There is excitement in the air surrounding the beautiful Mediterranean Island of Mykonos, and especially at Cavo Paradiso headquarters, the legendary Greek club which has just being voted as one of the top ten clubs in the world. Cavo Paradiso is ready for its best season to date and if the club’s compilation is anything to go by, then we are all in for a treat!
Mixed and compiled by Italian DJ & producer, Davide Squillace, the title of this project has been heavily influenced by the major renovation that’s taking place at the club ready for 2011. The Hideout Records boss and Circo Loco resident has come up with a mix that oozes summer appeal, which on hearing it fills you with excitement and expectation for the forthcoming summer season.
A quick look at the track list proves that this sonic journey is full of uncompromising quality and underground ethos in a market saturated and dictated by formulas. Artists such as Osunlade, DOP and Isolee provide an earthy, organic soundtrack which is implemented perfectly by the latest influences from the flourishing house and techno scene, by the likes of Cadenza‘s Reboot & Desolat‘s Guti amongst many others.
And here Davide tells us about the compilation, production and life…
DJD: When did you first play at Cavo Paradiso?
Davide: It was 3 years ago with Ali (Dubfire).
DJD: Why did you decide to do the album?
Davide:
Cause I think it s a solid project from a very respectable club.
DJD: What is special about Cavo Paradiso?
Davide:
A part from the venue it self which is very unique,the crowd comes form all over the world which makes it a special nite.
DJD: What did you try to achieve with the album? Did Cavo Paradiso deserve a specific sound?
Davide:
I tryed to show where are I am right now with my idea of music, but trying to make a mix that can be enjoyed in a club as much as on a sofa.
DJD: The album is called ‘Reconstructions’ which reflects the clubs recent renovation, how does it feel to be part of such an exciting new dawn for the club?
Davide: Very much excited to see the all new thing, can’t complain about the old structure so I’m sure they did something worth experiencing …
DJD: You have quite a few labels under your belt the newest is Hideout which you share with Luca Bacchetti, one of the tracks is featured on the album. What is the ethos behind the label is it a reflection of perhaps your own evolved musical taste and where it is at now?
Davide:
With Hideout we are trying to be genre free, trying not be labeled too much.We’d like to come out of different boxes.
DJD: You used the new Traktor Kontrol S4 platform to mix the CD with, why did you choose to use this and what do you feel it achieves/is different to anything else?
Davide:
I always keep an eye on the new technical gear on the market. After seeing the S4 I was thrilled to used it for a mix, then the Cavo offer come and I said “et voilá ”
DJD:
You also use the iPad when DJing, what is it about the iPad that you like? What does it allow you to do differently? How does it enhance your sets?
Davide:
I’m using the Ipad to control the Ableton, I’m running a program, on which i designed my own layout that sends OSC messages to the main laptop. From the laptop an other program will convert this OSC messages into midi ones that are recognizable from Ableton. It’s fun messing around with your fingers, give to the performance a human feeling.
DJD: What is your favourite studio tool? Why?
Davide: I don’t think I have only one, few machines I really like, Neve, machinedruum, Reaktor, Soundtoys …
DJD: Which piece of kit have you found that you just couldn’t live without when mixing? Why?
Davide: Traktor for the endless control u have over a track
DJD: Do you have any strange habits in the studio?
Davide:
Cigartee + Coffe + Dancing
DJD: You are based in Barcelona, what is it about the city that draws and keeps you there?
Davide:
Is very similar to Napoli, but things work better, easy going life, great food….
DJD: You have been resident at DC10 for Circo Loco for a number of years, this is another outdoor inspired party, do you generally prefer to play these kinds of parties? Why do you prefer this vibe?
Davide:
DC10 is a unique place that can’t be reproduced anywhere… I like outdoor as much as indoor is more about the crowd that drives the party more then the location.
DJD: Have there been any up and coming producers this year that have really caught your attention?
Davide:
Philip Bader, SLZ, Tale of us ..and many more i can’t recall…
DJD: Who do you enjoy to watch DJ when you go out?
Davide:
I prefer Live show, but a lot of friends are very interesting djs to watch spinning.
DJD: Who (bands, DJs etc) inspired you to get into the music?
Davide: Derrick May, Richie Hawtin, System 7…etc
DJD: What do you prefer, being in the studio or DJing?
Davide:
The 2 things can’t live without the other, I won’t be djing without producing or the other way around…You get to understand so much about music on the dancefloor and you understand a lot in the studio, just in a different way .
