Contributing WriterAdesso Music lines up a super-group collaboration for its next release, ‘I Can No Longer Hide’, bringing together the talents of Thomas Schwartz, Fausto Fanizza, Serra 9, and vocalist Jova Radevska on October 24. We sat down with Thomas Schwartz and Fausto Fanizza to discuss the new release, creative process, and their musical influences.
1. Hi Thomas and Fausto, thanks for sitting down with us today. What have you been up to recently?
We’ve been working a lot on some new ideas but also on some old projects that we had on our HD. Plus I’ve devoted [Tom] much of my recent time to honing my piano skills under the mentorship of my maestro.
2. You have been collaborating in the studio for several years now. How did this relationship come about? And what made you want to decide to make your working relationship a regular thing?
A mutual friend who used to go in a club where Fausto were resident Dj near Milan, introduced us, and we soon realized we lived in the same village. That chance encounter turned into a partnership that has lasted more than three decades, built on a shared love of music and a natural complementarity in our artistic approaches.
3. What does your creative process look like when making music together? Do you take the same approach with each release?
Our creative process has remained more or less the same over the years, whether the starting point is one of my (Tom) ideas, something Fausto brings forward, or even a remix for another artist. We always begin by asking ourselves a few essential questions: What is the strength of this track, and what is its weakness? What kind of vibe does it convey? What strikes me most about it? And finally, where do we want to take it — in which direction?
Once we’ve reflected on these questions and have a shared vision, we move on to the most enjoyable stage: bringing the track to life through the production process.
4. Congrats on your latest release on Adesso Music! It’s a beautiful sound – can you tell us a bit about the track and how it came to be?
We received the track from a talented producer named Serra9, who reached out to see if we’d be interested in working on it. From the first listen, we were intrigued — the piece already had many interesting elements, and above all, a truly captivating voice. We decided right away that we wanted to be part of it.
5. You’ve worked with some big labels and artists over both your careers. What are some of your favourite releases and artists that you’ve worked with?
[Tom]: I had the pleasure to work with Sudha (Faithless) on a song called ‘Leche’ featuring Grammy-nominated singer Zoë Johnston (Faithless / Above&Beyond). After 15 years I still find it amazing. Another one that comes to mind is ‘You Would’, our first ever track released on Anjunadeep.
[Fausto]: Well, for sure “Jambe Myth” (“Love will set you free” in the vocal version”) that we made back in 2001 as Starchaser. It’s a really magical track. I would also say “Jupiter Calling” which gave us a lot of satisfactions in 2008.
6. What era of music do you both think has influenced your music the most, and why? Do you think it’s important to study the music of the past to create good music now?
[Tom]: Most of all the 80’s and 90’s which were the years in which I grew up. I would spend hours devouring music. Is it important to study the music of the past? Definitely. The music we listen to today is the product of a long journey that started centuries ago. For instance, Bach’s music has taught me so much about structure, balance, and emotion.
[Fausto]: David Gilmour and Pink Floyd have been my favorite artist and band since the very beginning of their discography. I also have a deep admiration for Daft Punk—and yes, Chic as well; I think they’ve all had a strong influence on me.
7. Thank you both for joining us on Music is 4 Lovers! Have you got any more upcoming releases in the pipeline that fans can look forward to?
[Fausto]: Yeah, we’ve got a few new tracks in the works—some with an Afro vibe, others more on the proggy side. We’re just trying to keep it fresh and as original as we can
Buy Here