Contributing Writer
Italian DJ/producer Michele Tiberio has been carving out his place in the underground house and techno scene with a sound that blends emotion, groove, and authenticity. His latest EP, If God Wants, is a bold and soulful statement that showcases his refined production style and deep connection to music as a form of storytelling. We caught up with Michele to talk about the inspiration behind the EP, his creative process in the studio, and his views on the ever-evolving dance music landscape.
Hey Michele Tiberio, welcome to Music Is 4 Lovers! How are things?
Hey guys, thanks so much for the warm welcome and for having me. Everything’s going great on my end, and I’m really happy to be answering these questions for you!
“If God Wants” feels like a very confident and bold statement. What inspired the title and the overall creative direction of the EP?
“If God Wants” is one of the tracks that means the most to me because of how it came to life. Everything happened in a very natural and spontaneous way. It all started when I found an organ loop in a sample pack from my library. As soon as I heard it, I imagined a female voice on top of it.
I started searching for a vocal with a house vibe, and after just a few minutes, I found the perfect one. It felt like it was meant to be. I split the vocal into two channels and pitched both parts to make it fit better with the loop. But there was a problem—the organ had no bass, so I spent a lot of time creating the right kick and bassline to make the track sound full and powerful.
I was really excited about how it turned out, so I sent it to my videomaker and best friend. As soon as he heard it, he said, “Let’s call it If God Wants.” We both feel connected to that phrase, and you can feel it in the lyrics, too.
Each track has its own character. How do you decide when a track is finished and ready to be part of a bigger project like this? Is there a process of trialing it out live before you know it can be released?
For me, a track is finished when I feel like I’ve said everything I wanted to say with the sounds. It’s more about a feeling than a technical rule. Sometimes I listen to it after a break – maybe a few days or weeks—and if it still gives me the same emotion or energy, I know it’s ready.
I don’t always test my tracks live before releasing them, but when I have the chance to play them in a set, it definitely helps. You can really understand how a track connects with people and if it works on the dancefloor. But in the end, I trust my ears and my gut. If the track tells its story and fits the vibe of the whole project, then it’s ready to be part of it.
The collaboration with Cletus on “My Love” stands out. How did that partnership come about, and what was it like working together?
Working with Cletus was really special for me. We’re very close friends, and that made the whole process super natural and fun. We’ve shared a lot of time together, both in and out of the studio, so we already understand each other’s style and energy. “My Love” came out of a very relaxed session; we were just vibing, sharing ideas, and suddenly everything started to flow. It didn’t feel like “work” at all. That’s what I love the most about working with friends: there’s no pressure, just Music and connection. I think you can really feel that energy in the track.
Dance music is often described as cyclical, with trends coming back in new forms. Where do you see yourself within today’s underground scene?
I see myself as part of a new generation that’s building on the past but also trying to bring something fresh. I love digging into old sounds and inspirations, but I always try to give them my own personal twist. I think the underground scene today is really open to experimentation, and that’s where I feel most comfortable, somewhere between the classic and the new. I don’t like to put myself in a specific box or genre. I just try to make Music that feels real to me and that can connect with people on the dancefloor. If it sounds honest and has a vibe, then I’m happy with where I’m at.
Can you walk us through your studio workflow? Are you someone who starts with a groove, a melody, or a concept?
My workflow usually starts with a lot of listening. I take time to explore sounds, samples, or music that inspires me; it helps me get into the right mood. Then I usually begin with the kick and the bass. For me, that’s the foundation of everything. If the low-end feels good, I can start building the rest around it.
Once I have a solid groove, I add elements step by step. Melodies, textures, vocals, whatever the track needs. I try not to force anything; I just follow the vibe and let it evolve naturally. Sometimes a track comes together quickly, sometimes it takes longer, but I always start from a feeling rather than a fixed idea.
What role do vocals play in your productions? Both “If God Wants” and “Dynamite” use them in very different but powerful ways.
Vocals play a big role in my productions. I love how just a few words or a certain tone can create an emotion or tell a story. In “If God Wants,” the vocal feels spiritual and deep, almost like a message; it really sets the mood of the track. On the other hand, “Dynamite” uses vocals in a more rhythmic and energetic way to push the groove and bring that dancefloor energy.
I always try to use vocals in a way that adds personality to the track. Whether it’s emotional, raw, or just catchy, it has to feel natural and meaningful to me. Sometimes it’s the vocal that inspires the whole track.
What excites you most about the current state of house and techno, and what do you feel is
missing?
What excites me the most is how diverse and open the scene is right now. There’s so much creativity happening, with artists mixing different styles and pushing boundaries. I love seeing new sounds emerge while still respecting the roots of house and techno. It feels like a fresh wave of energy and ideas.
What I think is missing sometimes is a deeper connection or emotion in some tracks. I feel like some music loses its soul. Also, I feel like the real spirit of clubbing is missing the genuine fun and energy of people really enjoying themselves in the clubs. Too often, it feels like it’s just about following trends or being fashionable, instead of truly living the music and the moment. For me, the best music and nights are the ones where everyone is there to dance, connect, and have fun, not just to be seen.
If we peeked at your playlists outside of house and techno, what guilty pleasures would we find?
You’d find a little bit of everything! I’m really open to all kinds of Music. Jazz, soul, blues, hip hop, rap, trap, drill, even merengue, salsa, and bachata. I love exploring different styles because each one has its own vibe and energy. Sometimes I just want to chill with some smooth jazz or soul, other times I’m in the mood to dance to Latin rhythms or catch some new hip hop beats. For me, good Music is good Music, no matter the genre.
The scene is full of trends. What’s one thing you wish would disappear from dance music right now?
I think one thing I wish would disappear is the overuse of social media hype and chasing followers instead of focusing on the Music itself. Sometimes it feels like the scene is more about likes, views, and trends online than about real connection and passion for the Music. I believe dance music is made to bring people together and create moments, not just to gain popularity on social platforms. I’d love to see artists and fans focusing more on the Music and the experience rather than the numbers.
What’s next after the “I f God Wants “EP? Are there upcoming projects, collaborations, or tours you can share?
There are many upcoming releases in the pipeline, but nothing is confirmed just yet. I’m really excited about what’s coming and can’t wait to share it with everyone soon. Stay tuned because I’ll be announcing everything as soon as it’s official!
Follow:
Michele Tiberio – Instagram / Soundcloud / Spotify
Sound D’Elite – Instagram / Soundcloud
