D/Angelo
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
My name is D/Angelo, and I’m originally from Rome, but my career has taken me all over the world. For the past 10 years, I’ve been based in New Zealand. Music has always been an essential part of my life—there are very few days I can remember without it.
My journey into the electronic music scene is somewhat unconventional. Despite my deep passion for music, I initially pursued a degree in Aerospace Engineering. However, I later transitioned into the film industry, becoming a visual effects compositor for major Hollywood productions such as Avatar, Harry Potter, The Avengers, and more. For nearly 20 years, digital composition has been my daily reality.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented artists across various disciplines, with music always playing a central role. I’m a self-taught pianist and acoustic guitarist, and my love for diverse musical genres eventually led me to electronic music. For over two decades, I’ve been drawn to deep organic and progressive sounds, particularly Organic House, Melodic House, Melodic Dubstep, Progressive House, Melodic Techno, and Minimal Techno.
While attending music festivals, I felt an increasing urge to share my musical taste, which led me to start DJing in local clubs and national festivals across New Zealand. However, I quickly realized that while DJing was incredible, music production would be an even deeper and more fulfilling experience. Determined to refine my craft, I took several courses in electronic music production, mixing, and mastering.
With my background in video digital composition, transitioning into audio production felt natural, as I see many parallels between the two. Colors, for example, can describe music in my mind. I’m obsessed with sound quality, attention to detail, and the emotions that music evokes. Ethnic elements have always resonated with me, perhaps due to my heritage. Today, music production is an essential part of my daily life, and I’m committed to maintaining the highest standards in my work.
What inspired you to pursue a career in electronic music?
Music has a unique power to connect people across cultures and emotions, and that has always fascinated me. The ability to digitize my emotions and share them with the world was a huge motivator. I’ve always been drawn to groove-driven beats and captivating melodies, which made my transition into Organic House, Melodic House, Melodic Dubstep, Progressive House, Melodic Techno, and Minimal Techno feel natural.
How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart as an artist?
My sound is defined by deep, lush ambient textures, groovy elements, and emotionally immersive atmospheres. I strive to create music that resonates on a deeper level, offering listeners a rich, textured experience.
Tell us about your latest release, Desert Road.
Desert Road was born after an eight-week journey across Southeast Asia and Italy during the summer. Traveling has always been a source of inspiration for me, and I’m deeply influenced by ethnic sounds and rhythms. As I worked on the track, I aimed to capture those groovy, organic elements and translate them into music.
After fine-tuning the composition, I spent the final week perfecting the mix and mastering the track to ensure the highest possible quality.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
I hope listeners can connect with the ethnic grooves and uplifting energy of Desert Road. It’s all about embracing a global musical journey, where rhythm and melody bring people together.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this track?
The track started with a 40-second section where I laid down the core ambiance, vibe, and groove. After taking a short break from it, I revisited the project with fresh inspiration and explored new ideas that shaped the final composition. The last phase was all about refining the details—small elements that make a massive difference in the final sound.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
For Desert Road, I blended deep, groovy elements with a powerful bassline and catchy ethnic influences to create a more dancefloor-oriented track. It’s a fresh evolution of my sound.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for electronic music artists today?
One of the biggest challenges is getting the right exposure. Even when the music quality is top-tier, it can be difficult to break through. In today’s world, visuals and audio go hand in hand, so investing time and resources into building a strong, cohesive brand is crucial for long-term success.
How have events, collaborations, and labels shaped your career?
Events are essential because they provide the opportunity to share music with a targeted audience and receive direct feedback. Collaborations and labels also play a crucial role in maintaining high artistic standards.
My collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia has been an exciting milestone. Their focus on deep, ethnic-inspired electronic music aligns perfectly with my style, and working with them has helped me reach a wider audience that truly appreciates my sound.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
Follow your passion above everything else. Music is a journey—it’s not just about the end product, but about the creative process itself. Develop a workflow that you genuinely enjoy, and success will follow naturally.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming releases, performances, or projects?
I have several projects in the works, where I’m diving even deeper into emotional, groove-driven sounds. Expect more music from me soon!
D/Angelo – Desert Road (released on 31.01.2025) via Cafe De Anatolia