The Italian don bringing Opera to the dancefoor
Interview by Ian Fleming
Hey Marco, great to meet you! How are things in life right now for you?
Hi DMCWORLD, it’s a pleasure to be here with you. Things are going good at the moment, my latest release on Ampispazi Recordings is out now and we are receiving a lot of good feedbacks and support from electronic music scene! I can’t ask for more at the moment!
So how would you describe your current sound? What equipment do you use to make most of your music?
My actual sound could be described in an easy way: strong and effective. Not too much sounds, hands on the synthesizer and and a creative open mind, focused in doing what I like without following themes, genres or business rules.
I use Logic Studio and its plugins, no loops, only sound recorded around the world and microkorg for some of the synth. I like to play my bass guitar for the baselines and I also love to put some lines recorded with my electric or acoustic guitar.
When was the last time you were stopped in your tracks by a record, DJ set or party and can you explain what or who it was and why you liked it so much?
Every time that one of my favorite artist puts out a release or a set I definitely listen to it over and over again BUT when inspiration comes, it’s stronger than ever and I definitely lose myself in it. Anything apart from my music is in my head.
Who or what have been some of the key inspirations for you over the years and have they remained constant or changed?
All my music culture and background is constantly around me. In my studio I’m surrounded by CDs and Vinyls of any kind: rock, blues, trip hop, dub, hip hop reggae. And then of course tons of House/Techno!!! Everyday I listen to different music, I don’t care about style or years, old or new, I just listen what I feel at the moment.
How long have you been producing? Who influenced you to start?
After a few years of Djing, in 2011, I decided to start producing my own stuff. Everything started thanks to a big friend of mine that explained to me how to produce music with the computer: In that moment I couldn’t believe that I could finally translate my emotion into music in an easy way, without the need of a band or an orchestra.
How do things like the atmosphere, venue and sound system influence how you approach a set?
I haven’t been playing that much lately, only at a few private after parties organised by some friends of mine (big fans of the music that I make). The atmosphere there is overwhelming, people’s eyes are closed and their hands are up in the air. It’s sad that this music genre isn’t really that big in Italy. If you go to a big club, all they play is commercial music, perfect for their audience:kids. It’s a pity! But I always like to cater to different atmospheres when I plan my sets.
If you could own one track no other DJ could ever play, what would it be and why?
It’s really difficult answering to that question! Now I would say “Who Love The Sun” of NU & Jo Ke but also Matthias Meyer – Unknown (love unlimited vibes 003). Love those tracks!
So tell us more about your newest release on Ampispazi Recordings called ‘Opera’? What was your thinking behind the track and how did you go about making it in terms of your method in doing things?
Opera EP came out in a really easy way. For Opera (original mix) I had the melodies in my head for a long time, then I finally decided to translate them from my head to the computer. Then I started searching and recording the right sounds for the groove; easy and clean sounds. Then the inspiration and creativity made the rest in the arrangement. Fluid and Riddle were made both in a few nights each. To be honest my tracks began inside my head, maybe while I’m playing the guitar or the piano… then I put everything into the computer and I started making it into an electronic way. I love creating big emotional breaks into my tracks and I’ve got to say that in Opera Ep you have a clear demonstration of it.
What was it that made you chose the remixer you did, and how pleased were you with their productions?
Janca is a good friend of mine. I think that he has a classy and magic touch. This is not the first remix he made for me. We collaborate before on Aenaria and Partina Sun Recordings
What does 2015 have in store for Marco Ricci? An album maybe? Or big tour schedule?
Playing live is a big emotion but sadly I don’t have a memorable gig in the near future. But on the other side i have to say that there are a lot of good releases coming, like the singles “Rubina” soon on Ampispazi Recordings. In that track you can feel the mood that I want to keep to start an album project.
Marco Ricci’s ‘Opera’ is out now on Ampispazi Recordings
https://soundcloud.com/ampispazi_rec/sets/amp067-marco-ricci-opera-ep/s-K5MWC
