Fabio Ferro Interview: London has a different soul

Egg London's thrust towards the nucleus of Continental techno has ensured they've had a steady roll of talent from across the English Channel infiltrate the Capital dancefloor. No truer is that the case than Familia, which turns one this Saturday with a typically robust ensemble of house and techno in the shape of Cristian Varela, H.O.S.H and Mr C and a plethora of others.

One of those is Italian firebrand Fabio Ferro, recently installed as Familia resident. We picked up the phone to catch up with him ahead of Saturday's event.

Hi Fabio, congratulations on becoming the new Monthly resident at the Familia parties, flying in every month from Naples, and how did this come about?

A good friend of mine from my city, Angelo, who is currently living in London and follows Familia’s parties, has recommended me to Nick, the main promoter, who, intrigued by my background, gave me the possibility to express myself during Familia’s venues in June, August and October.

Since then, his curiosity turned into certainty and now I am here as a resident. Thanks to Nick who believed in me and in my music and, most of all, to Angelo for confirming our great friendship which unites us since we were kids.

Familia is celebrating its First Birthday, what has the year 2013 meant to you and why?

2013 has given so much satisfaction, both as a dj and as a producer. Among all of those, perhaps the most special has been the  residency for Egg London. Furthermore, one of my tracks has been selected by UMEK for a compilation he mixed on Toolroom.

What can Familia party people expect from your set, styles and sounds at the Egg party?

Mainly, my set is characterised by funky sounds and has got a very techy rhythm, which hands joy over to the floor. It is defined by highly engaging bass lines, which make people move, exploding with a strong tension. I like to experiment with particular tracks so that I can feel a different dancefloor vibe every time.

How does it feel to have Paco Osuna, Marco Carola support your productions and have Richie Hawtin Tweet that he's playing your track?

It feels good and I cannot help but to be happy and proud to be supported by the best and most well-known DJs around the world. It feels weird as they are legends and my idols! Listening to their sets and hearing them include something of mine feels like living a dream.

Can you tell us what's new for you in terms of productions, remixes, projects etc etc?

I am preparing new EPs but for now my lips are sealed as to what labels they will be coming out on!

How does playing in London, especially Egg London, compare to other cities or countries, and do you count London as one of your favourite spots?

I have played in other cities in Europe like Madrid and Berlin, but London has a different soul, defined by the immediate ability to absorb from my music what I wanted to happen on the dancefloor. Yes, I prefer it.

How does it feel to have been working in House/Techno for the last few years or and what are you proudest moments/memories? 

Music gives you a lot and working in something you like is the best. There are not many unforgettable days in the life of a man, but what I will remember forever is the night in Berlin, when I signed my first autograph while drinking a beer at the bar counter at the end of a set!

How do you manage to keep it fresh, new and vital? Is it a case of pressure as DJ/Producer to always be one step ahead in the house/techno scene?

I like this question a lot. Nowadays, music does not have a waterproof genre, every genre is full of contaminations and this is the way to be ahead in the scene. Taking the best and transforming it, according to one’s own style, in order to make it original.

Recording & Producing must keep you busy. Do you have your own label and is there anyone or track that you’re particularly proud of any and are you psyched about any new stuff upcoming? 

No, I do not have a label, it is my choice. I prefer to focus on my career as a DJ/producer. In the future though, why not?

You grew up in Naples.  How much of an influence did the neighborhoods around you have on your path towards music? Were there any other major influences such as key people, DJ's, producers or clubs?

Actually I grew up in Battipaglia, 100 kms from there, but Naples is my hometown artistically. It is an amazing city, where house/techno music’s history has moved its first steps in Italy and where I could luckily listen to the djs who influenced me a lot. From Erick Morillo to Little Louie Vega, walking past Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola, Carl Cox and so on.

I used to go clubbing with my elder brother, my guide and my current manager. I was only 15 and reliving now those moments from inside the booth is something I cannot describe. Once I graduated in high school, I moved to Milan where I obtained the title of Electronic Music Producer from the SAE Institute. After this experience I decided to move to London, where I spent three months and since then I travelled around to study how clubbing is experienced in different Europe’s countries.

So what does the future hold for you?

It is difficult to plan the future, it is something I do not like to do. I just know that I will always do my best, because we are the architects of our own destiny.

And before you leave us, can you tell us something you think we should all be listening to before we head out the door to the Familia 1st Birthday party at Egg London? 

I would rather give you an answer through the beat of my music - see you on the dancefloor!

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