One DJ Loverboy is very excited to see in 2022 (maybe even before?!), is Massimiliano Pagliara. An artist with such an ecelectic taste, you can be sure he will always bring something different, fresh and in his words, ‘current-yet-classic’ to the DJ booth. House, Disco, Synths, Techno, Shoe-gazing..so broad is his musical pallette in fact, that he has pseudonyms for various projects – for example this week we have been locked on his dreamy Moon Gazing mix for Discosódoma under his LoveSexDreams moniker.

But today we are here to discuss the third part of his excellent Connection Lost series for Uncanny Valley. Out now, this EP finds Massimiliano back in electronic/techno territory while analysing how to cope when connections with loved ones or family are cut. That could sound like an intense soundtrack for 2021 but in Massimiliano’s hands they are four tracks that are filled with energy, fun and music that will have you dancing.

Massimiliano, congrats on Connection Lost PT3. What inspired you on this latest outing in particular compared with writing your other material?
Writing music for me,  is always related to what happens in my private life. It’s an interpretation of personal experiences, feelings, emotions through sounds. Some other times an elaboration of specific topics/concepts.
The Connection Lost series definitely has this same vibe. It’s my personal tribute to those lost connections that have affected me in a very deep way. They are my musical answer around this question: How come you are so close to someone, you share so many magic moments together and then suddenly it’s all gone as if nothing has ever happened?

I have experienced many lost zoom ‘connections’ over the last 18 months, but equally have picked up many friendship ‘connections’ that have been dormant for too long. What’s your relationship with the word ‘connection’ and how has that changed since you began the Connection Lost series six years ago?
A connection is usually something special and unique which you can feel from both sides, when it happens. It’s like a magic flow of energy which somehow allows things to happen smoothly and rather harmonically.
I am very happy to have encountered special people in my life with whom I have established incredibly strong connections. They always meant so much to me and I have learned a lot through them. We often wish, at least I do, that some of the most beautiful things that happen to us will last for ever. However, the natural process of life, show us different results: things do end or change, evolve into other things.
This is not an easy process. We are confronted with hard feelings such as loss and detachment. It always takes a little while to get over these and eventually understand that it’s ok. It’s important to let go. I think this process became a little easier within these last 6 years. Yet, I definitely think there is more to be done in this regard. 

I’m loving ‘Unfettered’ in particular. How did the track come to be? How did you decide on that title?
I was reading about John Cage (Where The Heart Beats) and his interest in Zen Buddhism. Eventually I started reading D.T Suzuki (one of Cage’s mentors) and that’s when I became familiar with the “Unfettered mind”. So yes, I have learned this word through Zen Buddhism. The idea behind this track is in fact to unleash and be free.

Another track on your album is ‘Forgotten Secrets’. Did you have a secret in mind when writing the track? 
I had a few secrets. Things which I wanted to tell but I could not, and so I tried to forget about.

You started your own label – Funnuvojere Records two years ago. Was that scary, moving into new territory? Do you have a firm idea of what you want to release on the label? Or is it more of a feeling? 
I was aware that starting a new vinyl label was going to be some sort of tough cookie. However, that has not stopped me from doing it. Keeping my expectations very low, I just went for it. I love music in so many different ways, and so the idea of curating and running a record label came just natural into perspective.
Also, friends as well as fans, have sent me music over the last years, seeking feedback. And often I was quite impressed and thought that If I had my own record label, I would definitely want to put this out!
So, I guess this was actually the main input: trying to create a new platform for talented music-makers. In this sense, it is more like a feeling. I put out records which I really like without thinking too much about genres and so on. I want my label to reflect what I also am as a DJ and producer: offer a very wide range sound-palette which could go from slow-funky-cosmic-boogie to house-acid-italo-psycedelic-ambient-techno, beyond and in between.

