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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
98
Daddy’s Groove
| RE-ENTRY
From: Italy
 
Rising star DJ/producer of 2021: “Topic.”
 
 
Lockdown provided the members of Daddy’s Groove, Carlo Grieco and Peppe Folliero, precious time to focus on family (quite the apt brand alignment), as well as an opportunity to immerse themselves in the studio where they continued their longstanding tradition of pumping out bangers. 
 
The Italian duo ended 2020 on a comparably high note when they unleashed ‘When We Fall’, a groovy house melter featuring the passionate vocals of fellow Naples native, Iossa. The pop-adjacent track, which was released via Spinnin’ Records’ SOURCE sub-label last November, offered an uplifting respite to fans as clubs sat shuttered. 
 
Their newest release ‘Back 2 Future’ EP is a synth-laced journey that trance and progressive house heads will no doubt appreciate. Brimming with high-powered throwback energy, ‘Back 2 Future’ EP manages to sound effortlessly fresh for the guys who have numerous shows in store for 2021 and 2022 as venues in Europe and Asia reopen. These days, Carlo serves as the DJ while Peppe sits in the co-producer seat (hence why Carlo is pictured solo here). 
 
 
How was your first gig back after lockdown?
 
“It was astonishing. One of my best experiences ever. It wasn’t easy to handle my mood without the warmth of the crowd.”
 
 
How have the last 18 months changed how you view your work/life balance?
 
“More focus on little things in life, more time with my kids and family, more focus on the music in the studio. Everything has changed, but not always in a bad way.”
 
 
What further steps should the industry take to combat climate change?
 
“Considering that there’s no more time left, environmental sustainability has to be the priority before anything happens in all fields.”
 
 
What’s the best bit of tech you’ve added to your studio or DJ setup this year?
 
“Lately in the studio, we’re using a lot of the plug-ins developed by our friends at Acustica Audio, for mixing and mastering purposes. They have really changed the impact and quality of our sound in the last two years.”

What’s the best album you’ve heard this year?
 
“Camelphat’s ‘Dark Matter’ album: it’s a masterpiece.”