28/07/2010

One of the best techno DJ on the planet, Marco Carola, chats with Infusion…

You’re from the Italian city of Naples and began experimenting with the music industry during the 90s acid rave phase. Looking back, how do you view the industry in those days? Did you ever imagine your success would be as it is today?
It was impossible to think, at that time, what it would be like today. Because no one was coming out of Italy, let alone Naples. When my first record started to sell internationally it opened many doors for me, getting me bookings everywhere.

Although you originally released music on other labels, you quickly set up your first label, Design Music, (1996) for which you could fully develop your unique sound. How exactly would you describe your style of music?
Groovy. That’s the best word, I think. It’s very difficult to define. I’m always searching for a nice groove, more than a melody. So I guess that’s the way to describe it.

Since then the label had acted as a lifeline for fresh Italian artists, particularly those from Naples. Was this a sign of your patriotic sense of pride?
No, one of the best things in the world is to work with people you know and respect. But I no longer have the label because I need too much time for my own productions.

Throughout tours across continents and live shows you were in-demand for your music and 3-deck mixing style. What does this add to your sets?
Well, I don’t do that anymore. A few years ago, my style of music was more intense and it was good because I could create something new at the moment. But today I work in a different way. I’m thinking more of the construction of a set than the intensity of it.

You’ve also moved around from Italy, to Frankfurt and London, which are generally better known for techno. Where are you currently based? Any plans to move again?
I’m living in Napoli now and plan to stay. The reason I left before was because at that time Napoli was an island of techno music in the whole country and it wasn’t easy for me. Today, for me it’s a better place to live for the food and the weather and the sea, and I don’t need to be in another place to make music so I prefer to stay.

Critics argued that 2009 was the year for techno after a brief decline. What do you make of this? Are there certain places in the world that are more responsive to it?
For, sure yes. It’s been a great year for me. Of course techno is not big everywhere. Some countries are more influenced by commercial media and that makes it more difficult for an underground movement to grow.

Marco Carola plays for ill Communications @Rooftop (Main Room) on Thurs 22nd July. Tickets are 130Dhs, ladies and FACE Card free till 11pm, or go to our competitions page to win tickets.

www.infusion.ae