Italian DJ Red, AKA Simona Calvani, has been on an electronic journey which has taken her across Europe, including cities such as London and Barcelona. She now splits her time between Europe’s “Capital of Techno” Berlin and her hometown of Rome. She has fully embraced the freedoms that Berlin offers and is inspired by the place, its people and, of course, its famous underground techno and club scene.
Her sound is a distinct and deep, groovy techno that developed as she cut her teeth during her time as a resident at Rome’s Goa Club and she has taken influence from an expansive array of places, including Sheffield’s legendary Warp Records, Scottish duo, Boards of Canada, and the cities she has lived and partied in. Her latest release, ‘Eyes Are Blind’ (which you can find on the Soundcloud player at the end of this interview) is out now on Ellen Allien’s Berlin-based BPitch Control – a label that affords her great freedom in creative output. Her recent sets at the infamous Berghain club have been a career highlight for Simona.
Andrew Williams caught up with DJ Red for a chat about her career to date and her influences as a producer and DJ, to get a greater insight into what makes her tick and enables her to work with so many of the finest names in dance music today.
You have lived in cities across Europe, including Berlin, Rome & London… What effect has this had on your productions and which cities have the best parties?
London is a city that I love very much. The period I spent there was very important to me, but not so influential or decisive in terms of my productions. Barcelona is a beautiful city, but I never lived there. For the past two years I have been living between Rome and Berlin, the passage to the techno capital of Europe has been a positive experience so far. Moving to Berlin has been very important and a great source of inspiration which resulted in the production of ‘Eyes Are blind’. I have been to many wicked parties in both cities, but if you ask me to choose I must say Berlin, there’s a more distinct atmosphere of freedom there.
What were you listening to as a child – who or what encouraged you to get into producing music?
When I was a young teenager I didn’t have a specific idea about a music genre I wanted to get into – I used to listen to various things. Then, while I was growing up, I began to follow and be charmed by electronic music. Warp records was without a doubt one of my favourite labels. By listening to artists such as Autechre, Boards of Canada, Pan Sonic and Plaid a new world opened in front of me. That was the factor that instigated my passion for music and pushed me to start my career.
As a resident at the Goa Club in Rome for many years, could you explain the ethic of the venue and what it means to you? Which guests stand out among the rest?
I have been a resident at Goa for over 12 years now. Goa is my home, it’s where I have had the chance to experiment with my sounds freely, while also meeting many great artists. This has been fundamental in my professional development. The Goa Club oversees everything in great detail – this is its secret and it’s what makes it better than other clubs. It’s a very engaging experience for the people working there and punters alike.
Do you like the travelling that comes with being an international DJ/Producer?
Travelling is very interesting, it gives you the chance to confront different realities and it’s great to experience different ways to party, so I’m enjoying the experience.
What’s been your favourite gig so far?
There have been many good nights, but a recent one I’ll never forget is my first BPitch showcase at Berghain in Berlin.
Which tunes are guaranteed to shake the dance floor during your performances and which records do you always have with you on tour?
There are obviously records which are eternal – such as tracks by ‘La Funk Mob’ on Mo Wax or ‘Planetary Assault Systems’ on Peacefrog, or most R&S releases [Belgian label known for records by Aphex Twin and C. J. Bolland, among others]. I usually don’t carry specific records which can guarantee me success on the night, because each party is different and sometimes music that works well on some occasions doesn’t necessarily work on others.
Can you tell us about your new release and what are the influences behind ‘Eyes Are Blind’?
‘Eyes are blind’ is a techno / dub techno EP. I tried to keep some dark atmospheres; those that better represent myself and not too aggressive. Berlin has had a great deal of influence over my choice of sounds.
You seem to be all over Europe, where did you produce the new record?
‘Eyes are Blind’, ‘Look Deep’ and ‘Awake’ have been produced in Berlin, while the other two tracks on the release, ‘In The Middle Of Nowhere’ and ‘Toy Boy’, were produced in Rome.
What qualities do you try to incorporate in your productions and what influence does BPitch Control have on your releases?
The idea was always to release a product which would have a strong techno identity, something new and personal. BPitch is a label with a great palette of sounds and open to everything that is original, yet has a high-standard of quality.
How do you relax outside of the club and electronic music scene?
When I have time I like to create accessories and small objects. I also like to practice yoga and to walk – I find being in contact with nature very relaxing.
How has 2013 treated you, and what are your plans for 2014?
2013 has been a very important and productive year for me, there are many things happening right now, many projects in the pipeline. It is a very exiting period of my life.
Thank you very much for your time Simona!
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