Benny Benassi Interview

Benny Benassi is undeniably one of the most well-known, well-loved and, above all, talented DJ’s/producers the world has to offer. Since the release of 2002’s ‘Satisfaction’ – we all remember that video – Benassi has gone on to work with a wealth of global superstars as well as create and produce his own music. This month, the man himself caught up with BBMLive ahead of his Creamfields Festival appearance for us to quiz him on all things Benassi.

Hi Benny, how are you today?

Very well, currently enjoying the British summer!

Where in the world are you right now, and what are you up to?

[I’m] in London enjoying a day off, before heading up to Cheshire for Creamfields.

How has 2013 been working out for you so far?

This year has been very exciting! I particularly enjoyed playing at TomorrowLand in Belgium, among other things.

Earlier this year you released ‘Dance The Pain Away’ with John Legend, how did this track come about?

John Legend was working with a friend, Jean Baptiste, who decided to send Alle (my Cousin and studio partner) and I this song they were currently working on. We listened to it, loved it and decided to produce it. We then agreed that because the arrangement of the track is unlike John Legend’s usual production, it would be better suited as a ‘Benny Benassi featuring John Legend’ track.

You’ve collaborated with so many amazing artists but is there anyone on your list that you still want to work with but haven’t yet?

Yes, there is…Bono.

Really! Do you find it easy to adapt to the different sounds and genres of the artists you collaborate with?

I think the general idea is to get our “guest” vocals to fit appropriately into our sound. That’s always a really interesting challenge that we face with collaborations.

‘Satisfaction’ was a huge success; when you were making the track, did you ever think you’d made such a big hit?

We all thought it would do well in the clubs, but never imagined it would cross over in such a big way.

What do you think it was about the track that really interested people?

Apart from the raunchy video? Only joking! I think it was because it sounded different. At that time everything was strictly categorized into ‘House’ ‘Techno’ or ‘Trance’ and they were quite different tribes who often didn’t want to have much to do with each other. There was also a small Electro scene with people like Robbie Rivera and the whole Electro House/Electro Clash movement. At that time we were working in the scene and were lucky enough to hit on something that a lot of people with varying tastes could all connect with. So it was the first commercial Electro House track to chart in such a big way.

Was there any reason in particular why you chose that style of video?

No, the truth is the credit goes to Ministry of Sound. They came up with the idea, found the director and got it made.

‘Beautiful People’ was another track that really took off and is still being played in clubs today. How important is it for you to create music that stands the test of time?

Well, it’s too early to say whether our music will stand the test of time but I hope it will. It’s not up to me though.

What do you like to get up to when you’re not making music?

I like to ride my bike, cook and spend time with my family. It’s all very boring, I’m afraid.

You’ve headlined festivals all over the world, but are there any festivals in particular that really stand out for you?

Coachella, Ultra, Electric Daisy Carnival… they’re all special, and of course as I was saying before, TomorrowLand..

Where’s the most amazing place in the world your career has taken you?

Probably countries in Asia because they’re so very different from Europe and America (and different among themselves). I love touring Asia and seeing weird things like elephants stuck in the traffic in Thailand.

For anyone who wanted to become a DJ, what advice would you give them?

Be true to your taste.

What are your plans for the rest of 2013?

A tour of Asia! Then more gigs around the USA and Europe. I also plan to finish off the album with Alle.

What’s your chosen club anthem for 2013?

I can’t really choose if it’s an anthem but right now I’m enjoying Calvin’s remix of Eat Sleep Rave Repeat.

Thank you for your time!

Thank you for yours!

By Bryony Curtis