Reported by Dave Irvine
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Submitted 01-11-05 09:22
Mauro Picotto is one of the world’s biggest DJ stars. A fiery Italian and the ultimate eclectic musical maestro, he is worshipped throughout the globe for being the mastermind behind anthems such as ‘Charm’ and ‘Lizard’. He’s a DJ who is impossible to pigeon hole, but easy to love as he constantly seduces fans with his totally unique and energetic style. This Saturday 5th November he makes a rare visit to the UK at Twisted which welcomes him in an exclusive 4 hour showcase, Mauro Picotto: Past, Present and Future. As he prepares for this once in a lifetime treat I was lucky enough to get to interview one of the dance music’s greatest treasures.
Hi Mauro, first of all thanks for taking some time out of what I imagine to be a busy schedule. Could you tell us a bit about what is going on in the world of Mr. Picotto at the moment?
Hello there, no problems. I am busy as usual. I am preparing for the Past and Present tour, doing the finishing touches to my artist album and getting ready for another tour of Australia. I am also starting to organise next season’s Meganite and various tour dates to promote the launch.
Mauro Picotto playing at Meganite, Privilage, Ibiza
You have been on the music scene for around 20 years now, do you still enjoy it and feel you still get job satisfaction out of it all?
Absolutely, I am an extremely lucky guy. I earn a good living out of something I would do for nothing. If you asked any DJ, they would never tire of making people dance. It is a sensation which is indescribable.
In and around those 20 odd years you have done everything from djing and producing through to running your own night and managing a label and also had a family, apart from the obvious family side of things, which one have you enjoyed the most and why?
That is a good question. Each one has different qualities, but I have already explained that playing and making people dance is a great experience but I also get a similar sensation when I see another DJ play one of my productions and the crowd go crazy. The most enjoyable experience has been a combination of all three. Promoting an event I get satisfaction from the whole gig but add playing a new production to 5000+ at Meganite is amazing.
Meganite in Ibiza
Speaking of promoting a night, you have been back to the white isle this summer again with Meganite, how did that go?
It has been fantastic; we opened the whole venue and rammed it nearly every week. Not many clubs can do that and Meganite is one of the biggest parties on the island. I am going to change things slightly for next year, but hopefully we can have the same success.
You spend a lot of time in Ibiza during the summer season, what in your view still makes it such a big attraction year after year?
Ibiza is unique; if you are into electronic music you have to go to Ibiza. Everybody should go to Ibiza at least once in their lifetime.
You’re known for the flashy Meganite yacht that speeds about the bay during the summer. What's that all about? A flashy investment or just a luxury way to promote Meganite?
I have always dreamed of owning a boat, so when the opportunity presented itself I thought why not! It is also a great way of promoting Meganite; the journalists love it. Everybody from the Observer to Loaded has featured the boat and Meganite so it has been a valuable promotional tool. It is also the fastest boat in Ibiza; the paparazzi use it a lot to chase celebrities about the Island.
You have dj’d all over the world, London, Japan and even in a rainforest. Which countries have you/do you most enjoy playing and is there a gig that really sticks out in your mind?
The most memorable gig I’ve done was in the jungle in Colombia: for a start the pilot gave me the controls and I flew most of the way, much to the distress of my manager in the back. I am sure Sting wouldn’t be happy but they created a clearing in the jungle and brought all the production in. The backdrop was an illuminated cliff face with a natural waterfall cascading down it. As the sun rose we had giant multi-coloured parrots flying over my head, while monkeys jumped from tree to tree. It was a surreal but amazing experience, something I will never forget.
November 5th brings you to Twisted @ the Fridge, you don't really play in England much anymore, are you looking forward to returning to a good English/London crowd?
Absolutely, I love playing in the UK but it’s a big world out there and I personally prefer to be in sunnier climates. I am especially looking forward to this gig though. I am really excited to play some older tracks, I feel quite nostalgic just thinking about it. I would be interested in hearing the records the crowd are looking forward to.
So it’s a four hour set lined up. You were famed for your 6 hour sessions (though sometimes even longer I'm sure) at Gatecrasher. What can we expect down at Twisted or is it hush hush until the day?
I’ve got a good idea of some of the records I’m going to play but as usual it will depend on the crowd. I know what I will start with, the rest of the journey will be up to the crowd.
On November 5th you will playing alongside some of Twisted’s greats: Ian Betts, Lee Haslam and Nick Sentience. But who in your view out of the djing world do you like to see spin most and really can set a crowd alight?
Marco Carola is an exceptionally good DJ. There are others like Mistress Barbara for example. There are many others too, all the Meganite crew are very talented.
You have produced so many great tunes throughout the years. My two favourites that stand out apart from the obvious ‘Lizard’ are ‘Charm’ & ‘Bangkok’ but what has been your favourite or favourites over the years?
It is impossible to say, it is like choosing a favourite child. I love all my productions, sometimes for different reasons. Each production served its purpose.
And which tune do you maybe cringe at and think “maybe I should have stayed
in bed that day?”
As above.
What made you make the change from the trance side of things over to techno? Was it a growing up stage?
