Introducing…Pirupa

Introducing…Pirupa

20 July, 2010 | 2.30AM

• Written by: Alex Hughes
• Filed under: Music News: pirupa, rebirth

Italy is on fire these days, with a new generation of DJs and producers taking the world by storm. One of the most visible names is Pirupa, aka Teramo’s Piero di Gianvito. He’s only been releasing records since 2007, beginning with a tough tech house style that’s gradually given way to deeper, sexier sounds. Within his first year, labels like Rebirth and Cr2 were knocking on Pirupa’s door. And this year, he’s been unstoppable, with singles on Rebirth, Vendetta Records, and Suara, and his tracks are turning up on massive seasonal compilations and mixes from Vendetta, Defected In The House, Cr2, Subliminal Records, Noir Music, and many more.

With Pirupa about to appear at the Ukraine’s notorious Kanzatip festival, and with new material on the way via Riva Starr’s Snatch! Records and Nic Fanciulli’s Saved, we figured it was high time to catch up with him.

How did you get started DJing and making music?

I started to spin music at 16 years old and make music when I was 21. I was inspired by my family—my dad is a musician and my brother is a DJ (Leon Italy). I was pushed by the strong passion I’ve always had for music. When I was young, I started to listen to many different styles of music—rock, disco, pop, from U2 to Led Zeppelin, Larry Levan to Duran Duran, Jamiroquai to the Cure…

Who gave you your first big break in the business?

Not many people helped me, but I must be very grateful to Shield from Rebirth. He taught me many things in the business world. DJ Exacta, my great friend from New York, also helped me a lot. My brother was my guide for so long, and a great example for me.

What’s your preferred time of night to play, and how would you describe your DJ sets?

I like to play in the middle of the night until closing, when the club is full of people. My sets are very special because I love to play with different styles of house, like disco, tech, acid, tribal… I also like playing with acapellas and FX.

How do you explain your music to your family members?

A few years ago they didn’t accept my work as a DJ and producer, but now that I have goals, they’re very happy. Every day they ask me about my work and my gigs, and that makes me feel good—it’s important to have the support of your family!

Where do you record, and what kind of gear or software are you using?

I have a little studio in my bedroom. Every night I work on new ideas—that’s why I did the studio in the bedroom! I’m using Ableton Live. I think it’s the best software because it’s easy to use and very intuitive. Also, I love Arturia software, Rob Papen, and Native Instruments plugins.

When you sit down to make a track, what’s the first thing you typically do?

Kick and bass! But first I have to find a good idea for a vocal loop. Also, I love cutting up older tracks from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

When did you first feel that you had finally discovered your own individual sound as a DJ and/or producer?

I’ve been a DJ since 2000/2001, and I first started using software to make music four years ago. Only now, in the last year, can I say that my sound is original. About DJing, I think I always had my style, but year after year I have increasingly improved. But I can still do better in the coming years!

How would you say your productions have changed since you first began recording?

When I started, my own productions were ugly! I didn’t even like my productions when I started, and I was very sad because I could not understand that step by step, time after time I was improving. Now I’m really happy with what I’m doing, especially when my tracks are played by the best DJs in the world and climb the charts on Beatport!

Which record do you wish you had made?

I’m a fan of disco house music, so Armand Van Helden feat. Duane Harden, ‘U Don’t Know Me’.

In the last few years, we’ve seen many new talents coming out of Italy. How would you describe the Italian scene, and why do you think it’s producing so many hot young artists at the moment?

Now the situation in Italy is very hot! I don’t think I ever expected that right now the Italian scene would go back to the top. I feel lucky that I’ve had success in this year, because now Im also doing very well in the scene! But I think they were many years that Italy lacked the forefront of the scene, so now it’s our turn!

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing with your life?

Funny questions! I don’t know, my parents would have liked me to continue studying, maybe medicine, because they would have liked to see me as a doctor! But when I was young I played basketball and I’d like to be a basketball player. But I can’t because I’m small…

When you’re not listening to electronic music, what do you listen to?

I listen to the Italian radio. I like all music—that’s why I started to DJ and produce. I think you must have an open mind to all styles of music to be an excellent DJ and producer.

Tell us about your upcoming gigs and releases…

I have many gigs right now—that’s making me very happy but also tired! I’m traveling the world a lot—U.S., Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, UK, Italy, Russia, France, Hungary, Canada, Austria—so I’m very busy this summer and playing in many great clubs.

My last release was ‘Clarity of Love’ with Baz on Rebirth. In August they’ll release the remixes by Leon, Pigi, Tevo Howard, and Ramiro Lopez. Coming up, I have an EP on Riva Starr’s Snatch! Records, and I remixed his new single ‘More’ with my studio partner Pigi. I also have a big tune on Nic Fanciulli’s Saved Records. The track is called ‘Guarda’, and it’s absolutely dirty house music. Maybe it will be a big tune in the next months! I have a huge remix for Luca Agnelli’s tune ‘Ah’ on his brand-new label Etruria Beat and a big re-edit of Pitto’s ‘Sea Lion Woman’ that’s already an “Essential New Tune” on Pete Tong’s radio show. Finally, I just finished a couple of remixes for Defected and Noir Music, coming in August September.

9 Jul: The End Club (Bogotá, Colombia)
10 Jul: Eliptica (Cali, Colombia)
16 Jul: Paradise (Pereira, Colombia)
17 Jul: Blue Moon (Cucuta, Colombia)

23 Jul: El Divino (Florianopolis, Brazil) 

24 Jul: D-Edge (Sau Paolo, Brazil)
30 Jul: Liquid Club (Acquaviva Picena, Italy)

05 Aug: Kazantip (Popovka Beach, Ukraine)

06 Aug: Cala D’Or (Termoli, Italy)

13 Aug: Il Lago (Ortona, Italy)

28 Aug: Ministry Of Sound (London UK)
05 Sep: Elegance Festival (Ciudad Real, Spain)

18 Sep: Essential @ Sass Music Club (Vienna, Austria) 

25 Sep: Gattopardo (Alba Adriatica, Teramo)

09 Oct: Skandalo (Bordeaux, France)

30 Oct: Bad Format Social Club (Liverpool, UK)

Pirupa Beatport Top 10

Pirupa on Beatport

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