Paolo Iocca: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

In recent years there have been a number of artists to emerge through the ranks of Italian electronic music. However, from time to time an artist seemingly appears to have morphed from nowhere. Paolo Iocca is an Italian producer who is set to release a new EP on the up and coming record label RA-1 which has recently been responsible for a string or intriguing house and techno EP's upon which the likes of Simoncino and D'Marc Cantu have featured. 

Paolo Iocca will feature for a second time on the label with his new EP which also includes a remix from one of electronic music's most mysterious figures, Florian Kupfer. We caught up with the man from Napoli to talk as he contributes to our 'shine a light on' series:

You’re pretty new on our radar, fancy telling us a little bit about yourself… Who are you and where are you from?

I’m an Italian musical artist. Born in Napoli and currently based in Bologna. Music has always had a large, active part in my life though I’ve never been permanently committed to one genre or scene.

How were you introduced to electronic music? 

As a listener, I never felt a big gap between electronic and non-electronic music and I’ve been listening to both without much of a concern. My interest in *Club Culture* and *Sound Synthesis* though, that was pretty recent. My love for experimentation brought me to sound synthesis, and the intriguing idea of music as “liberation of the senses” pushed me towards club culture and dance escapism. There you go, it soon became addiction.

How does it feel to have people like Florian Kupfer and Simoncino remixing your work?

It feels awesome, it’s been a huge honour and serious challenge. I want to work with them again soon. True learning experiences.

Where was the mix recorded?

In my living room, where my turntables are.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Small and dark club, early in the night. Or your living room, with friends hanging around. Or alone, headphones on while working on your computer. Wednesday through Friday, perfect. Ok on Saturdays too. Maybe too much on a Sunday?

What should we be wearing?

It doesn’t matter if you turn the lights off. Or close your eyes. If not, I would recommend anything black.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location, system, format?

A small intimate club, with a good PA and all of my friends in the crowd.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Let’s say Roman Flugel’s “Too Hot To Sleep”, but to be honest, I deeply love all of them.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

I don’t have a specific one in mind but I do remember an old (1988) cassette mix by Derrick May I caught a few years ago on youtube. That hit the spot.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Tough question. Perhaps Ron Hardy, he was experimenting so much and being so innovative with no fear of emptying the floors… but I would definitely shit my pants.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

Early attempts include Ableton with controller and Traktor with Z1 and X1 controllers. Both abandoned almost immediately and replaced with the two SL 1200 and a DJM 700 I use today. I also own 2 CDJs 350, but never get to use them. Too lazy to work with Rekordbox.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

I have a slight inclination towards the track you begin with, cause it sets a mood and a pace. It’s like an appetizer. The track you end on is kind of like a brandy after the meal, a signature or seal. I don’t like ambient intros in a dance set.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I’m pretty sure I bought a Beatles album on cassette when I was a child. Last purchase was a batch of 12” house vinyls from an online shop.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Dark chocolate covered lemon cheesecake.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A macaw.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything…

There’s no such record but if there was, it would be some record from Sued or Acido (among my favorite labels).

Upcoming in the world of… 

Teaming up with D’Marc Cantu for a 12” split EP to be released in June on my own label RA-1. Sick! Having him in the roster is a great honor and makes me happy.

Buy the new release HERE.