ROSSI | IT 2024 #03

As the Editor-In-Chief of Mixmag Italy, I’m thrilled to be back in the mix with the one and only Rossi.

Touching base with the artist who has been igniting dancefloors worldwide with his infectious beats and innovative soundscapes, and zooming in on his current developments and groundbreaking collaborations.

For this April issue, we’re cranking up the volume and diving deep into the evolution of his musical journey.

But before we drop the bass and get lost in the beats, let’s hit pause for a moment and rewind to learn more about Rossi.’s intriguing past….

Did you know that prior to gracing the decks, Rossi. had his sights set on the stage as an actor? Yes, you read that right. From the age of 8 to 19, Rossi. honed his skills in the realm of acting, captivating audiences with his performances. Little did he know, these early experiences would lay the foundation for his DJ career. The art of reading a crowd, commanding a stage, and engaging with an audience were all skills honed during his time in the spotlight. Fast forward to today, and Rossi. seamlessly blends his acting prowess with his musical finesse.

“Before being a DJ, I used to be an actor (some people already know this about me), but my lifelong goal was to be an actor. I always had an obsession with performing for people and I get a kick out of entertaining, not fully sure why, but I’ve always loved it. I trained and worked as an actor between the ages of 8 - 19 and had my hopes set on it. But slowly as I got older I developed a new obsession… which was DJing and producing! I believe the tools I learnt in performing as an actor have significantly helped me in my musical career."

"Things like, how to read a crowd and adapt sets depending on mood or the environment of a club, how to hold a good stage presence, connect with your audience, and be able to use social media comfortably on camera when making content. I believe all this is so important for engaging with crowds these days who, let’s face it, people are getting shorter attention spans because of the world we live in. These were all things that I never realized would be such an integral part of making me the artist I am today.”

In the world of electronic music, Rossi.’s label, ROSSI.HOME//GRXWN, stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation. Since its inception, the label has been a breeding ground for groundbreaking music and boundary-pushing artistry. From chart-topping releases to unforgettable artwork, ROSSI.HOME// GRXWN has solidified its place in the hearts of music enthusiasts. What sets it apart? It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about storytelling. Each release is a chapter in a larger narrative, a testament to Rossi.’s commitment to crafting an immersive experience for listeners. And let’s not forget the ink — yes, you heard that right. Fans have taken their love for the label to the next level, immortalizing its artwork on their skin. Now that’s what you call dedication.

“The label has been such a fun project to embark on. I think the first thing is just the success the releases and feedback have had on all ends, it’s been overwhelming how much love we have been getting from both artists & fans of the label. "

"I don’t like to look for chart numbers as moments or milestones but instead, look for things I’m proud of as a brand that we are doing. For instance, people love the concept of the artwork as well as the music that has been released. People have loved these so much that I have seen numerous tattoos of the artworks we have created that people have got their bodies … which to me is crazy!!! I’m proud of this stuff as I think a good label should tell a story or have something which really shows its own identity to start a real cult following, and I think we have already started to achieve this with the design concepts on the label. Each artwork is co-created with our artists to feature imagery that represents the music or the artists themselves.”

Collaboration is the name of the game and Rossi. is no stranger to the art of partnership. One recent collaboration that stands out? His session with the incredibly talented Cameron Bloomfield. Together, they ventured into the studio, blending Rossi.’s electronic soundscapes with Bloomfield’s soulful vocals and live instrumentation. The result? Pure magic. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of collaboration, pushing creative boundaries and exploring new sonic territories.

I’ve collaborated with all sorts of artists across the years and I have learnt something new from each session that has helped me develop. Recently I collaborated with a very talented musician called Cameron Bloomfield. We got together in the studio, where he sang and played various instruments to bring my ideas to life! It was such a fulfilling experience, being able to trial things with a very gifted musician and hear ideas that sit in your head, come to life at that moment. I usually make music in the box of my laptop, I don’t really play piano or guitar... so it was such a special process to work with live instruments and see how Cameron would work with my ideas. I look forward to another session with him.“

In the ever-changing landscape of electronic music, Rossi. remains at the forefront of innovation. His sound? It’s constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the studio.

While some chase after fleeting trends, Rossi. stays true to his vision, crafting music that resonates on a deeper level. With each release, he invites listeners on a journey, inviting them to explore the depths of sound and emotion. It’s not about the hits; it’s about creating timeless music that stands the test of time.

“It’s a pleasure to have been receiving such positive attention for my music. Musically I am always trying to develop my sound and really see what I can make if I push the boundaries. In the studio, I’ve been collaborating with a lot of musicians and vocalists from other genres to push to that next stage as a producer. I see a lot of producers nowadays trying to make that “hit banger” but for me, I am really focused on trying to make music that reality connects with people on a level, music that can last the test of time. Also, try to make music that people would hear and not assume that I have made it. I believe this is important as trends of sound can come and go in the blink of an eye, so I am always looking ahead and trying to already ignite the stage of my sound to develop with time over the years as an artist. I don’t just want to be a one-hit wonder, I’d like to look back at my career one day and be proud of the development in my music over a long time span.”

Tour life can be a whirlwind of highs and lows, but for Rossi., balance is key. After a period of self-reflection, he embarked on a journey of self-improvement, embracing the ‘75hard’ challenge with open arms. From clean eating to daily workouts, Rossi. prioritized his physical and mental well-being, reaping the rewards both personally and professionally. Now, armed with renewed energy and focus, he’s ready to conquer the stage and the studio with newfound vigour.

