Italian Electronic-Techno music producer Uncrat combines raw electronic drumming with heterogeneous sonic layers, to the limit of harmony, a combination of machines and software, giving them the space to interpret the data received in different ways.
Behind Uncrat is Donato Liuzzi, one of the figures of the new Italian school, specialised in crafting emotional, aggressive and captivating Techno, still in continuous musical evolution.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
I was born in the 90s, in Italy. This means that my childhood was marked by dance music. I found some interesting melodies from my father’s 80s records. Those Depeche (Mode) spatial synths are part of me. The first track that I believe has marked my desire to make music is ‘At les’ by Carl Craig. I was 15 and I couldn’t understand what I was listening to, lol. Everything started from there.
What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?
Living with music wouldn’t hurt 🙂 I’d like to see more and more artists doing what they love, but with freedom. Few of them do it. It seems as if you can’t get past a certain standard. Music is art, it must be respected. At all levels
Success is a bubble created by the media.
What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?
Surely Live is the most significant piece I own. I play a lot with the dsi tempest, It’s very fun, if you go into its meanders, you don’t go out anymore. For the pads I’m using an ensoniq esq-1. Its curtis filter excites me every time. As well as the extreme synth modulation. Aalto by Madrona labs, my God.
I’m getting closer to algorithmic music. In face the wunder you can appreciate stuff created with tidal cycles
Outside of music, what inspires you?
I listen to so much music every day. If I don’t do this, I watch movies, they always leave me something to turn into music. I’d like to paint, embed colours as in music but now I don’t have time.
What kind of relationship do you have with the internet? How does this inform your artistic expression?
Love and hate, if you don’t post shit on social media you are not followed. Music suffers. But thanks to the internet I discovered Aphex twin, I think is enough.
Which aspect of being an independent artist and the music-making process excites you most and which aspect discourages you most?
It’s good for me, I can publish what I like best on Proper Line. I have no limitations, I feel free. Take the risk that your music may not like it, it’s part of the game.
How do you market and manage your music career? Do you have a management team or do you control everything by yourself?
I have some collaborators, Fabrizio Narcisi takes care of the graphic aspect of the label, Chiara the advertising environment. I make music 🙂
As a performer or as a member of the audience, what single show has been the most memorable for you?
Among the last, the Tresor was certainly something magnificent for me. It was summer, you can imagine the heat in that room. People involved at every change. Three hours of delirium. When there is synergy, everything works!
I remember even more the messages following the evening from those who were there.
Please suggest an album for us to listen to.
It’s a film, Adventures of Mowgli, music by Sofia Gubaidulina
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
There will be important collaborations for 2020. And I will give more emphasis to the Proper Line programming.
I’m preparing a life, but I’m still not satisfied. It’s a long journey.
Follow Uncrat online
Soundcloud | Spotify | Instagram | Facebook
