EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Gabbs, a DJ known for his eclectic style and unwave- ring dedication, opens up about the influences that shaped his artistry, his views on the evolving club cul- ture, and the path that led him from experimenting with his father’s old vinyl to becoming a key figure in the underground scene. Through his answers, Gabbs shares his deep-rooted connection to music, his re- lentless search for unique tracks, and a vision for the future that emphasizes authenticity in an industry that’s rapidly evolving.
Beginnings in Music
Gabbs’ journey began at a young age, sparked by a se- rendipitous discovery in his basement.
“The first time I saw a DJ console, I was 10 years old,” he recalls.
It belonged to his father, a former DJ, and young Ga- bbs was immediately captivated.
“I was immediately drawn to those tools, and I imme- diately tried to use them, managing to get them wor- king after three days,” he explains.
This early exposure to equipment—and Italo-disco vin- yl—planted the seed of his musical passion. His fas- cination turned to ambition at a summer camp party where he played for the crowd using DVD players and compilation CDs.
“I managed to get everyone dancing. It gave me such a boost,” he says, describing the thrill of that moment.
Growing up in a small town further fueled his curiosi- ty. Without access to the city’s vibrant music scene, Gabbs would travel to hear iconic DJs and experience club culture firsthand. Moving to Rome in 2015 to at- tend university marked a new chapter, as he co-foun- ded Jooice with his girlfriend and friends.
“Thanks to Jooice, I started playing more often outside of Italy as well” Gabbs notes.
This collective effort became the launchpad for his professional career.
A hallmark of Gabbs’ career is his unyielding quest for unique tracks, a process he describes with reverence.
“The continuous search for music is a fundamental part of a DJ’s work,” he reflects.
Gabbs often dedicates full days to crate-digging, fre- quent record stores, and private sellers. A memorable discovery happened in Detroit:
“I remember digging all day without finding anything particularly special, but in the end, just 10 minutes be- fore the store closed, I found a record that became a huge success and very important for me,” he says.
His emotional attachment to each track, the stories behind them, and the places where he’s played them reveal his deep connection to his music.
Evolution of the Club Community
Having witnessed the changes in club culture firsthand, Gabbs speaks about the shift from underground roots to a more commercial landscape.
“Music and the music scene have always undergone
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continuous transformations,” he reflects, noting how accessibility and technology have quickened these changes.
“From my personal experience, I can say that today, compared to when I started going to clubs in 2009, the changes are happening much faster, in line with the changes in our society. Every job has become acces- sible to everyone; it’s easier to get passionate about something because we have a huge amount of infor- mation available.
Like all professions, being a DJ has also become easier and more accessible to all”
“What I think is missing today is curiosity, patience, and sacrifice. Everyone wants to become a big DJ in the fastest way possible. If once you had to be on the dancefloor to listen to music, now, thanks to social me- dia and all the available platforms, we can easily stay at home, watch videos, download music, and aspire to become one of those DJs we see in the videos. With so many channels at our disposal, downloading the latest hits or playing a track, we know will work because we’ve seen it in an Instagram video, is easier than spending time searching for and finding our sound.”
Today’s aspiring DJs can learn from social media ra- ther than physically experiencing a dance floor, which, according to Gabbs, has led to a more superficial en- gagement with music.
“In my career, I’ve been fortunate to do many opening sets, which are technically and musically the most challenging to perform, but at the same time, the best school.”
“All of this is also thanks to the presence of smaller clubs, which have been struggling to stay open lately.”
“The smaller scene, where new DJs can learn and start playing, is increasingly giving way to the mainstream,” he warns.
Gabbs hopes that both worlds can coexist without lo- sing sight of the genre’s origins.
The Takeoff Moment
Gabbs’ “breakthrough” came after the pandemic, when many artists reconsidered their careers. Balan- cing a full-day job and DJing, he received an invitation to play at Club Der Visionaere in Berlin, a significant milestone in his career.
“I had never played at CDV before,” he explains, adding that it was also his first 4-hour set solo. This set, per- formed after Slow Life’s Laurine & Cecilio, marked a turning point.
“As soon as I finished the set, I felt incredibly happy, and I immediately knew something had changed, he recalls.
Encouraged by his girlfriend and family, Gabbs decided to leave his job and commit fully to music.
Growth and Musical Philosophy
Despite the changes in his career, Gabbs maintains a consistent musical philosophy, embracing versatility and refusing to be pigeonholed.
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