Sofatalk: The Wednesday Alternative Mix
Piero Paolinelli is a highly sought after Italian producer, a man very much in demand.
His soulful approach to house has led to him appearing record labels such as ANMA, Banoffee Pies, Loveless Records and many more. A keen musician he draws influence from jazz, funk, soul, disco and deep rooted dance. A mature approach to production and a keen eye for detail makes his work significantly prominent and his music has been widely supported.
Listen to his mix and read the interview below:
Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you?
My name is Piero Paolinelli, aka SofaTalk, I live in Rome, Italy. I’m a sound designer, musician, Dj and producer.
What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?
My choice is surely one of John Cage's Experimental music notation, like “Score for Imaginary Landscape No. 5”
Where was the mix recorded?
The mix was recorded in my studio, the place where I can best express myself and everything goes out and then turns into music.
What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?
Lying on a couch, great hifi system, ready for an inner journey
What should we be wearing?
It's not important, you have to be comfortable …. maybe an astronauts helmet could be useful!
What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?
I would look good in a tropical forest, two turntables, a mixer, my vinyls.
Which track in the mix is your current favourite?
Maybe .. Sea World by Young Marco. It springs lots of emotions.
What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?
I love Henrik Schwarz, I never stop listening to his mix, not one in particular
If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?
Arthur Russell comes to my mind. I love all downtown New York's avant-garde and disco scenes in the 1980s. I would like also to make warmup to one of “Konk”, “ESG” or “A Certain Ratio” live performances.
What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?
It has not changed much in time, I have always preferred to play vinyl records with turntables and today I continue to make them.
What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?
Both are important as they mark the beginning and the end of a sensory path.
What were the first and last records you bought?
The first record I bought was the 45 laps of a 80s cartoon soundtrack. I was 11 years old. The last I have taken is “Highly” by Powder.
If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?
Maybe Like UKWA, African breadfruit.
If it was an animal what would it be?
It could be a chameleon.
One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?
All Afrikan Science’s records
Anything else we need to discuss?
I'm very happy that my sound ranging from House, Jazz, Funk, Afro, Dub is very much appreciated in the UK. I take this opportunity to thank some labels that supported and gave me the opportunity to join the British scene, such as Ambassador's Reception, Paper Recordings, Anma Records, Tusk Wax, YAM Records and Serie Limitee.
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