Meet Mia Lucci, host of 'Signing In' on Ibiza Global Radio and one of the talented Sydneysiders signed to Finely Tuned and lined up to play her second RebelRave , in a just a couple of weeks when Crosstown Rebels 10 Year Label Tour hits Sydney on February 16th. In light of Mia's recent set aboard Agwa Yacht Club 015, supporting none other than Heidi, she's prepared for us a RebelRave Tour Mix here exclusive to Pulse, to get us signed in and ready for the Rave.
DOWNLOAD MIA LUCCI'S PULSE EXLUSIVE - REBELRAVE TOUR MIX HERE
When was the first time you picked up a set of headphones and tried DJing, tell us the story? The story’s not going to win any Grammy awards but basically it was about eight years ago. I was at an afterparty with a guy I had just met. There were decks and vinyl and I decided to jump on. I’ve always loved music and it came quiet naturally. The rest is history. Eight years later DJing has become a way of life for me and the guy is now my fiancé.
Last year you lived in Ibiza, Berlin and Sydney. Describe what each of them is like to live for a lover of music? Sydney is my home and Ibiza and Berlin well – they are the hub of electronic dance music. I love Ibiza with it’s culture, the people, the beaches and it’s energy and I love Berlin which minus the music, appears to be the antithesis of Ibiza with it’s own culture, it’s own people and it’s own landscape and energy. All three cities for me offer something special. I love playing in both places but I have to say my gig at Katerholzig in Berlin is up there with one of my favorites.
The best thing now though is that Sydney more recently has really upped its game in dance music. We have amazing local DJs including my good buddies Brohn, Bella Sarris and Gabby and the international acts that are being brought out are comparable to those being showcased in Ibiza and Berlin. We literally just had Heidi and Soul Clap in town and then of course in two short weeks we’ll have the Rebel Ravers including Damian Lazarus, Subb-an, Shaun Reeves and Francesca Lombardo.
'Signing in' on Ibiza Global Radio was a project you started last year. Describe your show... why 'Signing In'? Signing in has been amazing. I’m very lucky to have the support of Miguel Garji and the station. They’ve given me a platform to share my taste in music with their audience and even helped to shape my sound!
The name Signing In is a bit of a joke amongst friends. It comes from the random dribble that we drop on nights out. Goes along with “full-time battler”, “dunno about you but….killing it”, “Step it out pal”, “You’ve gotta go aye” and “take a day off mate” … all random Australian catch phrases that essentially mean “you’re amazing” or “stop being so soft you’re not allowed to go home yet”.
How did your journey with Ibiza Global Radio begin? It began after a series of nights out in Ibiza. Café Sidney had asked me to mix for their weekly show on the station. I rolled into the station straight from the DC10 after party – inspired by Jamie Jones and Art Department's sets the night before. Miguel was really happy with the music I played so he suggested I come into the station once a week. We chatted about a name, how we could stream it from overseas once I left the island and ‘voila’ – Signing in was created. I love finding new music every week. There is so much talent out there and the show gives me the prefect opportunity to source new music within my taste and to share it with the rest of the world.
Now signed to finely tuned agency what have been some highlights of joining this family? Everything about the family has been a highlight. From Wade and Simon’s support to being billed with some of the most respected names in the world i.e. Carl Craig, Carl Cox, Damian Lazarus and Jamie Jones. It’s all been a highlight.
Wade and Simon have built something very special in Finely Tuned. They completely dominate the electronic dance music scene in Australia. They know where it’s at and who it’s with – always.
They’ve supported me from day one and I’m very grateful to have them on my side. They believe in my music and what I do and every time I doubt myself Wade’s the first person to give me a good smack on the head and tell me to step it out haha
What were the highlights of last years RebelRave? RebelRave is one of those brands. You WANT to play for them. Damian has built something very unique there and the proof’s in the pudding. The highlight at RebelRave last year was simply playing at it. I won’t lie… I was pretty nervous before I started playing. Then again, I get nervous before every set!
Do you feel you've found where you fit? 100%. Not that long ago when I was having doubts about whether I did fit in this industry I spoke to a friend of mine, Alex Wolfenden - Nicest guy in dance. Anyone will attest to that.
When I was talking with him about my concerns over the music scene and my place in it, he said to me “Littles (that’s my nickname) everyone walks their own path in music and it doesn’t make you right or the other person wrong. It’s just a path. It doesn’t matter how you started or how you do it, if you love what you’re doing - that’s all that matters”.
It was Alex’s words that gave me that extra conviction to feel like “yeah this is where I’m meant to be” and to stick with what I’m doing. If you’re not careful this scene can swallow you up whole and spit you out so having people like Alex to inspire you is a god send!
Who knows where I’ll be 10 years from now – but that’s what I love about life and this industry in particular. You never know what’s going to happen. The ups and downs - It keeps life interesting!
Most important people who keep you grounded and focused on your music goals? Almost everyone in my life contributes to my music and my focus on music. In some way or another the people around me inspire me and motivate me to be better, to do good (or bad haha) etc etc and it’s often without them even knowing it.
What have you got planned for rebelrave goers? Oooh. That’s a surprise haha.. Nah… haven’t actually thought about it yet. But if the peeps want to know what to expect from the day all they need to do is look at the history of Rebel Rave and Finely Tuned events. There has yet to be one less then amazing. So, yep. It’s going to be a proper thumper! haha
Describe Mia Lucci in 3 words? Such a battler.
What's your favourite track of the moment? I always find this question hard to answer. Hmm. Habo Letki by Siopis (David Kassi Remix) seems to be getting a lot of air time in my sets. I must like it!
and finally, where are you taking us with this mix? I'll let you listen & decide...
Make sure you get yourself to the SCA in Rozelle for Crosstown Rebels' 10 Year Label Tour with Damian Lazarus and his crew in tow for what is to be one of the parties of the summer. Tough call given the quality of events we've seen so far, but then again, this is RebelRave we're talking about.