Music's Week: What inspired you to become a musician, and what keeps you motivated to continue creating music?
AMARE: The experience that music has the power to influence our mood and enhance our experiences and memories in such profound ways, convinced me that making music is as important to society as being a professor teaching psychology and education, and doing research (which is what I did before becoming a musician). The unique and almost mystical ability of music to lift our spirits, and allow us to express a wide range of emotions, convinced me that music is my therapy!
Scientific studies have shown that listening to music can release dopamine and serotonin in the brain, and thus basically function as an instant antidepressant.
Music enhances the joy, excitement, or even the melancholy of the moments we cherish. Music adds layers of depth and meaning to our experiences.
The dancefloor is a place where the magical power of music is perhaps most palpable. Here, music transcends mere sound waves and becomes a shared emotional experience. Strangers become friends, and friends become even closer as they move in unison to the rhythm. The love shared on the dancefloor is a testament to music's ability to unite people, breaking down barriers and creating a collective euphoria. In these moments, the music is not just heard but felt, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and connection. That’s also the reason why I choose AMARE as my artist name. AMARE means “to love” in Latin.
Music's Week: Can you tell us about your songwriting process? Do you have a specific approach or routine that works for you?
AMARE: I use Ableton Live as my digital audio workstation (DAW). This software comes with an extensive library of sounds and instruments, and an array of tools to tweak your sound. The possibilities are endless, and there are new plugins and instruments released frequently.
Usually I browse through the different instruments and try out different rhythms and melodies on my Push, until I find a sound that I want to work with for the new track, and then I continue to build on that, looking for other instruments that fit well with it. It’s often a trial-and-error process of experimenting with different instruments, grooves, and melodies, and turning knobs, until I find the combination that resonates and creates the desired emotional impact. For the keys, I use the Oxygen 49 as midi controller.
Starting with Push to find the right sounds and then jamming to shape your initial ideas is a fantastic way to spark creativity. The tactile feedback of turning knobs and tapping pads can inspire new directions in your music, compared to only using a computer.
Music's Week: What was the inspiration behind your single "Squadra", and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
AMARE: VBROTH and myself have a similar taste in music. Our shared goal is to create those unique sounds and melodies that evoke deep emotional responses—those goosebumps-inducing moments that make music so powerful. This has led us to collaborate, first remixing each other's tracks, and then realizing that making a track together could help us push the boundaries of our musical creativity.
The process has been incredibly rewarding, blending our individual styles and influences to craft something that's deeply moving. The result is a melodic, emotional techno track that embodies our shared aesthetic. Squadra is designed to take listeners on an emotional journey, immersing them in a soundscape that resonates on a profound level. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when artists with a similar vision come together. That’s why the name of the track is Squadra, it means ‘team’ in Italian, because we make “a good squad”.
And this is just the beginning. Stay tuned, as there are more pieces in the pipeline.
Music's Week: Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how do you think they've impacted your own sound?
AMARE: My first foray into understanding music deeply was at ballet school, from the age of 4, where I learned that classical music compositions always tell a story. The intricate melodies and emotive power of classical pieces taught me how music can convey complex narratives and evoke profound emotions. Portraying music with body movements instilled in me an appreciation for storytelling through music, which is a theme I carry into my own compositions and DJ sets.
As a teenager, my musical preferences gravitated towards the raw energy of punk / rock / indie music. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and R.E.M. resonated deeply with the rebellious and empathic spirit in me. I also love singer-songwriter tracks, where the lyrics are poignant and personal. Artists like Simon and Garfunkel and Eels have for sure also contributed to my emphasis on the importance of storytelling and emotional connection in music.
The live recording of Simon and Garfunkel's concert in Central Park for instance, so purely shows their raw, unfiltered expression and ability to connect with audiences on a deep level.
Listening to jazz music has introduced me to complex harmonies and improvisational elements, enriching my musical palette and adding a layer of sophistication to my sound.
The alternative genres with their often introspective lyrics spoke more to my soul, and have definitely contributed to the edginess and emotional depth in my music.
Music's Week: What do you think sets your music apart from others in the same genre?
AMARE: I blend elements from other musical genres into my electronic compositions. I weave elements of soulful jazz melodies, raw rock energy and classical rhythms into a 4 by 4 track with a kick drum. I strive to channel the same intensity and authenticity in my own electronic music as you find in those genres to create a sound that resonates with a wide audience.
