With regular slots at arguably Ibiza's most popular Friday night, Music On, as well as further shows at Paradise and ANTS, Leon is DJ on the rise on the White Isle. Taking his dubbed-out tech house sound to the big stage, Leon certainly knows how to work a crowd. Leon's first release came in 2009 and he has released records on seminal labels such as VIVa Music and Saved Records. The Italian has kindly shared a mix with us and some words on his new vinyl only record label, his proudest moment and food.
First of all, can you tell us about the mix you have provided for us at Pulse Radio. In this mix I have provided tracks I love at the moment. In fact, these are the freshest underground upcoming releases on vinyl. I may be from the old school, but I definitely love this fresh contemporary style, from techno to house. There are tracks on this mix that will be released on my vinyl only label Chelsea Hotel Records.
When did your relationship with dance music start? When I was 14 years old I bought my first vinyl record. My father happened to be a drummer and I was lucky enough to have a dad who could introduce me to old school disco, rock & roll and Motown, from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, to Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
Were you part of a local Italian music scene in the early days? Yes, I was a part of the local music scene in Teramo, Italy. It was a small scene but we all have to start somewhere.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on the sound of your productions? Mood 2 Swing, Masters at Work, Danny Tenaglia & Ricardo Villalobos…..Other artists that have influenced me are Larry Levan & David Mancuso.
You rank your latest release on Nite Grooves as one of the most important of your career – is this your proudest moment in terms of production? If so, why? Yes, this is one of the proudest moments of my career because it’s an absolute honor to be able to remix an artist of the caliber of Ananda Project. In my opinion, there is too much garbage being put out currently and it’s so refreshing to be able to work with artists like Ananda Project.
You’re a resident at Music On – what has the experience been like so far? This is my 3rd year with Music On and I can honestly say I'm super excited to be a part of one of the most important brands in the world. To me Marco Carola is one of the most important DJs of our time and I'm honored to be part of the Music On family.
You’re playing ANTS presents La Familia at Ushuaia on 16th August – as the party is held outdoors, and in the day, will this influence the music you play? If so, how? Nic Fanciulli is a close friend of mine and I'm very grateful to be a part of this event. Playing during the day will be very different than playing at night and I will be taking the crowd on a less dark and more melodic journey for sure!
ANTS presents La Familia is very different to a party like Music On – were branching out and exploring new avenues musically important in deciding to play at ANTS? I don't think so. I've been friends with Nic a very long time. For me the only difference is playing 2 hours and playing 10 hours. Music On is a night and morning journey. La Familia will be a daytime party at a different place, so different people and different vibe!
The La Familia show is also in conjunction with Cocorico – what do you make of the Italian music scene at the moment? There are some amazing Italian producers that I am supporting at the moment. I am currently signing many of these artists to my label because they deserve to be heard by the rest of the world.
In terms of releases – what can we expect from you in the near future? I have one EP with 2 or 3 tracks on Chelsea Hotel Records vinyl only after the summer, and one EP on London UK label called Novus, and a remix on Italian Moan Rec that’s currently doing very well!
Finally, I noticed a photo of you and Pirupa in the kitchen! Are you secretly chefs as well as DJs? [Laughs] The photo was at a friend's restaurant! I like to eat, my girlfriend is a great cook and Pirupa too, but not me. It was just a funny picture, but good music goes well with good food!
LEON plays for ANTS presents La Familia on Saturday 16th August at Ushuaia Ibiza, and the NoVus Showcase in London at Crucifix Lane August 23rd.
www.lafamiliaofficial.com
Listen to Leon on Pulse Radio.