Hey Gabry! Thanks for joining us. Let’s start with your recent hit ‘Born To Love Ya’ with Sean Paul and NATTI NATASHA. How did the collaboration come to be?
Thanks for having me! Sean Paul is a true icon, and I’ve always loved his work. So, when one of his vocal recordings arrived in my studio, I knew it was the perfect fit for a special project. I worked up a demo, and during a session with Lavinia Hope and Giacomo Uber, we reshaped the chorus and refined the idea. After that, we sent it back, and it eventually reached NATTI NATASHA too, who brought her unique energy to it. Even though we never met, the synergy between everyone involved made it feel effortless and the result really exceeded all of our expectations.
2. Is Dancehall/Reggaeton a genre you’ve explored much of before or was this a new creative route for you?
I’ve touched on similar influences in the past, but diving deeper into Dancehall and Reggaeton for this track was an interesting challenge. Moreover, these genres bring such a pure energy and they naturally make you dance. Pairing that with electronic elements feels like amplifying the energy, bringing it to a bigger stage.
3. Collaborations are a big part of your musical repertoire. This year alone you’ve worked with the likes of Tïesto, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Steve Aoki and Giuseppe Ottaviani to name a few. What draws you to collaborate with certain artists? And, even with your level of experience do you find you still learn from these experiences?
Absolutely, there’s always something new to learn. Collaboration keeps things fresh and it can give new sights and perspectives. The greatest drive in this type of collaboration is the fusion of energies and different musical universes coming together. Usually, the mix of diverse influences gives rise to unique creations.
4. What are your top 3 studio essentials?
Since I travel a lot while on tour, I had my laptop built with all the most powerful components I could add 😉 I often work “in the box,” but when I get to the studio, I can use all the instruments. Below, I can list my three essential tools:
- Avalon 737 pre-amp for recording vocals;
- Neumann U87;
- Juno 6.
5. 2025 is already shaping up to be a big year for you with SAN SIRO DANCE on 28th June where you will perform as the first DJ to headline Milan’s San Siro stadium. How did the opportunity arise and what does it mean to you?
SAN SIRO DANCE is a massive milestone, not just for me but for Italian electronic music as well. When the idea came out after the first date of my arenas’ tour earlier this year, it seemed impossible because of the impressive size of something like playing in such a legendary stadium. Eventually, the opportunity unfolded naturally, and before we even realized it, it was becoming a reality. Being the first DJ to headline such an iconic venue is a huge honor.
6. SAN SIRO DANCE is going to be a big day when it comes! Do you have any pre-show rituals before you get up on stage?
I like to keep it simple. Before a big show, I take a moment to myself, breathe, and visualize the energy of the crowd. I also run through the setlist, even if I know it inside out. It’s my way of staying grounded and focused.
7. Phones on the dancefloor is a hot topic at the moment in the dance music community. Where do you stand on this?
It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, I understand why people want to capture the moment—it’s exciting, and they want to remember it. But at the same time, there’s something special about being fully present in the music and the energy of the crowd. If it were up to me, I’d say: take a quick pic or a short video, then put your phone away and enjoy the moment. During my shows, I’ve included parts in the setlist where I ask the audience to put away their phones for a short while, encouraging them to fully enjoy the experience. I always hope that this brief instant can serve to remind us how beautiful it is to be present and seize the moment.
8. December is almost here. How do you typically spend the festive holidays?
For me it’s a rare chance to step away from the studio and touring to spend time with loved ones, enjoy some good food, and reflect on the year. I also use the time to recharge creatively—sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not actively chasing them.
9. What have been some of your biggest highlights from 2024?
2024 has been an incredible year in which I’ve achieved many goals and set even more challenging ones for myself. We completed a tour with record-breaking numbers, I was awarded valuable prizes and recognitions, we began conquering San Siro Stadium with truly excellent results, and I released tracks with artists I admire like Tiesto, Steve Aoki, Sean Paul and Natti Natasha, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Ottaviani, and many others. it’s hard to pick just one moment. But I might know what the biggest 2025 highlight is going to be!
10. What are the lessons you’ve learnt from 2024 that you’ll carry into the new year?
Patience, resiliance and adaptability. This year taught me that great things take time and that sometimes the unexpected can lead to something even better. I’ve also learned the importance of staying true to myself and my vision, even in a fast-changing industry.
