Luciano: Back in the groove

As the frenzied hordes that descended on Ibiza this season will no doubt tell you, 2008 has been good to Luciano. The Swiss-Chilean powerhouse remains one DJ whose reputation truly precedes him. Despite his adopted home of DC-10 suffering significant setbacks over summer, Luciano’s mood hasn’t darkened. In fact, his sets are more spirited than ever – replete with house-y crescendos, dynamic mixing and restless grooves. When he’s not settling in for a marathon session in the booth (his contribution to Fabric’s recent 9th birthday stretched well into Sunday afternoon), the man has been hard at work on a new album. It’s just one of several anticipated releases due on Luciano’s revered imprint Cadenza Records in 2009.

Fans in Australia had every reason to believe Fabric 41 would be as close as we got to the DJ/producer this year. However, this very weekend Luciano is making his virgin voyage to our shores. He’s even fitting in an Ibiza-like three gigs in 48 hours – across two states, no less. For all those who have marveled from afar at his mystic hold on dancefloors, this date with Luciano is long overdue. ITM’s Jack Tregoning caught up with the man via email – which unfortunately resulted in a less-than-fluid exchange. It’s a good thing his music speaks volumes.

Are you still based in Switzerland? Your lifestyle there must be far removed from how it was in Berlin?

Yes, I’m between Switzerland and Ibiza. The lifestyle is different, but not that much. I’m still working in music and concentrating on the company and my family.

What stage is the new album at?

The new album is ready. We’re still working on content, though, ‘cause the album will come with a DVD.

Are you taking it in a dancefloor direction, or will it be more varied?

It’s dance music, but it’s not dancefloor music. It’s music you could listen in the club or at home or in the car – whatever you feel like. It has tools and melodies, vocals and instruments – so it’s an even mix of different colours and shapes that music can deliver.

How did you find Ibiza this year? Did the problems surrounding DC10 take some of the shine off the season?

No, Ibiza is magic anyway. DC10 was sad because of all the political interruption, but it’s still open for the next season, so who wants to be out of that? Not me. I think the most important thing is that all the clubbers, labels and artists take the step towards our own revolution. We need to keep supporting our culture and not let a couple of old politicians take it away. We need to keep on going there and to do what we love to do: party, music, friends and fun.

You’ve mentioned on several occasions your passion for playing in Romania. What is it about the crowds there that makes the experience special?

Romania delivers a very nice atmosphere. A lot of rules are [lenient], like closing times. The freedom still exists. There is not a problem with thousands of people dancing till the morning light. I love Romania because of this: it’s like Berlin some years ago. There are also so many great producers and people involved in music there.

Your Fabric 41 release certainly encapsulates the housier sound you’re revisiting, which surprised some people. Was it hard to represent your sound in the space of just 16 tracks?

Yes, it’s impossible! I normally play for over three hours, so it’s impossible to give the essence in 16 tracks. That’s why I denied a lot of CD mixes – ‘cause it’s about a live experience and not a format you could have at home. My background is house and house has been always present. I’ve decided that my next CD will be a garage mix-CD…hehe. House is more sophisticated now and it has new patterns and formulas. I just try to develop everything.

Is it always important for you to play older tracks in a set; to dig deeper than just what’s current?

Yes, it’s important to mix my old background with the new side of music. Sometimes I’m bored a bit with this computer music. I love to re-listen to the old sound of machines, sequencers – 808, 909, 101 and so on.

There’s always a playfulness to your DJ sets, whether it’s a surprising a cappella, or the layering of two tracks, or a kick drum where you don’t expect it. Is it important for you to always be creative in DJing?

It’s important to create surprises and good energy for people. It’s important also as a musician to bring dance music to the next level…

You’re coming to Australia for the first time in December. Do you have an idea of what to expect from the crowds here? I never create expectation, ‘cause it could destroy the joy of the moment.

And what kind of vibe are you hoping to bring to the dancefloors down here?

We will see!

Luciano visits Australia for the very first time this weekend…

Fri Dec 5th – Brown Alley, Melbourne
Sat Dec 6th – Sydney Harbour, Sydney (day)
Sat Dec 6th – Nevermind, Sydney (night)