One of the Polar Noise label big bosses sends us crazy with the massive ‘Relax’ EP
Interview : Dan Prince
Luca welcome to DMCWORLD, where on planet earth are you today?
“Hi Dan, it’s a real honor for me to be interviewed by a cool magazine like yours..thank you! Now I’m in Rovigo, the city where i was born and I live..it’s a small city near Venice, but there is everything I need!”
Cool. A massive new EP that has been smashing the dancefloors around the world these past few weeks, ‘Relax’ that swings our way on Terminal M. Everybody from Fatboy Slim to Tensnake have been all over this, talk us through the history of this release…
“I usually don’t hit the studio with a clear or precise idea in mind of what I’m going to make or produce. When the four tracks took shape Monika and Rainer had a listen and they gave me some good advices to improve them and well…here we are. In my opinion music is about teamwork and it’s always important to match people and experiences.”
As you mentioned, you hail from the town of Rovigo in north eastern Italy. Can you take us back to your early years when you first discovered music?
“My father had a huge passion for great American movie soundtracks and when he played them I couldn’t help falling in love with those “black circles with wonderful covers”. Growing up I was thrilled by the likes of Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk…but generally speaking I would say back then I liked all kinds of beautiful music.”
A very kind gesture from your parents giving you the money to buy your first pair of Technics 1210’s…where they happy with your thoughts on a career in music?
“I don’t know if they thought that it was just a hobby or a passing attraction at the time, but when they saw that my passion became my job I think they were happy for me.”
What was your first break into the music industry?
“I began to play in a club in my city where I used to play four nights a week and it was a real challenge with the amount of various genres I hade to play. I enjoyed it very much though…playing in front of an audience is always exciting!!!”
Can you remember the first piece of dance vinyl you purchased?
“To be honest it wasn’t dance, but the first record I bought (with my own money) was the soundtrack of “Escape from New York” – Mr Carpenter rules!!”
Early DJ heroes?
“I love Hawtin, Monika and Beyer…but my personal hero is Sven. Between ‘98 and 2003 myself and my friends used to organize real marathon journeys by car to Frankfurt to go and see and dance to him…even now I don’t miss an opportunity to see him.”
How important to the Italian club scene was the legendary La Scala where you were resident DJ?
“La Scala was an important club with a very demanding public. Being resident for two years was an important opportunity for me to learn and then to play other important clubs in my region.”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning?
1)Guy Gerber,Dixon – No distance
2)Gregor Tresher ,Monika Kruse -RETOX ep
3)Pig Dan -Slash
4)Hunter Games -Canyons
5)Recondite-Psy
6)Gary Beck -Say What (Adam Beyer remix)
7)Nic Fanciulli,&ME -Feel IT
8)Dustin Zahn -Monolith (Album)
9)Robert Dietz -You Are So Hood
10)Chymera-Tydal
You will be celebrating your birthday next weekend at The Factory Club in Padova with a special 4 hour set…what would be your perfect birthday gift?
“Dan, if I can fill the club and the crowd enjoys the whole set, I have received the best gift in the world.”
You are the man behind the world famous label Polar Noise alongside your good friend Paul C…what is coming out next from your imprint?
“Polar Noise has always been attentive to new talent..we are now producing a new duo called “NO FAT CHIPS”, you will hear about them soon! In addition to this, I have just finished mixing my new single which will be released just on the label and over the past few months I’ve been working on several remixes which will be released soon.”
As a record label boss for over a decade, what have been the biggest changes in the industry these past few years?
“I reckon that the selling part is harder. A record sells very little these days, I think it’s a general problem all over the world.”
Do you think it is too easy for young producers to make hit records these days?
“I must Admit that technology helps a lot, but GOOD IDEAS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED!!”
You are a big fan of Juventus who are romping away with the Serie A title this season, some nice wins over Fiorentina, Genoa and Milan in recent weeks. A good season for you yes?
“Wow!! These days it is very satisfying to be a Juventus fan! D Conte is giving us great satisfactions…and also the stadium is wonderful!!”
Who are some of the producers around the world you are giving high fives to at the moment?
“Actually there are many more than these 5…but if I have to choose then…Gregor Tresher, Adam Port, Tale of Us, Recondite and ME from Saved Records.”
What is the last song you heard today?
“Elisa – “L’Anima Vola” – a song by an Italian female songwriter.”
It may not be great for my image, but Luca Morris really loves…
“Italian food.”
And finally what is the best piece of advice you ever been given?
“Try to be original.”
