There is something about Italian techno music. Its like pasta. Many other countries have their own method to make flour, water and eggs into a noodle form. The Japanese have soba for instance. The Malaysians have pan mee. But you know when you’re getting some Italian pasta. Much is the same with techno. The Italians have been pumping out their own unique blend of techno music for quite some time now, and I dare say, they’ve been doing quite the fine job of it. Its full of passion and emotion as well as grooves strong enough to fall the leaning tower of Pisa itself.

Enter heavyweight techno star Sam Paganini. Since 1997, Sam has been showing the world how the Italians do techno. His music is full of power that stems from his overflowing passion for music. Paganini has come a long way since 97’, having been signed to two of the biggest underground label, Richie Hawtin’s Plus 8 imprint and the notorious Drumcode label from Adam Bayer.

This year will be the first time that Sam has come to the land down under, gracing stages at the earthcore festival and Royal Melbourne Hotel so the timing was right to shoot a few questions over to the Italian.

S: The Italian techno scene is very much happening and putting itself on the global map as one of the techno havens of the world. You’ve seen its evolution and been a part of it. What was the scene like 10 years ago compared to now in Italy?

SP: Yes of course, I started DJing very young at the age of 15 and I started to produce music during the 90’s. During the 80’s in Italy we had great producers and the ‘ItaloDisco’ sound became very big around the world,  then during the 90’s there was another great wave of producers making house and techno. At the end of the 90’s the French producers wrote the way which other producers followed and now we (Italian producers) are back again with a lot of great producers and an exciting club scene. So I’m very happy and proud to be part of it.

S: From the perspective of living in Australia, I hear a distinct vibe that is unique to Italian techno. Who are some of the producers who you hold in high regard who’ve helped put Italy on the world techno stage? What does the notion of Italian techno mean to you?

SP: Marco Carola and all the Neapolitans DJ’s like Rino Cerrone and Markantonio. I think you can feel the soul, the sun and the passion in our music…

S: Australia and its landscape is far different from many places which provides a unique landscape to hold a music festival. What are your thoughts into the lead up to earthcore and what was your initial thought when you were booked for the event?

SP: I was very happy, firstly because it will be my first time to visit Australia, and then because I’m very curious to see the dance scene in your big country.

S: Have you heard many stereotypes about Australia which you are expecting to see upon your trip down under? As a destination, what’s your thoughts on the great southern land?

SP: It’s not easy to see a great and huge country like Australia in few days but i’ll try to do my best to learn something about it. I’m looking forward to meet people and learn something about your culture.

S: You’ve come from a background of rock music, even being a drummer yourself for bands back in the day. How does electronic music and techno in particular come into your musical story and how did it play out that you came to be the producer you are today? Do you take inspiration from those rock records and bring this to your music?

SP: My fav bands ever are Pink Floyd, Stones, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, mostly the classic rock from 60/70’s, and nowadays I love Radiohead. I grow up with all this rock, then during the 80’s the synth pop captured my attention, bands like Depeche Mode or Gary Numan. Then i discovered Kraftwerk and i realized that with the new music technology a single musician could become a one man band, recording everything in his own little home studio. Very exciting time of my life. So, regarding my music, of course we are talking about dance music, but I always try to put all these influences on my music.

S: Are there some producers who are turning your head at the moment with their music? As music is so accessible these days, what’s your method for finding something new or interesting to listen to?

SP: I try to listen to every promo I receive. Sometimes it’s not easy as we are talking about hundred promos a day, but it’s very important if you want to find something different and not only the most famous labels or artists. If you are lucky you can receive a bomb track from an unknown producer that nobody know, and i’m very happy to help him a bit to spread his music.

To get excited for Sam’s upcoming visit to the land down under, check out this mix recoreded in one of electronic music’s hot spots, Tel Aviv.

earthcore: 26th – 30th November 2015, Pyalong VIC

Royal Melbounrne Hotel: 27th November 2015, Melbourne VIC

By Fergus Sweetland