“I think the importance of looking after your physical and mental health is the pinnacle of a successful career. At the end of 2023, I had a bit of time to do some self-assessment. I found that I was constantly tired, I wasn’t making as much music and overall was less productive in my own time. I feel this was all brought on by an unhealthy lifestyle that I had been leading on tour, which spilled into my way of living when I was at home! Constantly eating junk food at airports, drinking at gigs (sometimes too excessively) and not keeping active. So at the start of 2024, I was challenged by my manager to do the ‘75hard’ challenge. Follow a healthy diet, 2x workouts a day, 10 pages of reading, drink 1 gallon of water, journaling and sobriety every day for 75 days."

"I can honestly say this was the best decision I’ve ever made, I didn’t realize the impact this would have on me not only physically but mentally. From not drinking alcohol alone the benefits have been so clear, I have so much more energy as I’m not chasing the days when I’m on tour and running on 2-3 hours of sleep. The healthy eating and drinking water have gottn my body in check, then the exercise has really boosted my mood.”

“Overall, combining everything, I have become so much more positive and even more goal-driven… it’s got me back to making music at any spare moment. After the 75 days are done, I plan to carry on the sobriety in clubs and working out daily as it has had such a positive impact on my life and career.”

From sunrise sets in Miami to sold-out shows in LA, Rossi.’s recent tour of the USA was nothing short of extraordinary. But amidst the glitz and glamour, it’s the moments of connection that resonate the most. Whether it’s sharing the stage with longtime friends or shredding the slopes in Vail, Rossi. cherishes every moment spent with fans and fellow artists. It’s these experiences that fuel his passion and drive him to new heights.

“Yes, tour life can be crazy! Recently it has all been pretty positive. I just got back from a tour in the USA, which was one of my most enjoyable experiences abroad. Started things off in Miami playing 8 hours with Chris Stussy on the terrace at Space Miami! It is a pleasure to share the decks with Stussy as we have both known each other since the start of our growth, so it was a special morning playing together at Space. I then went on an incredible week where I played in Arizona and was surprised by the promoter with tickets to see the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, before my gig that night… The Chilli Peppers were immense! Then I flew into LA for a day to play at Skyline festival, which was a packed out stage of 3000-4000 people, probably one of the best festival stages I’ve played on, and then the final stop on the tour I played in Vail at a Ski resort! We spent two or three days on the slopes out there."

"This trip in general is a standout because I can’t believe that a hobby I once had, has turned into a professional career where I get to experience all these incredible things. I’m forever grateful.”

What’s next for Rossi.? With an EP on the horizon and a slew of exciting projects in the works, the future looks brighter than ever. While details remain under wraps, one thing’s for sure — Rossi.’s musical journey is far from over. So buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

“Upcoming projects for me this year; I have one EP which I have coming on a label very close to my heart. I can’t disclose which one at the moment. But I’m happy to say that I feel it’s my most mature and meaningful music I have produced (very fitting for the label). This will be coming out towards the end of this year and I cannot wait to share it with you all.”

Reflecting on his journey, Rossi. acknowledges the challenges and triumphs that have shaped him both personally and professionally. From the birth of ROSSI.HOME//GRXWN events to the ‘75hard’ challenge, each experience has been a lesson in perseverance and growth. And as he continues to evolve as an artist, Rossi. remains grateful for the unwavering support of his fans, who have been with him every step of the way.

“Recently I think the biggest lessons I’ve learnt or challenges I have had to face have been the birth of our ROSSI.HOME//GRXWN events! We recently threw a party in a never-before-used, secret warehouse, in Manchester. "

"I can say throwing events are the most anxious yet fulfilling experiences ever. I think at first I fully underestimated how much it takes to put on a large-scale event, especially in a venue that has never been used before for a rave! It taught me valuable lessons in preparation, communication and the do’s and don’ts when it comes to running a successful party (of course I’m still learning). But all in all the event in Manchester was a huge success, we sold out, the DJs all smashed it and the feedback after the party was overwhelmingly positive! I cannot wait for our next one, which is going to be in August, but I will wait to announce which venue it will be in.”

To Rossi.’s fans, a heartfelt thank you. Your support and dedication have been the driving force behind his success, propelling him to new heights and inspiring him to reach for the stars. As he continues on his musical journey, Rossi. remains eternally grateful for the love and encouragement you’ve shown him. Here’s to the future, filled with endless beats, unforgettable memories, and a whole lot of love. Cheers to you, and here’s to the music that connects us all.

“To any of my fans, I would just like to personally thank each and every one of you. The support and love that I have received over the years, both online and in person, is something I will forever be in debt to you for. People buying music, playing it, buying tickets to see me play (multiple times), supporting my events, writing to me online, coming up to me in clubs, making signs and even just cheering me on. It is because of all of you guys that I get to do what I do and live this life, I wake up grateful every day at the thought of that. Thank you.”

As we come to the end of our journey through the captivating world of Rossi., it’s clear that his story is one of passion, perseverance, and above all, love for the music.

From his humble beginnings as an aspiring actor to his current status as a powerhouse DJ and producer, Rossi. has never lost sight of his roots.

As we bid farewell to this chapter, let’s carry with us the lessons learned, the memories made, and the beats that continue to unite us all.

Until next time, keep the music alive and the dance floor thriving.

Cheers to Rossi., and here’s to the endless possibilities that await on the horizon.

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