Claudio Iacono is a pioneer of Italy's underground electronic dance movement, making his debut in the early 90s. He began his journey in the iconic clubs located between Rome and Naples, establishing his presence in the scene through performances with the warehouse organization. Claudio played at venues such as Zen in Sperlonga and The Q, quickly moving on to residencies at Rome's top clubs like Frankie Goo, Piper, Bush, and Extravaganza. Known for his versatile sound, Claudio's sets have been a staple of Italy's nightlife. In the 90s, he became a resident DJ at the legendary Zulu club in Gaeta, a venue that rose to prominence in the national club scene. There, Claudio collaborated with renowned DJs like Ralf, Salvatore Stallone, Flavio Vecchi, and Ricky Montanari. His close friendship with Claudio Coccoluto resulted in numerous joint performances. Claudio’s music style draws from a diverse range of influences, allowing him to remain innovative and adaptable.

As a producer, Claudio has released numerous tracks through labels such as HSL, GDR Trax, and Seven Island Records. His *Ever Clouded EP* was supported by industry heavyweights like Ritchie Hawtin, Maceo Plex, and Agoria. His breakthrough in the international clubbing scene came with his track *Ya Miss U*, which Solomun featured in his Momentum episode for Pins and Needles. Claudio has continued to produce critically acclaimed music, with his latest project *Nishane* gaining attention from Nick Warren, who featured it in his set at EGG.

Claudio joins in on 6AM's Guest Mix series and talks to us about his latest release NISHANE on Pins and Needles, the Italian dance music scene and future releases.

 

Hi Claudio, thanks so much for talking to 6AM! How are you doing?

Thanks, 6AM! I’m doing well, feeling pretty lucky. It’s been a long and sometimes challenging journey in my music career, but with the support of the Pins and Needles label, I’ve made significant progress over the last few years. I’m really happy to be chatting with you guys now!

 

You’ve been a part of Italy’s underground dance movements since the early ’90s, performing in some of the country’s most iconic clubs. How do you think the Italian electronic scene has evolved since then, and what has kept you grounded in it for so long?

Honestly, the Italian electronic scene hasn’t evolved in the best way. There are fewer clubs now and too many DJs are using new setups. As a DJ, I still use vinyl because I believe the new controllers have made it too easy for new DJs to enter the scene without a strong foundation or background. While I do a lot of gigs, I aim to play more in the European scene.

 

Your latest release, Nishane, on Pins and Needles has been getting attention from some big names. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the track and how your relationship with Pins and Needles has evolved over the years?

Yes, Nishane has been getting some great recognition from top DJs worldwide. The inspiration behind the track came from a trip to Istanbul. Nishane was inspired by a fragrance from a brand of the same name. The second track on my EP, Tero, continues with that intense and magical atmosphere.

My relationship with Pins and Needles has also evolved over time. Many new producers from central Italy, where I live, have been sending tracks to the label’s manager, my friend Philipp, to propose their work and we have a great relationship.

Having performed at massive events like the Techno Parade in Paris for half a million people and more intimate venues like Zulu Club, how do you adapt your sets depending on the size and energy of the crowd? Do you have a different approach for each?

I definitely have a different approach for each, but the vibe remains the same. I love atmospheres with indie influences, and my sound tells a story that unfolds in space and time, whether in a club or a festival. Vinyl is a great tool for creating that story because I have to remember and calculate the timing and BPM. I prefer darker, more intense atmospheres. There’s a lot of careful planning involved, and all of that makes the process really exciting.

 

With over 8 years working with Pins and Needles, how did that partnership start, and what’s the creative process like when working with them on new projects? What do you think makes this relationship stand out for you?

I’ve been a longtime friend of the founder of Pins and Needles. Over the years, we’ve grown together and achieved important results through mutual collaboration. It’s been a while now since one of my tracks, Ya Miss U, made it into Solomun’s setlist, which was a big moment for me. I used to send hundreds of emails without getting any replies, and now I receive hundreds of emails with remix and collaboration proposals. I think my partnership with Pins and Needles still has a lot to offer, and there’s more we will achieve together.

 

We’re excited to hear about the upcoming HiiRO remix of your track Ava Bang. How did that collaboration come about, and what do you think HiiRO brings to the remix that makes it unique compared to the original?

Ava Bang was a project aimed at a different audience and club culture. At the time, I was getting feedback that reminded me of Nicolas Jaar’s style. HiiRO’s remix adds a strong beat and bassline that’s perfect for contemporary clubbing and really elevates the dancefloor experience. I’m very happy with how it turned out. Philipp and I had been working on this idea for a long time, and now it’s finally here! I’ve already heard it being played by some big DJs, which is really exciting.

 

Thanks so much for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Yes, I’d like to take this opportunity to shout out a few DJs and friends who I think are incredibly talented and with whom I’ve collaborated on projects. A big shout out to my friend Jef (Contaminazione Sonore), Savino Martinez, and Ricky Cappelli – fantastic DJs who I always listen to!

Connect with CLAUDIO IACONO: Soundcloud | RA | Instagram