- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
As in all our mixes there is no precise idea. Our preparation is the research we do every day, digging into every crate, with the desire to always find the most interesting track to include in our sets. - the only thing I can say is that given the long journey it forced us to be very selective and limited in the amount of records to bring when we play together. We generally bring 2/3 suitcases each and we indulge ourselves with our selections and weekly news
- What inspired you to form a DJ duo with your twin brother?
When we were little, we were introduced to music by our father who taught us how to use and collect records. For us, he is the bible of prog rock music. Growing up we got closer to the world of dance music and we shared the passion with some friends for a long time, eager to discover what was hidden behind this world. The Duo was formed later, spontaneously, thanks above all to the strong passion that unites us a lot.
- Which one of you was the first to develop an interest in music and records?
When we were kids we both fell in love with music from a very early age. We started collecting 90's dance tapes and then entered the world of clubbing with years and years of work in European clubs. In the early 2000s we created the first record label and then entered the world of heavy collecting and appreciating so many musical genres.
- Do the two of you have much in common in your musical tastes? Or are there differences? What inspires you in terms of music?
We have both similar and different taste in music! And we learned how to work well specially with our differences. Some people may not understand but we think our strength comes from the fact that we are twins, and with it that natural instinct that develops between brothers, which helps us to surpass ourselves and improve ourselves more and more. Luca tends to propose a selection more inclined to the dance world and me more into the latin and afro music, both of us linked into the concept of mixing. These differences lead us to be inspired by one another.
- When performing as DNArt, do Francesco and Luca each separately choose records from your own personal collections, or is the entire collection shared between the two of you, selected together?
We both have our own private collection that we carefully select by previously talking about the set to propose and sometimes trying together. We also recently started a shared collection from which we take some gems to give that extra touch to our set.
- How much preparation do you do in terms of aligning the tracks or the sound direction with your partner in advance of DJing? Could you share your approach to performance?
We select tracks based on the set we have decided to do, then in the studio we practice for a few hours to fine-tune the set. Very often, however, we do not even rehearse, or very little, but we do what our instinct tells us. A careful knowledge of your records to play is essential in these cases.
- What methods do you prefer when searching for new music? Do you still enjoy browsing for music in record stores, or have you come to prefer online purchases?
For us there is only one solution in buying music, we do not disdain any type of purchase, Record store, Sunday market, online store or record fair that it is,
We are always looking for something that makes our heart vibrate.
- Could you briefly tell me about the current state of record culture in Italy?
In italy at the moment the record is quite sought after by both deejays and collectors, there are many people interested in vinyl, weekly releases are not lacking and the movement has been growing in the last 3/4 years. However, it must be added that sometimes releases are made exclusively for sale and not aimed at sharing cultural works, this causes a market devoid of cultural sense to form, which is a bit demoralizing and above all not constructive.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
Our record store in Florence is definitely what stimulates us the most. Sharing with people and collectors in love with music helps us increase our creativity day after day. Not to be underestimated are also the trips around the world, they are super stimulating, they give us the opportunity to get in touch with other DJs and small underground realities at an international level. This allows us to share our experience but also to learn a lot about other cultures. What more could you want?! For example, here in Japan it was beyond inspiring for us.
- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
Choose your records carefully. Spend as much time as possible with people who can really help you get to know this world in depth. Dig everywhere, without stopping—dig deep—and keep your hunger for music alive.
Don't try to get into nights or listening bars just to look or feel like someone, just for image. Put the music first, and everything else will follow.
Smile, live the nightlife with passion, and do it for the authentic pleasure of contributing to something real, for your city , for the clubbing and for yourself.
