-I noticed that you are taking a break from
the UK scene and focusing more on the US scene. However, what’s your main
reason for choosing small clubs/venues rather than large ones; especially since
as many people won't get to come out and see you?
The main reason I want to take a break is because I want to see new places.
Secondly, I want to get motivated to produce new music because I get to see
different cultures of people around the world. At the moment I prefer the small
clubs over the big clubs because I find they always have a better atmosphere
-You were a finalist in the 1988 DMC competition.
What influenced you to change from a turntablist to an electronic DJ/producer?
After being a finalist in the 1988 DMC competition, I entered and won the “Walky
Cup” competition on DJ Television Italia Uno in 1989. I met Daniela Davoli,
the producer of “black box” and told her “ok I want to do
this” and it changed my life.
-You have traveled almost all over the world.
How would you compare the crowds of Europe to that of North America and South
America?
The crowd reacts the same when you create the atmosphere for them. The only
difference I have found is that American people are more open minded to the
music; They are open to all kind of music. American people want the best of
all things.
-What are your views on the techno scene
gaining more popularity with the mainstream crowds? And what do you see in the
future for the techno scene?
For me I changed to techno now because the quality of the music is much better.
I like trance and it moves me emotionally but at the moment I listen to too
many trance records that are not produced to give off any kind of emotion. It’s
mainly just drums and other simple things but if I find a good trance record
I will play it. If I think a track is good, Ill play it, regardless of the style.
-Who is your favorite DJ's out of the whole
electronic scene as of now?
My favorite DJ with regards to style is my friend Sven Vath.. Technically,
there are many DJ’s who quite strong in that area who are not well known.
-You have released many of your tracks on
different sub-labels of media records. What are the differences between a track
being released on BXR, Ssacrifice and Underground?
Releases on BXR are always when you use your name. Sacrifice is only released
in Italy and cannot be found anywhere else. Underground is a sub-label on which
we release under our aliases such as Megamind.
-What is your most memorable experience in
a club?
One of the best parties I remember with a great crowd and great atmosphere
was last time in Montréal for “Swirl” party, it was really
good.
-What can we expect from you and the BXR
label in the near future?
In the near future I will leave BXR, there will be no more records released
at the moment for me on BXR. I don't want to be in charge of BXR because I have
too many responsibilities and I am always around the world. I don’t have
time to control the situation and if I don’t have control of the situation
the quality goes down. I don’t want to be responsible for a label that
I do not fully support.
- Any future collaboration with anyone in
the techno scene like D.J Rush, Chris Liebing, Speedy J or Jeff mills?
At the moment I do not have extra time. I am concentrating on creating my new
album for the spring. In the future it is always possible.
-For which artist would you like to do a
remix for?
I like to do a remix when I like a song but as of now I do not have one on
my mind.
-What is the biggest down side of being a
world renowned D.J?
The biggest down side would be not having enough personal time.
-I heard that there is a new Picotto remix
of “Underworld – Born Slippy” Is this true? Any chance of
this getting a release?
Yes, there is a remix but I created it for myself only couple of years back
but it won’t get a release.
-As asked by many, what equipment and software
do you have in the BXR studio?
We have pro tools logic for hardware and we have a lot of plug-ins for the
computer, 16 channel mixers that can be used to control the computer, Waldorf
sound machine 3bt303, 909drum machine, Korg keyboard, Roland synthesizer and
of course Macs
-Any country, city, or venue that you haven’t
yet visited or played at, but would love to?
I think I have visited all the best places, but I want to go more to South
America and visit maybe Brazil and Argentina
-What do you do outside of the music scene,
what are your hobbies other than spending time with your daughter?
When I go home, I spend time as a normal person would. I go out with friends,
go to bars, and watch TV. Maybe normal people might find it boring, but I like
doing simple things in my free time
-Where do you see yourself fifteen years
from now?
I hope to be alive, because if I continue life like this I am not sure. But
I am not sure, I don’t know the future
-What’s your personal favorite track
that you have produced?
I think Baguette. Because it was created two years ago and it’s not cheesy
it’s always good and fresh.
-Any advice to aspiring DJ's and producers?
Be yourself.
-Favorite food?
Pasta with Italian ingredients
-Favorite place to DJ?
I don’t have one, I just like it when I play long set. Maybe Ibiza because
it’s an international crowd.
-Favorite vacation destination?
Phuket, Thailand
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