Why did you set up People Love To Dance Festival?
I’ve always been against any form of prejudice in life and to me, music festivals are an important way of bringing people from different cultures together and breaking down the walls of prejudice. As an artist I feel it’s important to inspire young generations and to understand and accept diversity.
The uk is the home of festivals, it’s part of the culture. In Italy, we haven’t reached that point yet. Festivals in Italy don’t often promote new artists and there’s so many talented people that don’t go through the TV talent shows that don’t have the opportunity to perform. With People Love To Dance Festival, I wanted to create something different for Italy and the place I’m from, Calabria.
Do you go to many of festivals yourself?
My last festival experience was at Glastonbury 2 or 3 years ago. I went to work there as a volunteer which gave me the chance to really see the stages the different areas of a successful festival. I left feeling so inspired.
What type of music will we hear at the festival?
This year there is a mix of funky house, house, dance, so much electronic music and also rnb singer songwriters and more pop and house. Many of the performers are students I’ve met at SEM and this year’s festival includes a set by DJ Tutor Mark One.
So you’re performing at this year’s festival. Can you tell us we can expect from your performance?
My set this year is going to be a bit different. I’m singing ad playing piano but it’s going to be a bit housey. I’ve been working with a Calabrian producer, called Blank, and a drummer who plays electronic drums. I’m going to perform some of the songs from my new album and some songs I’ve written with producers from SEM. Some of my songs are in Spanish, English and Italian.
BOILER ROOF: Lineup Announcement