Fedele is the new eponymous alias from Fedele Ladisa. Better known as one of the three minds behind Agents of Time, we asked him to introduce us to his new character led in part by the advice of Charles Bukowski “If you are going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start”.
Who are you?
I’m a music lover deeply involved creating my idea of music.
Where are you from?
Bari, in the south of Italy. A city influenced by the sea.
What do you sound like?
A dystopic sound driven by visceral grooves designed to scratch the soul of the listener.
Why should we listen to you?
I’m constantly looking for new sounds and how to merge those with unexpected soundscapes.
If you are looking for something beyond a “certain” formula, then my music might be for you..!
What have you released so far? What else have you got coming out in the near future?
Last year I released a full electro EP under my Sharp Felon alias on Maceo Plex’s Lone Romantic.
My latest release is the EP ‘No Mercy For Beginners’ which is my debut on Tiga’s Turbo label. This release is under my Fedele alias.
Turbo is one of my top labels, so this was an important release for me.
Which of your tracks sums you up? Why?
I think maybe ‘Vampire Electronics’ which was the single from the Turbo EP. With this track, in particular, I bought both my alias’s styles together and merged their visions when it comes to sounds, beats, melody construction and futuristic elements to the structure of the track.
How did you get into DJing/producing to begin with?
I was at school when I started to get into music. I used to go to the school parties at first, and then of course as I got older, and was able to get into the clubs, I went as close to the DJ booth as possible to see what was going on.
I was always really fascinated by what the DJ’s were doing from both a technical and musical aspect. I fell in love and went on to learn how to mix, and then eventually produce.
I was actually really into hip hop, RnB and house first but then my taste changed and developed into electronica. I first played these small clubs in my hometown, but felt that this was not enough and to progress, I needed to make my own music, which took a long time to learn.
This was what enabled me to get some recognition in the scene and to get others listening to my music.
What are three things on your studio shopping list?
I am really into modular at the moment and the infinite possibilities to create new sounds with it. But I’ll also name some synths that I find interesting. My next buys are the Michigan Synth Works, Plankton Electronics Spice Distortion Unit and Korg Wavestate.
What or who is your biggest influence and why?
I have many but to name just a few; Aphex Twins, Nine Inch Nails, The Chemical Brothers and Matthew Johnson.
I think that these artists all share one common thing – that is to always be daring with your music, and push your own boundaries. By doing this, they have created their own unique sound and something which a lot of others look up to and admire.
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?
Basically everything if I think about. I cannot live without music in my life, be that DJ’ing or producing and the energy that it gives me to create it.
I think sleep is something I have definitely sacrificed, along with earning a steady salary which in itself can cause a lot of other sacrifices!
However, I feel free, happy and content in what I do, so that’s worth anything I think.
What’s been your favourite place to play so far?
I just love South America so much. Which country doesn’t really matter, there is just such an amazing atmosphere when you play there. The people are unbelievably passionate and always want to dance. Its a special place and I always look forward to going there.
Where can we hear your music?
Well, at the moment I’m still in studio mode, and I think you’ll be seeing me playing around with my solo project this summer.
In the meantime, I’ll be touring with my band (Agents Of Time) all over Europe with some gigs in South America.
What one song would feature on the soundtrack to your life?
When I was young, my brother and I woke to a beautiful song coming from the living room. My Dad had decided that day to re-install his old hi-fi system and so he played some records. The track was Franco Battiato ‘Centro Di Gravità Permanente’.
Then, of course, from that day I started playing around with the system. It’s a story for another time but ultimately where my production and tech obsession came from!
I would put this song as maybe a soundtrack to my childhood, as it reminds me of many days in the family home and of my youth in Italy.
What motivates you?
The idea and knowledge that dreams CAN come true if you don’t freeze or shut down when you have to deal with life’s difficult times.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
Before international support came, I had to find a way to support myself financially, so I started renting my technical equipment for parties and events.
During one of those events (an 18 hours rave on the beach) and after playing till the end, I had to dismantle my sound system.
I lifted an insanely heavy JBL subwoofer and fell on the ground losing consciousness. When I came round, a small trickle of blood ran from my mouth…
Moments like these are always there reminding me how music has had such an important role in my life and all the sacrifices I’ve made to make this dream happen!
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a …
dreamer surrounded by a world fulfilled with good vibes and that helps love dominate over hate.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received?
“If you are going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start.”
This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench.
It could mean jail. It could mean derision. It could mean mockery/isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you’ll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you’re going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It’s the only good fight there is”.
These are the words of Bukowsky, which have deeply touched me on numerous levels.
Where will you be in five years’ time?
Who knows?
I can only be sure that I will be creating music in some form which spreads love, promotes dancing and dreams.
Fedele’s EP ‘No Mercy For Beginners is out now on Turbo. Follow him on Facebook.