The star man at Ibiza’s incredible Pooldisco Ushuaia extravaganza…
“Mark Herman asked me to DJ at Pooldisco for a Bank Holidays party at Shoreditch House in London. It was super fun…he liked my selection so when he asked me to be one of the resident DJs for Ibiza I was super chuffed.”
You began your DJ career in Mantova in Northern Italy – a region renowned for opera – what were your early musical influences that pushed you towards a love of dance music?
“Well I have always loved dance-disco music, BUT I actually went to the Conservatory of Music in my home town and played the oboe for 4 years. Maybe one day I will dig it out again!”
You moved to London at the age of 26 to become a record buyer for the infamous Italian label Disco Inn. How did that incredible opportunity arise?
“I moved without actually having a job. I was actually kind of scared and was looking for jobs in bars and restaurant but hey, it wasnt a huge problem. Fabio Carniel from the shop gave me that incredible opportunity.”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning right now?
“In no particular order…”
Mercury – Son House
Lit – Brown Dwarf(Hyena Stomp rmx)
Up Yours – Tonite
Fine Bassen – When doves cry
Duckbeats – I really do believe it
Pollyn – Sometimes you know(Moodymann rmx)
Scissor Sisters – Let’s have a Kiki(Dj Nita Aviance rmx)
Eli Escobar – Work it
Kindness – Gee up(Erol Arkan rework)
Chopstick and Johnjon – Listen
“Oh God they were many…lots of early stuff from Herbet-Basement Jaxx-Soma recs-Classic-Maybe Silicon Soul? Great memories tho when Shoreditch and COCOMO bar were still super underground.”
You are renowned to be one of the capital’s hardest working DJs around, always with a smile on your face. What have been some of the big nights you have loved smashing around London…?
“Well HMD every saturdays are FUN and crazy…the Pooldisco parties at Shoreditch House were amazing too for the location as well..and I guess every time I DJ I always try to make it happen…”
Let’s talk about Pooldisco, why is this night going to be so successful this summer in Ibiza?
“Because we are gonna be colourful. with fun music that will be new but also classics too. Amazing shows and lots of glamour for young and also the more mature crowd. It’s an afternoon and early evening big party.”
Tell us what you love about DJing in Ibiza…
“I’ve been going to Ibiza every year since 1996. Total freedom…easy going people and a beautiful island with LOTS of sun.”
“It is a lovely and very well thought out hotel for the kind of customer who travels but also loves to have a party.”
What is your guilty pleasure record?
“Are Frank Sinatra or Yma Sumac guilty?”
It may not be good for my image, but I really love…
“Drinking?”
It’s your birthday – what 5 DJs and one live artist do you invite to play, money no object…
“DJ Harvey, Fabio Carniel, Jim Stanton, Green Velvet, Andrew Weatherall…and PRINCE live!”
Aside from Ibiza, where can we catch you this summer?
“Berlin at Prince Charles for our HMD residency 14th July and 8th September. Gay Village in Padova (Italy) for my birthday on 21st July. Stop Making Sense on 6th August for Dalston Superstore. Shoreditch House on 13th July and more to come…”
“God Made Me Phunky!”
What is the weirdest request you have ever had from a clubber whilst Djing?
“If I can play more black music when I was playing Prince!”
Who is the coolest person on your mobile phone?
“Skin? James Murphy? Jade Jagger? My mamma’s mobile?”
What do you miss the most about Mantova?
“Going around by my old bicycle and the food…”
Favourite beach and restaurant in Ibiza?
“Sa Trinxa and Chiringay in Las Salinas – Es Cavallet…Mar Y Sal in Las Salinas…my local.”
What is the biggest lesson you have ever learnt in life?
“Patience.”