Francesco Cordioli, Nico Alvo/Sanvero; Sam Cowan/Ari Lamont
Write a short paragraph about your release (your inspiration, process, genre, instruments used, and the story behind the creation).
Sanvero: We drafted a 32-bar loop with a melody and drum groove that we really liked. We’d been wanting to collaborate with Ari for some time and thought this would be a great project to send to him. That’s how we started working on “Riviera.” We aimed to create an Afro House song with original elements, incorporating R&B vocals and organic sounds like drums, piano, and expressive synths. With a festival coming up in February in Miami, we had the perfect deadline to finish and debut the project, which inspired the name “Riviera”!
Ari Lamont: Nico and Francesco (Sanvero) have been my friends for years. I’ve enjoyed their music from the dance floor while privately learning to produce. One day, I sent them a remix of “Roxanne” by The Police, which they played during their opening set for Moojo. They liked the track, so we decided to collaborate a few months later. The foundation of “Riviera” comes from the excellent bass line crafted by Sanvero. After hearing it, I was excited to get started. I spent an all-nighter arranging the track at JFK Airport before refining it with Sanvero in studio sessions.
What is your connection with Cafe De Anatolia? (Write about your release with Cafe De Anatolia). * Sanvero: We’ve been featuring many CDA releases in our DJ sets, so we were thrilled when they expressed interest in signing our song. As artists, it’s exciting to have a larger label interested in our work, and we look forward to this collaboration.
Ari Lamont: CDA songs frequently appear on my socials, and their logo is iconic in our genre. I associate Cafe De Anatolia with well-curated playlists, so receiving an offer from CDA LAB was incredible!
What initially sparked your passion for music, and how did you decide to pursue a career in the industry?
Sanvero: We’ve been friends for a long time, with music being an essential part of our relationship. When the pandemic began, we couldn’t return to our countries (Italy and Chile) and started DJing together, hosting rooftop parties. When venues reopened, we began booking gigs and producing music, gradually developing our current sound.
Ari Lamont: I was introduced to House Music in 2017 after moving to New York City. I spent countless nights raving and was inspired by great DJs like Chez Damier and Justin Strauss. Although I initially put off DJing, I dove into Ableton in November 2022. Now, I create music daily and am reorganizing my life to focus on it as much as possible.
As an artist, how do you approach the creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or methods to get into the creative mindset?
Sanvero: As a duo, we often work separately. One of us will develop an idea, then we exchange and refine it. We usually start with a 32-bar loop, adding groove and melodic elements, and arrange it into a song structure until we are satisfied.
Ari Lamont: My process evolves from chaotic to organized. I build an initial loop, record ideas, and arrange it based on a reference structure. Creative breakthroughs often happen at night, and I make adjustments until the track is worth exporting. I then use mornings to organize and fine-tune the details.
What’s your favorite part of being a musician? Is there a specific aspect of your career that brings you the most joy and fulfillment?
Sanvero: The most important part for us is having fun and creating together. We want to stay true to how Sanvero began—two friends who love music. Being in New York, we’re excited to connect with so many cool people, music venues, and artists like Ari.
Ari Lamont: My favorite part is turning ideas into sound. I never thought I’d be able to do that, but making music, whether alone or with friends like Sanvero, is incredibly fulfilling.
Tell us more about yourself and your music career.
Sanvero: Sanvero, named after our hometowns (Santiago and Verona), began as a fun adventure and has grown into an exciting career. If you had asked us three years ago if we would play at festivals and sign music with labels, we wouldn’t have believed it.
Ari Lamont: My career is flourishing! “Riviera” will be my first original release. Besides that, I released a remix of “Roxanne” by The Police on SoundCloud. I’m focused on releasing quality tracks and expanding my DJ bookings in NYC and abroad.
“Riviera” by Ari Lamont, Sanvero released via Cafe De Anatolia (26.07.2024)