Andrea Damante is a face known to the general public, but his path was first born from music. Born in Sicily and raised in Verona, he approached the djing since very young, moving the first steps in the local evenings and gradually building his path between clubs and events in Italy. Over time, it expands its activity to perform in international contexts. Among these, the Marquee of New York is one of the most significant stages of its journey abroad.
Looking at your path until today, how would you define your professional identity?
I call myself a DJ first. That’s what I always wanted to do, even before the television came. I started as a kid, almost by chance: I was 12 or 13 years old when my father arranged a party in our house at the sea in Sicily and bought a console. The next day she was still up and I started trying. I haven’t stopped there. Today I still feel like that kid who wanted to be behind a console and share music with people. More than the idea of playing in prestigious places, I am interested in creating energies and entertaining as many people as possible.
From TV to music, through social media: how much do they count today in your career?
Social media have become fundamental on the communicative plane, this is evident. But they’re not enough alone. They can help you get acquainted, but below there must be something concrete: skills, musical culture, ability to stay in console. Today everyone communicates through social media, so long emerge those who really have something to say or do.
Music is central in your life. What gives you the job that other professions wouldn’t give you?
Being in the console is my happy place. I wouldn’t do anything else. It gives me a feeling that I do not find in any other activity: energy, concentration, freedom. It is also a form of personal balance. I am a rather anxious person, I tend to worry easily, but when I play everything turns out. I’m just focusing on what I’m doing. Finding something that really helps you. When you do something you love, which involves you and gives you satisfaction, you can free your mind and get off your negative thoughts. That’s the music for me.
How do you prepare a set and how much space do you leave to improvisation?
It always depends on the context: festival, club, season, public. First they select a series of tracks, but then during the evening you have to read the moment and adapt. I would say it is a fairly net balance: half preparation and half improvisation. It is important to follow the energy of the public.
How much does the console experience count?
Very much. The technique can be learned with study and training: mix well, go on time, know the instrumentation. But after years he develops more: sensitivity, flow, ability to drive the public and build a musical journey. That’s where you really see professionalism.
Is there an artist or producer who has influenced your style particularly?
Lots. When I started I was very influenced by the EDM scene: Martin Garrix and Alesso were important references. Today my tastes have evolved towards more house and electro sound, with more groove. They inspire me different producers, from which I take different elements to build something personal.
You became known to the very young general public. How has your relationship changed with notoriety?
At first it was quite invasive, especially in the early days after television. But I have always lived it well, without particular discomfort. I have always received a lot of affection and this has made everything easier. Of course, sometimes there is some anonymity, but overall it is something I learned to manage serenely.
Do you still feel tied to your television debuts or do you think you’ve passed that stage?
I think I got through it. Almost ten years have passed and from the beginning I tried to be consistent: when they proposed to me hosted, I always said I would go to play. I always wanted to communicate that my job was this. In recent years I have also refused some social collaborations to remain focused on music. It was a long path, but today I think the message is clear.
Looking back, what would you say to the Andrea ten years ago?
To be less in a hurry. At first I had to spend more time in the studio and follow more my musical identity, instead of chasing trends of the moment. But mistakes are also part of the path. In music everything takes time: building a project, finding the right team. The rush is often counterproductive.
Where do you imagine in five years?
I hope to bring my music to as many people as possible, play more abroad and make more festivals. I really like America and work here, but I don’t think I’m moving permanently: Italy remains home.
Do you have any plans coming?
A project I have been working for a long time in September. In recent years I have tried to enter a label that I was very interested in: I sent so many demos, received several wastes, but I continued. Finally, I got more tracks signed and we closed a deal for three singles. It was an important goal for me.As for live, I will return to Las Vegas in June, I will have many dates in Italy and I will also continue my summer format in Mykonos, which I now carry on for three years.
L’articolo Andrea Damante: «The console is the place where I feel at home» comes from IlNewyorkese.