Yes. It was something that felt natural to me, I feel every artist has to mature or die. I know some people prefer my old style but I can’t keep everybody happy all of the time. Besides that is why I am excited about the classics set. I haven’t played some of the tracks for years.
How do you see the scene changing in the future is the death of vinyl definitely upon us or do you like to keep hold of a few bits to play out?
All DJs prefer vinyl because that is how we all started. I remember when I first started playing in the UK I used to bring a CD player with me. Some idiots used to accuse me of playing pre-recorded sets on it. Everything has changed since then of course, final scratch, CDS. It is a lot easier than carrying bags of heavy records.
Going back to ‘Lizard’ you are been known for you love of reptiles. Do you still consider yourself to be some kind of ‘Lizard’ or something, or is this a name you want to shake off?
It was just a name I gave to the record, then due to its success, I was asked to do follow ups, so it seemed natural to continue on the lizard theme.
What’s with the different coloured headphones you sport when djing?
Why not? I have a friend who sprays motorbikes so I asked him to do my headphones.
Outside the hectic world of music, what do you enjoy most?
I prefer to spend time with my family and friends.
So with the DJ Mag top 100 poll results being announced soon, how do you think you will fair? Do you think it’s a fair reflection of the DJ world?
I think I will remain around about the same as last year. I don’t play mainstream music so this is where I expect to end up.
And finally with the world cup approaching next year, how do you think the Italian stallions will fair? England vs Italy final maybe, an obvious winner there!(England I would hope!)
The problem with the England team is they have potentially the best players in the world but they will not win the World Cup, perhaps it’s all the egos or the lack of strong management. A team needs one leader and a common goal to succeed. You can have a formula 1 car but if you don’t know how to drive it properly you will never win the race.
Many thanks for your time Mauro, we look forward to Saturday November 5th @ Twisted.
Crossing the boundaries of musical styles is normally the kiss of death for most artists. Only the talented few can survive the typecasting that global success has brought them and Mauro Picotto is the leader of the pack. He crashed into the DJ Mag Poll in 2000, and has remained in there since!
Most Wanted Events & Twisted proudly present a very special evening, and undoubtedly one of the biggest events in this autumns clubbing calendar – MAURO PICOTTO – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
You’ll be treated to a stellar evening of everything Picotto, which over the past 15 years had appealed to everyone in one form or another.
Saturday 5th November sees this legendary DJ and producer take to the awesome Fridge for a night of ‘that was then, this is now, and here’s what’s next! Picotto will be joined by a plethora of talent including Nick Sentience, Lee Haslam, Ian Betts, PK, Chris Smith and Vandal & Chops.
So, what you waiting for, get yourselves geared up as the Lizard man makes preparation to take you on a very rare 4 hour journey through his vista of sound.
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
Comments:
From: JC-TAKTIKALon 1st Nov 2005 09:44.52 'Put that tongue away - what do you think your some kinda Lizzzzzzzzzzzard or someting'
heheheh Yes dave! Salute the Picotto!
From: Karl Schmidton 1st Nov 2005 09:46.25 Wicked interview... might have to come down and check it out... and of course to support my boy Vandal!!
From: marcopilfon 1st Nov 2005 11:19.24 everyone has their god dj and Mauro is mine.. is just typical that I can't make this event
From: K.A.R.L.on 1st Nov 2005 11:37.02 Wicked interview Dave........Mauro is a true legend and has definately influenced the style I play in a huge way. Can't wait for Saturday...........It's coming to get ya........
From: Less is Baton 1st Nov 2005 15:10.44 Go on the Irvine! good interview my son! sadly I wont be in london that weekend but have fun and it will DEFO ROCK
From: Lee Osborneon 1st Nov 2005 15:46.25 Good interview! gonna be a wkd night!
From: Matt Smallwoodon 1st Nov 2005 19:53.45 Picotto is a legend indeed! I still play 'New time, new place' I luuuuurve it! :o)
From: Beckaon 1st Nov 2005 20:55.02 Good interview, cant wait now!
From: steelo kuchikion 2nd Nov 2005 11:04.36 in the mix, nice interview with the pictoot davidoff
From: K8-eon 5th Nov 2005 11:54.07 New Time New Place
From: stewon 5th Nov 2005 16:01.12 i wanna go!!! have fun to all that are going! im out of rehab next week...
From: ReadyDon 5th Nov 2005 16:26.10 Add your comments here !
From: Jay27101on 7th Nov 2005 12:56.18 Went down to the Fridge to see Picotto, and he was absolutely excellent!!
He should come to London more often
From: Lady Five Starson 8th Nov 2005 11:22.53 Brilliant music!
From: Lady Five Starson 8th Nov 2005 11:23.12 Brilliant music!
From: Lady Five Starson 8th Nov 2005 11:23.25 Brilliant music!
From: Lady Five Starson 8th Nov 2005 11:24.13 Brilliant music!
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....Mauro is a true legend and has definately influenced the style I play in a huge way. Can't wait for Saturday...........It's coming to get ya........
good interview my son! sadly I wont be in london that weekend but have fun and it will DEFO ROCK 
