We had chance to sit down with Two Lee (Marco Ciulli) ahead of his new “I’ll Be Around” record. A rework of the classic Spinners hit featuring Chriss Commisso. We had the opportunity to find out a bit more about his music and what he is up to.
Where do we find you right now Marco?
I just returned to Italy from Miami. Basically I’m in wonderful Sardinia (no one can ever move me from here)
Can you describe a moment or experience that initially sparked your passion for music and how it continues to inspire you today?
I was very small, in the mid-80s I was intrigued by a cassette tape mixed by a DJ who always listened to my brother! From there I started mixing with a turntable and a recorder that we had at home and I began to spend my money buying vinyl
Are there any lesser-known electronic music artists you feel deserve more attention, and why do their work resonate with you?
Sure, there are many artists who think only of making uncompromising music going against the logic of commerce.
How do you maintain a balance between staying true to your artistic vision and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the music industry?
I think that’s the hardest thing, trying to balance between being Underground, being polished but still being able to hold the charts. I’m still working on it
What role does improvisation play in your creative process, and can you share a memorable instance when it led to an unexpected breakthrough?
I can strongly say that the creative process must be fast, thinking too much makes you lose your mark. Let’s say I was very amazed the first time I sent a track to Nervous which was taken on the first try
Are there any non-musical influences, such as visual art, literature, or personal experiences, that have significantly shaped your work?
For the uninitiated, I am also an architect specialized in interiors. Believe it or not I apply the same work and creation procedures. Producing music is not far from designing a space with creativity
How do you approach the challenge of translating your recorded music into engaging live performances, and what elements do you consider essential for a successful show?
I must say that the tendency to improvise during an evening, as was the custom many years ago, is still rooted in me. I get carried away by the mood of the evening and I don’t always offer many of my productions. Other times my productions are the cornerstone, I repeat it depends on the situation
What advice would you give to aspiring electronic music artists looking to develop their own unique sound and style?
I suggest getting inspired but never copying, look for something that excites you, a sound, an instrument and make it the key to connecting all your productions
Can you discuss the impact of technology on your music, and how you see emerging tools and platforms shaping the future of electronic music?
I was born with the hardware of the 90s, in which there was not even a DAW. It was a revolution. Now if one is organized in the work one can be creative and productive, also thanks to the use of portals for sounds and samples
What’s a project or collaboration that you’re particularly proud of, and what did you learn from the experience?
I am very happy to have collaborated with a professional singer like Michelle Weeks, she made me understand that interaction with other artists is essential
How do you stay motivated and inspired during periods of creative block, and what strategies do you employ to overcome them?
I start listening to music and travel
What’s next for you?
I honestly don’t know, I just want to see my progress even with the increase in audience appreciation. I have several collaborations planned with other important artists in my near future
https://linktr.ee/marcociulli
