Gigi Masin: The ‘Monday Is Okay’ Mix

He has also worked on a number of collaborative projects with the likes of Tempelhof, Jonny Nash, Young Marco and Alessandro Monti. These are but to name a few.

His latest release is a collaborative album with Greg Foat, a record on Strut which weaves its way between a number of styles and genres with intricate precision.

Given Gigi has such a lengthy and prolific career in music we felt it apt to invite him to record a mixtape which showcases some of his musical interests and passions. Whilst not a DJ, he has a broad, far reaching taste which this mixtape demonstrates.

Listen below:

Please introduce yourself…

My pleasure to meet you… my name is Gigi Masin, I’m 67 years old and I’m Venetian.

Who are you, where are you and what are you?

A composer, a designer, a DJ… Right now I’m at home, in Venice… I’m a bag full of wind and dreams, if I may say…

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us?

I hope my music sounds like a daydream…

Where was the mix recorded?

At home, late afternoon…

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

In the morning, after a good coffee

What should we be wearing?

Something simple and comfortable..

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

I love working at home, but in front of the sea it could be a great situation… Two turntables, nothing more

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

I chose to offer you some singles that I loved listening to fifty years ago… Every song is a joy to listen to again

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Not even ask! Definitely the next one..

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

If I may say, listening is the best way to learn… without the work of DJs many musicians like me would have had very little chance to reach the public, so I take a step back and prefer to remain an admirer.

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

Faithful of two turntables and a mixer.. now with the help of a computer sometimes.

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

The first track indicates the mood of the DJ, the end the mood of the audience.

What were the first and last records you bought?

My first record? ‘Open Road’ by Donovan…. I’ve been buying records for about 40 years and at some point I stopped.

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

Definitely something you loved when you were 18…

If it was an animal what would it be?

A Venetian cat, adorable but proud.

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

With experience and respect nothing is impossible to mix.

Upcoming in the world of…

Going to the beach as soon as possible….

Anything else we need to discuss?

I love talking about food, travel and history…

If you could travel in time…where in time would you go? why?

Get on the same ship as Gauguin did and go visit Tahiti.

What was the first electronic record you heard and how did it make you feel?

‘Ruby Tuesday’ by the Rolling Stones… It moved me.

How does your brain work when making music? how does it work when you aren’t?

I suppose my mind works much better when I play or when I listen to music, everything is so natural, easy, pleasant….

No music? Without music it is like a butterfly that does not fly.

Some self-help questions for a Monday:

Am i excited to dive into the challenges that i have lined up for the week?

Sometimes you have to go through storms to find peace and harmony… Mondays often contain real treasures and pleasant surprises

Am i looking forward to engaging with the people i am meeting or working with?

I’m lucky because I work with nice and professional people…

Am i going to my dream job?

My job is my dream job

Am i being compensated fairly for the value i bring to my job?

Money is never enough, but there are other values by which to measure wealth and well-being.

Do I feel energised, rested, and confident?

But also serene, pleasantly happy ..

You just had a fight with the person you are closest to. do you not speak to them until they apologise…or do you apologise first?

There is no reason why a contrast can not also bring positive sides, sometimes it is absolutely necessary

If you were trapped on a desert island with one other person, who would you choose? how long would it be before you eat them?

This is a huge problem for a vegetarian. But I think I would start fishing.

Your doctor says you need more exercise….what do you take up for exercise?

The way I think now I would change doctor… but with a little good will I would take my bike and get busy