Image by: Margaryta Bushkin
Uplifting and at times heartwarming dance music for the masses is the signature sound that one could expect in New York-based DJ & producer GATTÜSO’s earlier singles. The end of a life-changing year, 2020 saw the Ultra Music signed artist, follow a moodier nightscape with the latest dance single ‘Bring That Back (feat. Nadia Gattas, Asketa & Natan Chaim)’. Could this be an evolution of GATTÜSO’s sound?
While we wait in anticipation for GATTÜSO’s upcoming releases, you can check out this exclusive interview where he discusses current affairs.
Please describe your sound for us.
Musically, I like to deliver the perfect balance between commercial dance music and hard club tracks.
How did it all start for you?
I began taking an interest in music at an early age. I began playing instruments such as the clarinet and saxophone when I was very young. I continued to hone my skills for years, and after leaving the army and the business world, I decided that it was time for me to come back to music. So I decided that I would move to the United States, form a strong team, and begin my professional music career.
Which three artists would you say made you want to create your own music?
There are so many talented artists that have inspired me to create my own music. To name just a few, Tiësto, Dash Berlin, R3HAB, Steve Aoki, and Laidback Luke are some of my biggest inspirations. And it’s been an honour working on collaborations with a few of them!
How did you yourself, Asketa & Natan Chaim, and Nadia link up for ‘Bring That Back’?
After speaking with the guys for a bit on Instagram they sent me over a demo of ‘Bring That Back’. It was perfect timing, and I truly felt that, by blending our two unique sounds, we could make a really great record. We decided as a group that I would take the lead on this collaboration, and in the future, Asketa & Natan Chaim would take the lead on another collaboration (stay tuned for another great collaboration from us in the future). It was an awesome time working with them on this record, and I think it really turned out great!
What is your go-to gear/equipment when creating?
I currently use Logic to produce my music, and my favorite plugin is Nexus. In addition to that, I really like to try and incorporate instruments such as the guitar and piano into my records.
What are some of your key influences in your music? Whether it be the sound created by others, imagery, films or any kind of art form.
The rock genre as a whole influences a lot of my music, but if I had to say, in 2020, one of the biggest “events” that influenced my musical path was the pandemic. I was so used to creating music for stages, and I knew I needed to make music that was more easily consumable on streaming platforms. So I started to create more commercial dance music but always adding some GATTÜSO flare.
What is one sub-genre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
Brazilian Bass, although I think that’s starting to change.
Any new or upcoming artists on your radar?
Mahalo – whose record is blazing up the radio charts in the US.
Akoustiks – up and coming producer, who had a big hit with Galantis and Dolly Parton and moving into the artist space.
PHZES – who did a really cool cover of the Britney Spear’s classic, ‘Oops!… I Did It Again’.
What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a performer? As an attendee?
Before starting my professional music career I attended a Dash Berlin show, in which he played ‘Till the Sky Falls Down’. This is one of my all-time favorite tracks, and, overall was an incredible experience.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
I have a lot of new music that will be coming out this year, and a chance to work with some amazing artists. I also have some pretty cool remixes lined up.
Famous last words?
Just be.
Follow GATTÜSO:
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Soundcloud
