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Artist Interviews
Q&A: Phonat
By CMU Editorial | Published on Thursday 17 December 2009
Originally from Italy, Phonat, aka Michele Balduzzi, is fast becoming one of the most respected dance producers in the UK. At just 21, Michele was spotted by MofoHifi Records on MySpace, who were so impressed they convinced him to move to London in late 2007.
He subsequently released three singles through the label in 2008 – ‘Incredible Sound’, ‘Ghetto Burnin’ and ‘Learn To Recycle’ – all to critical acclaim, with support coming from DJs such as Radio 1’s Annie Mac, Annie Nightingale and Rob Da Bank. Phonat recently released his self-titled debut album on MofoHifi records, so we caught up with him to find out some more.
Q1 How did you start out making music?
It was an excuse to hang out and smoke with my mates, as well as an excuse for not being good at football: “It’s because I’m creative”.
Q2 What inspired your latest album?
The album is inspired by the fact that I’ve been listening to many different kinds of music and by not belonging to a specific scene. This gives me the freedom to develop in any direction I want.
Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
It’s quite different each time. But to start there’s always a massive amount of having fun, just messing around with sounds involved and trying different things. Then I have been known to trash everything and start back from scratch.
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
Daft Punk and AC/DC. Lately, I’ve also been really enjoying Excision.
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
I strongly believe it’s better to just let your work do the talking…
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
I’d like to become a millionaire, then a billionaire in the near future. Maybe then I’ll be able to afford to pay for public transport in London!
MORE>> www.phonat.net and www.myspace.com/phonat
