Contributing Writer
A rising star in Italy’s dynamic music scene, Side B has been making waves with his groove-driven releases on top-tier labels like Moxy Musik, Hottrax, and Mood Child, earning recognition from some of the industry’s biggest names. Last week, he marked his label debut on Kevin Knapp and Hutchtastic’s Plump Records with his thumping single ‘Artur’. We caught up with him to delve into his latest release and explore the creative process that shapes his vibrant sound.
Hi Side B, welcome to Music Is 4 Lovers! How are things?
Hi guys, a pleasure to be here. I am excited to have this interview with you. Living my days in the studio between samples and synthesizers.
You’ve made incredible strides since you started producing in 2019. What inspired you to get into music production, and did you expect to gain traction this quickly?
I was inspired to start as a DJ by my brother, who has always loved electronic music. Starting to play and take the first steps in the console, I came across selecting tracks from various producers, and it was there that I felt like a need to make my own music, to express what I had inside. Initially, I didn’t expect to blow up so fast and receive this support, but I realized that when you do something with your heart, it speaks for itself.
Your tracks have been picked up by labels like Moxy Musik, Elrow Music, and now Plump Records. How do you approach producing music that fits each label’s unique vibe while keeping your signature sound?
I usually start each track from scratch, I feel it will be more personal and will have a unique style. Before looking at what labels I’m searching for, I try to capture some sounds in the latest release that unite them with each other.
You recently collaborated with Samuele Scelfo on ‘Vibrate,’ which became a favourite during Marco Carola and PAWSA’s set at Destino. How did that collaboration come about, and how does it feel to see your music resonate on such a big stage?
I’ve always appreciated Samuele’s productions; anytime I have the chance, I play his music. I was looking for the title of a track played by Jamie Jones, but I couldn’t find it anywhere, and no one knew who the track in question was from. After a few months, the track appeared on my homepage as if by magic. I expressed my love for this track to Samuele and asked him if he was available to collaborate. He immediately asked me if I had any unfinished projects, and ‘Vibrate’ was stuck in a folder on my hard drive. I believed in that track, but I was stuck to a point without being able to finish it until I sent it to Samuele, who put his touch and came out ‘Vibrate’.
Your new single ‘Artur’ on Plump Records has a unique blend of bongo drums, heavy basslines, and club-driven rhythms. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track and what you wanted it to bring to the dance floor?
I was in my studio trying to create something really unique. Bored by loops I started to write my bassline on my Arturia, which is the fundamental sound of the track, and then started recording particular automations. In this track, as in my latest productions, there is no sample that can be found on the web; everything related to grooves, percussion, bass and whatever comes to my mind.
Many of your tracks are known for their punchy drums and distinctive grooves. Can you take us through your creative process and how you achieve such a powerful sound?
As I said before, all my tracks are made from scratch. First, I create my kick and my bassline, imagining the DJ I want to send the track to while he plays it in a club. I always start from the part where there is no groove and percussion to best define a punchy and groovy bassline; then I continue creating my groove and my percs keeping the phrase ‘Less is more’ in mind.
With support from legends like The Martinez Brothers, Jamie Jones, and Loco Dice, what would you say has been the most surreal moment of your career so far?
Even if it happened several times, the feeling is always the same! My heart starts beating like crazy before I realise it’s my track. The most surreal moment was when Jamie Jones opened his set at the Amè club in Brazil with my track ‘Tuku to’. I received videos from every angle other than the people who were there dancing; without a doubt, I was really experiencing something I didn’t expect.
Italy has a vibrant electronic scene. How has being an Italian artist shaped your sound, and what’s unique about the music culture there that you bring into your productions?
I think the Italian dance floor scene has a different power, so I try to put it as a clubber in my tracks, getting inspired too by what I like.
Looking ahead, what can we expect from Side B? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or gigs that you’re especially excited about?
I’ve some nice releases for this year and also for early 2025: a remix on Baikonur Recordings, one track on Moodchild and something really hot that I will keep a secret for the moment.
Side B ‘Artur’ out now via Plump Records – buy here
Follow Side B: Instagram / Soundcloud
