Audiohell – the Italian DJ/Producer with enough glorious and landmark experiences that you would think he would be happy to rest on his laurels. But with his distinctly Italian drive and motivation still burning strong he has things lined up left, right, and centre over the coming months. We at DMC found time with the busy man, to find out what’s coming up for him on the horizon….
Interview by Ian Fleming
How are you, what’s good, what’s bad right now?
I’m fine, thanks. My personal situation is very positive at the moment. I’ve planned a lot of new discographic projects and my first tour in Asia. Also more good partnerships will be coming in the next few months. Negative things? I miss more time for me and a real holiday (without phone).
What key lessons have you learnt in your 20 year career? What has got easier, what has got harder?
During my long electronic music career, I’ve learned all things can change very quickly. One day you can be the number one, the day after maybe there will be another artist better than you. And do you know what I have learned from all of this? The right thing is not to take yourself too seriously. Doing things with passion without too many expectations. Live your life smiling without thinking too much about “who you are.”
Tell us about the labels you run – can you explain them all and the differences between them?
I run several labels but the only one that I brought up to the end is Digital Traffik Recordings (perhaps the more known and appreciated label). I’ve opened this label in 2005 and now we’re celebrating 10 years in the music business with a series of high quality vinyls. From this year I want to focus also on another project which will start in September / October this year: “AudioHell Department Rec”.
In these months I’ll search new artists for a more electronic and experimental music project. The first vinyl came out and had a great success … so now it’s time to start seriously. The Digital Traffik will continue as always to produce the best Techno, Tech House and Deep House of the best artists in the world. The new A&R will be my close friend CLiVe.
Do you make any money from the label, do you wish you did, is it a shame that music is worthless these days?
I confide in you the financial statements of Digital Traffik is positive but it’s obvious: it is very difficult to live life only with the earnings of an underground label! Unfortunately, today an independent record label has only the main purpose for the promotion of artists and music. Things have changed dramatically compared to the 90s …
How do you A&R, what are you looking for, do you look for potential or the finished article when it comes to new artists?
In Digital Traffik everything was very simple. Playing in the past on Space Ibiza parties World Tours gave me the easy way to find good fellow producers/djs to be included in the label. As A&R, I’ve always tried to share musical ideas with artists and DJs, and I always asked for advice from them. I think the music is above all this: sharing of emotions and ideas. About the new label “A. Department” I’m moving in recent weeks. I am selecting a different material from emerging and established record producers. I want to be critical on this project and focus only on the sounds quality. For sure three members of the team are already confirmed : the great singer Shyam Parmar, the legendary Visnadi and my friend Malatoid (that has signed with me the first label release). But my team will be much more…I’m working on this day and night.
What gear do you use in the studio? Do you have favourite pieces throughout your career?
This is what should never miss in my studio: TR909, Elektron Analog Four, Rytm & Octatrack .. And some vintage piece that I carry around for many years as the legendary Juno 106, my Moog and my Nord Lead. I’m a collector of art and synthesizers.
Do you have a crowd, club or moment in mind when making your tunes? Are they designed for certain situations?
When I sit in my studio in front of my synthesizers I follow my instincts. Of course I’ve been a DJ for 20 years and so far my tracks have been composed for the dancefloor. But I’m ready for the future more different projects…. I like to surprise and change direction.
You have had many residences in your career – what is the art of the resident DJ? How is it different than being a headline? Which do you prefer?
I was resident DJ of many parties at Space in Ibiza, in Berlin and in Italy, but basically I played much more as a guest to the evenings. After having withdrawn myself from the scene now I’m ready to restart with a new project to present around the world .. My first world tour will start in Asia in September and here’s the first confirmed gigs : 23.09 Como – Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) / 24.09 Arkham -Shanghai (China) / 30.09 Track 9 – Bali (Indonesia)…And more dates TBC…
What are you most proud of in your long career? What sticks out as a career highlight?
These are my most beautiful memories with my first dj-name “Jimithesun”: Since 1996 my first years as a resident DJ in Slovenia … The first tour in Brazil as a guest in 2002 .. In 2006 my first residency at Space Ibiza (season where I mixed my first official compilation for Space).. the 2009 I start in Tresor Berlin … And now my new AudioHell project!! I’m really loaded!
What else have you got comin up/are you looking forward to?
Now I’m only focused on A.Department, the new label of my recording studio. I’m sure we’ll give much energy to all. I’m also working on a completely analogue live project and this excites me so much! So… We’ll see soon on the dancefloors my friends!
AudioHell’s latest track is a remix of the EP by Bimas – ‘Breakstone’ out now on his label Digital Traffik
Grab it here – https://www.beatport.com/release/breakstone/1805406