The incorporation of these varied musical styles not only adds depth and complexity to my music but also attracts listeners who might not typically gravitate towards electronic music. For instance, a jazz enthusiast might be drawn in by a familiar saxophone riff, while a rock fan could be captivated by a powerful guitar solo layered over an electronic beat. This fusion of genres creates a dynamic listening experience that keeps my audience engaged and eager to discover what unexpected twist or turn my DJ set might take next.
Music is a universal language, and by drawing from a wide array of influences, I can connect with listeners on multiple levels, evoking a range of emotions and sparking their imaginations. This commitment to inclusivity makes my DJ-sets interesting and helps me to create a special and warm vibe on the dancefloor.
Music's Week: How do you balance your creative vision with the commercial demands of the music industry?
AMARE: I have never thought about the commercial demands, I just try to make music I love.
Music's Week: What's been your favorite part about being a musician so far, and what's been the most challenging?
AMARE: Being a musician is a journey filled with highs and lows, but one of the most intense experiences is witnessing the audience's reaction to your music. There’s a unique form of connection that arises when you see people genuinely enjoying and vibing to the sounds you’ve created. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that your art has the power to move people, to make them dance, or even bring them to an emotional space they've never visited before. This shared experience creates an unspoken bond between you and your listeners, making all the hard work worthwhile.
However, the challenges of being a musician are equally significant. Managing multiple social media platforms can be daunting. Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with fans and promoting your work, but it is also a time-consuming and mentally draining task. Balancing the creative side of music with the business and promotional tasks can be overwhelming, often leaving little time for the actual art of making music.
Another challenge is navigating the egos in the music industry. The competitive nature of the industry often brings out strong personalities and ambitious attitudes, which can create a challenging environment. Dealing with different egos requires patience, and sometimes a thick skin. It’s essential to stay true to yourself and your artistic vision while staying diplomatic and managing relationships with others in the industry. Despite these challenges, the passion for music and the joy it brings to both the artist and the audience makes the journey still rewarding.
Music's Week: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited about? Can you share any details with us?
AMARE: Absolutely, there are some exciting projects and collaborations on the horizon! Really looking forward to releasing our EP Never Forget, coming out on the Brazilian melodic techno label, Timeless Moment. This project is a collaboration with my friend and incredibly talented producer, Mila Journée. We’ve created two unique and captivating songs that might give you those goosebumps.
I’m also thrilled about the upcoming release on my own label, Audacious. The next track, titled "Motus," features a live saxophone performance by the brilliant French artist Rogue Fire. I believe that this fresh and dynamic blend of electronic beats and live instrumentation has the power to stand out.
Music's Week: How do you engage with your fan base, and what do you think is key to building a strong connection with your audience?
AMARE: The main thing to build a strong following, is to always deliver, and never disappoint.
I try to connect with my audience by being genuinely interactive during my DJ performances. This involves reading the crowd and adapting my set to fit the mood and energy of the moment. I always try to create a unique and memorable experience for my listeners, making them feel special and valued. Incorporating new and surprising elements in each set ensures that each performance is distinct, keeping my audience excited and eager to return for more.
Consistency in delivering high-quality experiences is for me the most crucial factor in building a strong connection with my audience. Whether it's a live performance or a new release, giving your best effort and maintaining a high standard of excellence helps to establish trust and reliability. Fans appreciate the dedication and are more likely to remain loyal when they know they can count on you to deliver an exceptional experience. I hope that this commitment to never disappoint my audience can set me apart from others and will foster a deep sense of appreciation and loyalty among my followers.
Music's Week: Looking back on your career so far, what are some of the most memorable moments or experiences that stand out to you?
AMARE: Reflecting on my career so far, there have been numerous memorable moments that have significantly shaped my journey as an artist. One of the most exhilarating experiences has been performing at Tomorrowland, not just once, but seven times so far. Tomorrowland is one of the most renowned electronic dance music festivals in the world, and having the opportunity to play there has helped me to grow and get recognition.
Other highlights of my career have been playing at the iconic Watergate club in Berlin, Cairo Jazz Club in Egypt, Public Works in San Francisco, Extrema Outdoor Festival in Belgium, …
Releasing music on Katermukke, one of my favorite labels, has been incredibly fulfilling. Katermukke is well-known for its eclectic and innovative, open-minded approach to deep house and techno music, and being part of their roster is a dream come true. The support from the label and the positive reception from fans have been immensely encouraging.
Each release is a labor of love, and seeing it resonate with listeners around the world is a deeply rewarding experience. These milestones, along with countless other interactions and performances, have made my career an exciting and enriching journey.
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