Italian Techno King Marco Carola

The name of Marco Carola is associated with the birth of the mid-90s Italian techno wave and the emergence of such stars as Gaetek and Random Noize. His 2001 album Open System influenced the global techno movement and is named among the key techno albums of the decade. Ahead of the Italian techno star's Moscow appearance at the club Gorod, we talked with Marco about his music.

Strange as it may seem, Naples is in fact the Italian capital of techno. Just as it was many years ago, when it comes to music this city always has been and remains one step ahead of the rest of the country.

It was a natural step. I didn't like the "light" sound, and I was looking for some kind of alternative. Travelling and the search for new music helped me with that.

The Design Music label is in the past, like many of my early projects. Music changes. I always try to create something new, something that reflects me 100%.

I always meant technical design, a project, an experiment. Design Music was the first Neapolitan label, and I really had no idea where it would lead.

It's always been hard for me to know who my message reaches, and above all how it's received. Selecting music for a party and going round the clubs are different things. Many people simply want to have fun, to dance to good music. It matters to them not at all how fresh the track the DJ is playing is. And I think projects like "1000 Imprint", "Concept 1" and others are addressed to those who really follow the scene. These people play a very important role, spreading new, interesting music in their city or country, even just by discussing it!

I had many reasons to launch this label. I was very young, full of unrealised ideas and a strong desire to become known beyond Naples. The limited format turned out to be the right decision. Just right for the people who needed it.

For me techno is everything: a way of thinking, a style of dress and much more. But everyone understands it in their own way! The word techno is taken from the sphere of the technology of industrial and post-industrial society, and the music is a way for a generation to express itself. Like it or not, you're part of a free techno generation with open views on life and without borders.

I know a little about Russia. I once played at Mayday in St. Petersburg, but I think that's different. I'm going to the country without expecting anything special, I just hope people will have a good time with me. And I'm more than sure that you'll hear something new and thrilling!

24 June, Saturday, club Gorod, special guest Marco Carola