Covid and clubbing are so linked during this time, I have to ask about it (but I long for a time when it will not be part of the conversation). Now that clubs are beginning to reopen and we are returning to the dancefloor, will this affect the speed/genre/etc of music you are wanting to create now as opposed to before the pandemic?
I have played some gigs these past few weeks and I must say that they all were pretty awesome. I could feel that people really needed a good dance to shake off all dark feelings from the heavy lockdown days. I also really needed to see people again and feel that magic connection through music on a hot dance-floor.
I was very concerned and asked myself: Can I still do this? And then somehow, it all worked out pretty well and smoothly. I have played lots of happy and funky tunes, because somehow I thought people need positive and bright vibes right now. It’s also summer and it’s been pretty warm wherever I played so far, so I probably would have done that anyways 🙂 

Do you think people are looking for new directions, new styles, etc? Or will people just want to slip comfortably back into what they were listening before? 
I think people just need to get together and be able to dance freely again, possibly without any physical restrictions (such as face masks or distancing). I guess there will still be house and techno and all the things in between. Everyone will choose the soundtrack for their dance according to their own needs, moods and preferences.

We are of a similar age and I don’t really feel age bothers me that much but turning 40 during a pandemic felt like a double whammy about mortality being closer than before. How was turning 40 for you?
I think age is just a number on your passport or ID and often doesn’t really match with what’s going on inside. For instance, turning 40 didn’t scare me too much and I didn’t feel much of a difference to when I turned 30, except for the fact that I am now balder and have a few more grey hair:)
I am still a little party girl and my 40th bday was a mega blast: it was gay pride week-end in Berlin and I played for the first time the Berghain floor. Lots of friends from all over the world came to see and celebrate me. Tons of fun! But yeah, that was three years ago, pre-covid times.

I am moving house this week. What track should I play as I say goodbye to my old place and then unpack in my new apartment?
I would go for Brian Eno – Ambient Music to say goodbye and Steve Reich – Music for 18 Instruments, during unpacking in the new house. I think both these moments are emotionally intense and so a smooth soundtrack is more suitable. For instance, I listen to Steve Reich every time I feel I need to reset and start anew. It’s like a meditation.

Speaking of houses, I’ve read that you are into interior design and in your apartment have ‘a cosmic hole and an ambient-meditation floor.’ Love the idea of a cosmic hole! What area do I need to ensure I include in my new apartment?
Yes, indeed, I am into interior design and I have always loved to customise all my apartments according to my needs and preferences. Especially last year, when I finally was able to buy my apartment in Berlin, I really went for it. Knowing that I now own this place, definitely gave me that extra push to invest into interior design. In fact, during last year’s first lockdown, I renovated my studio-apartment and made it really comfy. Somehow this was perfect timing: I had lots of free time and was able to focus on this.
The idea of a “cosmic-hole” and “ambient-meditation floor” came from my need to get very cozy when I have some guests over and when I have to escape from reality to centre myself again. I think it’s very important to design little spaces within the same apartment, for different moods and moments. Little details such as nice chairs, carpets, cushions, lighting, scents can do the job and grant that safe spot which we all need in our hectic daily lives or during these last heavy lockdowns. Obviously sound is a very important component too. In my place I have five different sound systems, and each has a different purpose. 

I live in Barcelona and I know you talk about balearic sounds within your music. How would you say the Barcelona sound differs to the Balearics?
I think anywhere south, warm and on the sea-side, there’s some kind of balearic vibe to it. For instance, usually when I find myself playing in these kind of places, I feel very inspired by the landscape and climatic circumstances that I tend to select a more house-discoish-dreamy-baleric palette of tracks/songs.
That said, I think Barcelona offers more underground clubs/events than Ibiza for example. So, I guess the scene in Barcelona is more diverse and less “commercial”.

Lastly we are named after the biggest-selling single of 2001, so we always ask what is your favourite Mariah Carey track and why?
To be very honest with you, I don’t know much her music, definitely not a Mariah expert here :).  Somehow, I have never really gotten into any of these big pop stars music. I have always stayed on the underground side of things, if you know what I mean.
However, I do have one of her albums on vinyl, ‘Emotions’, and I did sample some vocal bits for a track I made and released a while ago… I won’t say which one 🙂

As a bonus question, I was super sad to hear of Raffaella’s passing. What is your favourite Raffaella Cara song and why?)
Yes, that has truly saddened my heart. Raffaella was one my TV icons from my child-hood (always wanted to have her hair;). Probably my favorite track is ‘Rumore’. I love the lyrics and the groove so much! R.I.P. Raffaella <3 

Massimiliano Pagliara
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