Massimo Logli has had an extraordinary year, crafting a musical journey that culminates in his debut LP, Origins. With 24 tracks released in 2024 and standout productions like Lolita and Dies Ires (Massimo Logli Remix) gaining widespread acclaim, Massimo continues to push boundaries in the world of house and techno. In this interview, we delve into the inspirations behind Origins, his creative process, and his reflections on a career shaped by the vibrant sounds of the ’80s and ’90s. From the roots of his artistry to his future ambitions, Massimo shares his vision for the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music.
Hi Massimo, how has the year been for you? What has been positive, and what has been negative?
The year 2024 has ended on a very positive note compared to the previous year.
Musically, I’ve produced and released 24 tracks, and I’m especially proud of two of them: Lolita, released on Gain Records, and Dies Ires (Massimo Logli Remix) on Warner Music Italy.
And now, Origins… my debut LP. It’s been a great musical year for me.
What does the title of your debut LP Origins represent to you, and how does it reflect your journey as an artist?
As the title suggests, this is an album that delves into the roots of my past in house and electronic music from the ‘80s and ‘90s.
What was your creative process behind it? Was there a specific sound goal from the start?
It was a very long, complex, and costly process.
Even though we sampled a few elements from the past—otherwise, it wouldn’t have made much sense—the rhythms and grooves were entirely reinterpreted.
The goal was simply to experiment!
I wanted to merge sounds and styles from when I was between 14 and 20 years old.
I decided to collaborate in one of the best—if not the best—studios in Italy, HOG STUDIO.
With a techno expert, Hollen, and one of the leading underground house music experts, Gianni Bini, along with my own ideas, we produced this album. Since June, I’ve played and reworked it at various festivals and clubs in Italy.
I might be biased, but it’s an album that you can dance to from the first to the last track… as long as you have a good DJ who can pull it off, of course :-)))).
You’ve said the album is a “tribute to the sounds that shaped you as an artist.” Can you elaborate on which artists or genres have had the most significant influence on you?
I was born during the explosion of electronic music, and artists like Giorgio Moroder, Cerrone, and the whole ‘80s wave—Dire Straits, OMD, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Inner City, etc.—influenced me greatly.
I’m a child of music. I didn’t just listen to the artists I mentioned above; I danced to them.
We ‘80s kids didn’t label genres; we just danced to music, no matter where it came from.
I’ve never sided with a single music genre—punk, rock, new wave, disco, etc.—but instead, I immersed myself in all of them because of the melodies those records had. You’d step into the music and never want to leave.
How do you approach sound design, and which instruments or techniques do you rely on the most to create your textures?
Sound design is a crucial aspect of all my works for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s about creating a “sonic trademark,” the ability to be recognised in every track, regardless of the genre. Secondly, exploring the sonic landscape allows me to be more creative. I rarely, if ever, rely on presets.
My sound research also involves listening to a lot of music across various genres, which opens my mind.
Given your roots in the Italian techno scene, how would you describe the current state of techno there, and what do you think sets it apart from the global scene?
We’re in a historical moment for techno in Italy where there seems to be a bit too much “noise.”
Are people chasing ever-stronger synths and BPMs because the audience demands it? The younger generations are always right, I suppose.
It’s not my thing, and my recent DJ sets and musical projects demonstrate that.
For me, Berlin techno remains the one and only true techno, though experimentation—like I did with Origins—is always possible.
The track Qu’est-ce que vous voulez? has a unique groove. How important is it for you to experiment with new rhythmic structures and sounds in your productions?
Yes, there’s nothing sampled in this track, which makes it unique, and I’m very attached to it.
Experimentation is the foundation of music; without it, you’d remain slaves to the past.
You’ve built a strong following through your DJ sets. How do you translate the energy of your live performances into your productions, and how does this influence your creative process?
Being in front of an audience and playing my productions helps me understand from their reactions what works and what doesn’t.
This is incredibly helpful because I can see what had more impact and what didn’t, and I incorporate that into my next productions.
It gives me the drive to create new music.
What else do you have planned or are currently working on now that the album is out?
I’m working on two other albums—one focused on hypnotic techno and the other on hard techno. Two opposites that meet within me.
What dreams and goals do you have for 2025?
That ideas never abandon me.
Massimo’s “Origins” LP us out now on his label Superba Records
Grab it here
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