Benny Benassi Interview

In 2003 there was a record which exploded out of the speakers to the extent everyone was playing it. House music taste-makers such as Pete Tong simply couldn't ignore it, electro stars in the making such as Erol Alkan, 2ManyDJs and Black Strobe built soundscapes around it and the breaks scene made a place for it, Adam Freeland, the Plump DJs et al. Even hard dance and trance DJs made it a fixture of their output, Judge Jules a consistent supporter on his then BBC One Radio show.

That record was Benny Benassi's 'Satisfaction'. A buzz saw synth which is instantly familiar now, the thrill of hearing it in a club at the time was an utter joy (this writer lost his mind too it on numerous occasions) with its sonics tailor made to shrilly dominate any soundsystem. It brought Benassi, already a commanding figure in his native Italy, to worldwide prominence in an instant.

It's a status he's since maintained with effortless aplomb. His sound is still in your face, visceral and instantly hedonistic (as evidenced by his live set from Electric Brixton below), and will be in full effect alongside Laidback Luke, Eddie Halliwell (read our interview with him here), Fedde Le Grande and more at Victoria Warehouse on Saturday 8th march for Composit's latest event. We caught up with the Italian firebrand ahead of the show.

Hi Benny, you're playing at the Victoria Warehouse soon for Composit Music. How much do you enjoy playing these huge shows to big crowds?

Yes I am, I am really looking forward to it. Warehouse parties are totally different to festival shows or even the more commercial club shows, the vibe is very different which I like and I haven't played in Manchester for a while. 

Whats your relationship like with the other DJs on the bill?

I get along with all of them we're all like one big happy family. Laidback Luke and I have a particularly strong relationship as I often play on his superyou+me parties. 

Ibiza and Festival season is just around the corner. Is there anything you can let us know about yet about your plans for them this summer?

A new album! Alle (my cousin and producer) and i are working on a new album which I'll be playing around the world at all the different festivals and hopefully in Ibiza too!

What other productions have you got forthcoming?

The album is a big priority, and I'll be releasing some individual tracks from the album as singles in the lead up to release. We are working on the first single right now. 

You've worked with or remixed Madonna, David Bowie, Kelis and Public Enemy over the years. Who left in music would be your dream collaborators? 

Bono from U2. It would be a dream come true. I’m a huge fan.  

How do you approach working with artists of this calibre? Are you mindful of their previous work or do you just look at it as another record to make? 

They always come about through different things, we have a writer friend in LA called Jean Baptiste who wrote the track “Spaceship” with us. He often helps link us with the right people.  

And finally, what else lies in the future for Benny Benassi?

More cycling, more music and probably a few more gigs!