“The record I hate? Come on! Where’s the diplomacy here?!” Ahead of this weekend’s Circus x Ellum Halloween showcase in Liverpool, Davide Squillace reveals his all-time favourites.
What’s the first record you ever bought?
Jovanotti – ‘Una Tribù Che Balla’. For someone that really never knew how to sing, he managed to make a mark on a generation and get to be known all over the place. I’m a big, big fan of his multi-instrument player Saturnino, who wrote most of the albums.
The first time you remember hearing electronic music?
In Napoli, I saw this this small geeky guy with black glasses called Dean Teacher. He totally blew me away because it was very progressive at the time, full of energy and melodies.
Your favourite ever record?
Goldie‘s Timeless. I was living in London when this came out. It’s a long journey into Goldie’s past and future that will continue to inspire people for a long time yet.
The guaranteed floor-filler?
Maceo Plex – ‘Conjure Sex (Original Mix)’. A really powerful piece of music that manages to create a multi atmosphere during all of its seven minutes.
The guilty pleasure?
Laura Pausini – ‘Marco se n’e andato e non ritorna più’. Yes I said it! I come form the country of love and passion and this is mostly what this lyrics are about – a love that never really works out.
The last track of the night?
Either something with lots of mellow synths that hug the people or a strong, funky bass track that makes the crowd shout “ONE MORE!” after I’ve played it. The last gig I played, I ended with Curry & Krawall – ‘The Soul Condor (Original Mix)’.
The best chillout record?
Uff, hard! Arto Lindsay – ‘Simply Beautiful’ and Tracy Chapman – ‘Fast Car’. I’ve been seduced by Arto’s voice for a long time and I spent a lots of nights listening to Chapman’s lyrics and melodies – so powerful and so full of political strength.
The record everyone loves but you hate?
Come on! Where’s the diplomacy here?! Eros Ramazzotti, I think. Even more so when he sings ‘Otra Como Tu’ in Spanish – it really disturbs me.
The best record for a family party?
Pino Daniele – ‘Napule è’. Pino has been one of the most important voices we have from Napoli. He tries to explain what the city and its happenings are like through his music. It’s true music, both with humour and dark sides. He’s always collaborating with great musicians and he was an amazing guitar player too.
The soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Some of Ricardo Villalobos’s albums, maybe Alcachofa. Ricardo is a genius.
The worst record you’ve ever heard?
A techno remix of Pinocchio.
The record you’re proudest of?
‘Cubism’, ‘Sukking Mutik’ and ‘Ginger Ponytail’.
The future classic?
Flying Lotus – ‘Camel’, but it’ll take time. It’s very avant-garde music. I love its lack of structure, its way of not following what it’s supposed to follow. It’s a roller-coaster of impressive rhythms and melodies.
Davide Squillace plays Circus’s Ellum Audio showcase at the Arts Club, Liverpool, on Saturday October 31st. Tickets available here. Find Davide on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.