One of the most versatile DJs in the poll, Italy's Mauro Picotto first rose to prominence with trance monsters like 'Iguana' and 'Komodo', but since the early part of this decade has focused his efforts on techno music. Initially favouring tougher, loopier sounds, Picotto's style has got more stripped back and tripped-out, reflecting the rise in popularity of minimal. This summer saw Picotto again run his weekly Meganite party in Ibiza, where he was joined by guests like Adam Beyer, Christian Smith, Marco Carola and Slam who, like the Italian DJ, understand how to bring hard techno's dynamics to the minimal style. The club now also takes place in Picotto's home town, Turin. "It's been a good year because after five years running Meganite in Ibiza, we've just completed another successful season," Mauro says, sounding relaxed and happy. Picotto's commitment to Meganite and his own touring schedule, mainly across Europe - "It's been as busy as always," he says - means he's only released one single, 'Flashing', on his Alchemy label. However, the imprint is home to new artists like Athos, Daniele Papini and Markantonio, whose work featured on Picotto's 'Meganite Ibiza' mix CD this year. Conscious of changing technology, Picotto has also set up a digital sub-label for Alchemy. As he cryptically remarks: "Music and technology run parallel, as technology advances so does music. The science influences my lifestyle everyday." With Meganite finished for another year, Picotto is touring South America and will be focusing on Europe so he can finally get back in the studio.