Join us for an exclusive and insightful quickfire interview with the talented DJs and music Producers Manu P, Andrea Rubolini, and Federico Rosa, as they reflect on their experiences and music highlights from 2023. In this interview, they share their favorite tracks, collaborations, memorable moments, inspirations, and more, offering a glimpse into their creative journeys in the past year. With powerful releases that saw them collaborate together, to important live shows at top venues and parties around Europe, these artists close an eventful year and get ready to start a new journey in 2024.
What was your favorite track or release of your own from 2023, and why?
MANU: Cajmere Dajae – Brighter Days (Marco Lys Remix) It was truly a House hit that all the best DJs also put in their sets and it’s exactly a song that I would put in one of my DJ sets.
ANDREA: My favorite track of mine that was released this year was “My Roots Original Mix” because I worked hard on it for months and got a great response on the track from my audience.
FEDERICO: My favorite track was definitely HELLMATE, Santiago & Carlitos, Chantal Lewis-Brown – ‘Show Me Love’. They revived a vocal and a historical melody on a Tech House groove while maintaining its original identity. Bomb track!
Name one festival or event you performed at, or attended in 2023 that left you in awe of the crowd’s energy.
MANU: There are 2 events I’m proud of this year and they are both from my brand The Cage.
A date at Cantiere 21 in Perugia in January and a date at Ministry of Sound in London in September. They were truly two absurd parties!!!
ANDREA: Certainly, The Cage party on July 29th at the Villa della Rose club together with Sven Vath, there was a truly unique atmosphere in that party!!!
FEDERICO: One of the first evenings at Bohemia here in Italy, the place where I am resident, comes to mind. Indescribable energy and vibes.
Which collaboration with another artist in 2023 stands out as a personal highlight?
MANU: Surely the song ‘Ice Baby’ that I did with Federico and which reached the No. 1 position on Traxsource’s Tech House chart was a great moment.
ANDREA: I could say the release on Happy Techno together with Manu P and Federico Rosa, I really like the track.
FEDERICO: The collaboration with my partners Manu P. and Andrea Rubolini “Penni Beleh”. We reached #1 on the Tech House chart on Traxsource.
Can you share a memorable moment from a fan interaction or message you received in the past year?
MANU: I have received so many compliments for what I do and for what The Cage is. In particular, I can tell you a Chinese guy in London told me that he had heard the best set of the year when I was playing.
ANDREA: There are many, but the best ones are when you have some shows in new places and meet people from other countries or cities.
FEDERICO: This summer, a Turkish guy wrote to me on Instagram, complimenting me on my music, especially on my track “The Party is Back.” He also mentioned that Chelina Manuhutu was playing it at a festival in Miami, which was a big deal because she’s one of my favorite DJs! He mentioned that he wanted to buy it but didn’t have many financial resources, so I sent him an email with my track for free download.
What’s the most played song in your personal music library from 2023 that wasn’t your own?
MANU: The most listened to is certainly not Electronic music. For a Tech House track, I think it’s Pawsa – Room Service (24 h Mix)
ANDREA: Luciano – Vinotinto… is really super!!!
FEDERICO: When I’m in the car I also like to listen to Rap music. Right now, I don’t know but according to “Spotify Wrapped” it’s Geolier – Monday (feat. Shiva & Michelangelo)
Tell us about a unique or unexpected source of inspiration that fueled your creativity in 2023.
MANU: I don’t have unexpected sources; I know where I want to go and I work to do it 🙂
ANDREA: Mainly my collection of 80’s and 90’s records, every time I listen to them in the studio they inspire me to work on new records.
FEDERICO: Nothing new, lately I’ve been taking a lot of inspiration from Latin music.
Name one piece of gear or software you couldn’t live without in the studio last year.
MANU: Now that I have purchased them, I tell you DJM A9 and CDJ 3000.
ANDREA: Turntables, I often rip samples from old vinyl records, and I think I couldn’t do without them now, and I think in the future too.
FEDERICO: Ableton Live and Roland TR-8.
Share a favorite memory from a behind-the-scenes moment while touring or producing in 2023.
MANU: The treatment I received during my gig at the Ministry of Sound in London from the organization was truly professional and of the highest level.
ANDREA: While I was doing the “Heaven Knows” edit of Donna Summer, I was already imagining the track being played at some festival or show by some big name, and a few days ago I discovered that Purple Disco Machine is playing it, a great satisfaction!!
FEDERICO: I don’t have a favorite memory… something unique always happens every time.
What’s the most meaningful lesson or takeaway you gained from your experiences in the music industry last year?
MANU: You need to have a clear objective to achieve and try to stay focused on it.
ANDREA: Don’t get discouraged, sometimes it happens that I work on a new album for weeks, without ever finding a key that I like, but with hard work I have always managed to come up with a groove that stimulates and excites me to continue producing.
FEDERICO: It’s not at all easy to get noticed in this world. Always believe in yourself, if you work hard and are constant, sooner or later great results will come. It is a process that takes time.
If you could sum up the essence of your musical journey in 2023 in just three words, what would they be?
MANU: Quality, professionalism and colour.
ANDREA: growth, grit and love.
FEDERICO: Believe in yourself!
We thank Manu P, Andrea Rubolini and Federico Rosa for sharing their time talking with us and sharing insights into their journey in 2023; the journey ahead promises more collaborations between them, powerful releases and unmissable live shows, so make sure to follow them on social media to learn more about their upcoming live performances and projects.
Manu P Online
Soundcloud | Instagram | Beatport
Federico Rosa Online
Soundcloud | Instagram | Beatport
Andrea Rubolini