. It took over three years for sample clearance, but it was worth it! I’m very proud of this track. Even though it’s a “bootleg”, it’s still played by numerous DJs a year after
receive videos and tags online. It’s a track I can’t omit from my sets.
Are you pleased with the Tech House sound that has been dominating the market in recent years?
Absolutely! I’m delighted that Tech House is becoming more commercial, even getting radio airplay. It’s surreal to hear my tracks on M2o, 105, or radio deejay, but I need to get used to it as I have many new releases coming in the next few months!
Can you give us a preview of your upcoming releases?
Sure! In June, I signed an exclusive contract with Spinnin’ Records/Warner, which, along with my NONSTOP label, has become my base. I just released a track on Toolroom, Mark Knight’s label, titled “Party”, which has disco House vibes, harking back to my roots. I’ve also had the honor of remixing the latest single from Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, and David Guetta feat. Akon, set to release any day now. By the end of October, I’ll be back on Tiesto’s label, Musical Freedom, with a cover of Tears For Fears - “Shout”. The track is called “Change Your Mind” and has already been played by Fisher, Carl Cox, Claptone, ACRAZE, Andrea Oliva, and more. The release will include a fantastic
Korolova. I’m excited about this release and can’t wait for it to be out! In December,
there will be several 2024 releases on Spinnin’, along with colla- borations, including ones with Marco Lys and Chapter & Verse.
You mentioned remixing Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, David Guetta, and Akon. How did that collaboration come about, and why did you choose to remix EDM artists?
It was truly an amazing experience! Over the past months, I’ve received several messages on IG from Dimitri and David complimenting my work over the years. In one of our chats, they asked me to remix their single. I was speechless, it was wonderful to receive such a request from two of the world’s most renowned DJs. I immediately agreed, completed the remix in a few hours, and everyone loved the result! I enjoy remixing more “radio-friendly” artists, especially now that Tech House is gaining radio traction. The world is changing, and I’m excited that electronic music is gaining more and more followers.
We’re almost at the end of 2023, can you give us a brief overview of your year?
It’s been an unusual year. It was great because I resumed touring at 100%, sharing this beautiful profession with my fans. But it was also challenging. I had to adjust to life in the USA and, after 5 years, I parted ways with my old English management and embarked on a new journey with a different team. I also got back to dedicating 100% to my NONSTOP label, alongside my partner Marc Ross. I released some good tracks on Repopulate Mars, Edible, Glasgow Underground, Toolroom, NONSTOP, and finally on Fisher’s Catch & Release label. I’m deeply grateful to him; he plays almost all of my tracks, and in recent years he has become my biggest supporter. I’ll definitely release more on his label because I love his sound! Otherwise, no regrets. I continue to work tirelessly, performing gigs around the world and releasing loads of new music.
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remix by Ukrainian DJ & Producer I’ll return to my NONSTOP label, and
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