"The club scene in NYC is pretty much dead": Mike Simonetti talks to Skiddle

Mike Simonetti mourns the club scene of yester-year. More than two decades ago, New York City was an overflowing pot of passionate party goers embracing the darkness through dress, music and visits to their favourite haunts. It was for the sake of the party. For the sake of music.

Today, expensive drinks and exorbitant cover-charge have changed the dynamic, pushing money to the forefront. Simonetti, is keen to reflect on a time that once was but quickly points to the music – the source of his oxygen. In a room full of ‘hipsters, party photographers and drunk promoters’, the head honcho of the Italians Do It Better imprint lets his music do the talking with recent EP ‘Capricorn Rising’ embracing his musical comrades, including vocalist Sam Sparro.

With an emphasis on the sound and less so on ‘the look’, Jasmine Phull talks to Mike Simonetti about then and now – BYO birthday cake.

The label name not so subtly hints that you may yourself originate from Italy. Has this heritage influenced your work and musical output?
No it hasn't. The label was a cheeky name that took on a life of its own.

Your recent solo EP Capricorn Rising features a number of artist collaborations including one with Sam Sparro. What was the idea behind bringing others on-board?
I cannot sing, so I needed someone with a good voice, and Sam has one of the best voices in the business. I was very happy when he agreed to sing.

Italians Do It Better was created as a sub-division of your first label Troubleman but quite quickly took over. Why do you think that is?
It was because I wanted to focus more on dance music – I’d had enough of indie rock.

You quite publicly share your opinions on New York as a place you gave up on, in terms of clubbing and music, back in 2001. In which place do you currently see musical genius being created?
There is music genius being created everywhere, in New York as well. I was talking about the club scene and certain promoters, not the actual artists. The club scene in NYC is pretty much dead. The only places to play are boutique hotels where they charge $15 for a drink and pay the DJs shit money. That’s where NYC is at, and it’s very sad. I don't want to DJ at a place where my friends can’t get in because the doorman wants to let in the rich tourists. More importantly I don’t want to play at a place where my friends can’t afford a drink.

How important is the visual aesthetic, on stage and off, to Mike Simonetti?
I prefer to let the music do the talking. Too much emphasis is on the ‘look’ and not the music. Turn off all the lights and dance. That’s why I’m here!

So can you divide that crowd into three categories and list them?

1) Hipsters
2) Party photographers
3) Drunk promoters

Musically, was there someone quite influential during your youth?
Not really, but punk rock and heavy metal influences me.

What is the first tape you remember listening to?
Joan Jet and the Blackhearts: "I Love Rock and Roll".

Who was the last person you listened to?
My son talking to me as I type this.

List three essential elements for a producer – 20 to 30 years ago
1) Good equipment
2) Classically trained musicians
3) Real analogue gear

Now list three essentials for a producer trying to make it today:
1) A laptop
2) A birthday cake to throw in the crowd
3) Plug-ins

Interview: Jasmine Phull

Catch Mike Simonetti at Electric Elephant from July 12th. Tickets are available through Skiddle below.

Tickets are no longer available for this event