Hey Coke Beats, could you tell me a few things about yourself?
I am an Italian DJ and music producer. The alias “Coke Beats” started as a joke at the end of 2018. It took inspiration from a bunch of friends saying that my beats are fire (Coke as in a substance similar to coal that people burn to produce heat).
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve been DJing, VJing, and producing music under different aliases. I’m part of the electronic music duo “Photosonic Orchestra”, the lofi project “LoFi Jazz”, and also co-founder of the dance duo “Malibu Vice”.
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I always try to do my best to think as less as possible. I believe being a great musician/producer or DJ means letting yourself go and leaving the situation/emotion to find your own voice through music. Somehow, I try to be the best medium I can be. A great song and a memorable DJ set are almost a spiritual/transcendental experience. In a certain way, all the techniques musicians and DJs learn, it’s only 10% of what makes a great musician. Everything else is about being yourself and being in touch with the moment. The audience is where the energy comes, both in a live performance and in the inspiration a musician channels from.
What does music mean to you?
Music to me is the most beautiful language on Earth. The fact that we can express an infinite range of emotions, stories, and memories just by using sound amazes me every time I think about it. Music can change our mood, can bring people together, and celebrate life, it’s such a powerful form of expression!
What could you tell me about your new single, ”Movin On”?
“Movin On” took almost four years to finish. I had met Ivor Lynch from Ridgewalkers randomly one night at the Dublin venue “The Village” (now called “Opium”). We were both working for an open mic night, and we both share a love for punk music and electric guitars. Around 2018 we started working on a few demos, but it was only at the end of 2022 that I started to review seriously the demo drafts and an acapella by singer El. The lyrics written by Ivor are to me both about the power of music that can bring people together even during tough times, and also a reference to the world moving out the years of the pandemic.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
Music is life. I feel alive every time I listen to music, write new songs, or collaborate with other artists. Music is probably the most abstract form of art. I have always been fascinated by instrumental music, and how magical and open to interpretation it can be! And, it’s just one of the many aspects of the beauty of expressing ourselves with sound.
What are your plans for the future?
This year I will release one song every month until September. I started in April with “Love Apart” featuring Electra Lovelle, then “Movin On” with legendary trance duo Ridgewalkers. In June I’ll drop a song called “Jet”, a collaboration with super-talented producer Pozitiva and Jamaican singer-songwriter Richie Loops. In early August, Smash The House’s Generation Smash will release “Greatness”, a powerful big room song in collaboration with Danish producer Alris and SAVU, featuring the beautiful vocals of Romy Dia (Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Ghostface Killah, and Busta Rhymes).
Also, recently the Italian Italo house / Italo disco label “Disco Segreta” has released my techno remix of Angela Colombino’s song “E’ Festa” on a limited edition vinyl. A must check for all vinyl lovers with a passion for underground electronic music from Italy.
What important message would you like to share with our readers?
Music is freedom. Music communities should be more open and accepting when it comes to music genres. It still surprises me how sometimes certain labels or venues are so close-minded. I believe a raver should be open to listening to techno but also jazz and classical music. Music is a lifestyle, and everyone has different lifestyles and tastes in music, still, we should stay open-minded when listening to music. Being a multi-format DJ, I see beauty in all music communities, regardless of the genre.
What do you feel is the best song that you have ever released and why?
It’s hard to pick one song in particular, also because I have so much music coming up. “Movin On” with Ridgewalkers is for sure one of my all-time favorite songs. Probably because of the message and gestation (almost five years). I love songs with a solid story behind them and a large team of people involved in the production. Songs to me are like life forms, they have their own existence.
Coke Beats consistently creates music that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Check it out and follow Coke Beats on social media to be updated with the new releases.
