Exclusive Interview with Manuel De La Mare
Italian born producer/dj, Manuel De Le Mare has spent the past years delivering money-shot releases and remixes, whilst marrying a lifetime of passion and dedication to his love of DJing. This ability within his musical sphere has pricked the interest of global artists like Mark Knight, John Acquaviva and Feddle Le Grand who have all requested his studio talents, whilst leading Beatport to bestow him the award of ‘Best Remixer 2011’, a suitable follow up on his nomination for ‘Best Deep House and Techno Artist’ back in 2010. With his music growing in stature on ever release, the demand with his bookings has not been far behind. Already a familiar face at global venues like Ministry of Sound in London, Womb in Tokyo and Fabrik in Madrid, Space Ibiza, Amnesia Miami and Ultra Music Festival and Global Gathering. Manuel has managed to procure a global fan base that has enabled him to perform his music throughout Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, as well as North and South America. His sound stretches somewhere between house and progressive, whilst respectfully treading the line between commercial and credible underground.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Manuel De La Mare, shortly before his performance at Glow Nightclub on 12th July.
You have been making music since the young age of 10 years, played in metal bands and explored everything from rock to jazz – now you are one of Italy’s top electronic dance music producers. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
When I was a kid the electronic scene in Italy was already strong, but I was not so much into that kind of early 90's sounds, it was a more funky house that got my attention, and it was my first strong connection with the dance music. Then I started producing house music also thanks to Alex Kenji, we were already good friends playing in some rock bands together for years, and we started together making the first productions.
Beatport nominated you for ‘Best Deep House and Techno Artist’ back in 2010 and awarded you as ‘Best Remixer 2011’. How would you describe your music in just a few words?
Ecleptic. Emotive. Groovy.
What tracks would you recommend to those that are not yet familiar with your music?
I released this year a remix for Polina Griffith, there are some amazing beautiful vocals, and I turned it into a very deep mix, I always love to play this mix in my set and I even listen home cuase again I really love the vocals! I also like “La musica me hace mas feliz”, “Opa-Locka”, my cover of Born Slippy, a track I did with Mark Knight “Snapshot”well I've a along discography I will play some of my tracks at Glow so people should come, listen, and dance: it is the best way to know my music!
What are you currently working on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
I'm going to release next month a new track I did with John Acquaviva and Luigi Rocca on 303 Lovers, the track is ready, we have the artwork, but we dont know yet the title “1001 Nights” or “Scream”? I'm working also on an album for 303 Lovers together with Luigi Rocca, this will take some time to get completed. Will contain a lot of unreleased material and a few edits of old tracks.
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
When i'm in tour I miss my family of course, my friends, my home, my cats... Now I'm at Madrid airport, so let's see what i've with me: MacBook Air, Apple headphones (only for playing games!), Ipad, Iphone, Audio8 soundcard, Pioneer headphones hdj2000 (for the dj stuff), toothbrush, deodorant, something for the nails (I dont know the name in english), passport, some sleeping pills for long trips, 2 t-shirts, socks, and a swim costume as i'm going to Ibiza today. I like to travel with just a few things actually, I dont like bringing around heavy stuff.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
I've many many good gigs every year, it is really hard to pick the best gig. I played in the best clubs in the world, Space Ibiza, Amnesia Miami, Womb Tokyo, Ministry Of Sound London, Space Miami, Fabrik Madrid, Ultra festival in Miami, Pacha Buenos Aires and many many more, but I remember also less famous venues like in Costa Rica or Serbia, or a small club in Rosario Argentina.
Worst gig is easy, was a few years ago, I played in Puerto Rico in a small bar, almost all elements was bad, soundsystem, lights, drinks, djbooth, totally useless gig.. on top of that the next day there was not a driver for the airport, plus, there was a flood in the city so I had to walk in deep water for at least 2kms for finding a cab. That was a bad trip.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Oh, it happens always something funny, it's part of our job having fun!
On 12th April you will perform live here in Bangkok at Glow Nightclub. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
This will be my first time in Thailand! I travel all the world every weekend but still there are some places i've never visited.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?
I like good food, and I like to try new things and local dishes, for sure i'm not going in italian restaurants and i'm abroad. I love cooking and I think food is a big aspect of the culture of a country so it will be a pleasure tasting something traditional in Thailand.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Glow Nightclub?
I've heard great things about your club, from djs and also friends that came at your venue as clients, so i'm really looking forward to this gig. I will play many of my new tracks and also music from my labels Hotfingers and 303 Lovers!