Ahead of Italian DJ and producer Sam Paganini’s debut album release “Satellite” on Drumcode in a couple of weeks, I asked him if he could tell us a bit about it – he kindly agreed…
When did you start DJing / producing, and what or who were your early passions and influences?
Hi guys! I was raised listening to a lot of music, a passion first. My favourite bands were Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Deep Purple, Dire Straits etc. then I discovered electronic music; bands like Kraftwerk and also Acid House which marked the way. I started DJing at the age of 15, then at the age of 20 I bought my first Akai sampler and a Yamaha synth and I started to record my own music.
What do you consider to be the path changing or defining moments in your career so far?
So, in 1997 one of my first records under the nickname PAGANINI TRAXX entitled “Zoe” became a club hit, the track now is considered a Techno/Progressive classic, it was the first track to define my style. My discography is very large and during the 2000’s I expressed my passion in a wide variety of music-related activities; I also played in rock bands as a drummer. In 2011 I released “Cobra Ep” on the legendary, Richie Hawtin’s Plus8 Records, then in 2012 a couple of Drumcode Eps that were enormously well received. In 2013 my third Drumcode Ep “Black Leather” and the “Body To Body” Ep on Cocoon Recordings both reached the high spot in the Beatport chart. So, step by step I’m making my journey in the music business.
Your long awaited ‘Satellite’ album on Drumcode comes out in September, what inspired your album?
The crowd during my sets most of the time, the inspiration has also come from other music genres too, not only from electronic or dance music.
Where have you produced it and over what period?
I have my studio in a corner of my kitchen at my house in Treviso a nice town close to Venice in the north of Italy. It was made with a MacBook Pro, an Apogee SoundCard, various software and hardware synths in more or less 8 months.
What pieces of gear were your favourites used in the production of Satellite?
Probably my original Minimoog Model D from the 70’s.
Do you have a favourite track on the album?
Yes, two “Rave” and the closing track “Exit”.
Will there be an album tour?
Sure, it will start in September through the winter.
What’s next for Sam?
A lot of gigs and parties, new ideas in the studio ASAP, and let’s see…keep in touch on my socials!
Sam’s album “Satellite” is out on September 15th on Drumcode – highly recommend! Follow Sam on Facebook and Twitter and listen to more by Sam on Soundcloud.
Huge thanks to Sam Paganini for taking the time out answer a few questions.
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