words: Tom Stephan

                                        

Tom Stephan Italian Dream

Friday morning I flew from London to Milan Linate, where I was to meet the promoters from MCGroove (that's MC Groove, not McGroove as in fast food). This airport makes me nervous as I lost my records here last year. They disappeared for 3 months before I was able to get them back. It was also on that same trip that I missed my flight (and my gig), lost my luggage and dropped my pants. For some reason, in Italian airports, they insist that you raise your hands above your head when you go through the X-ray machine. I happened to be wearing very baggy jeans and obviously I had to take my belt off. But that's another story….

When we arrived in Pescara, we were met by Ruggero, the resident DJ from Ultraviolet. He drove us to the hotel, which was right above the club so we didn't have far to go. The club had the main room, then 2 very large Ministry-size rooms. One was slightly more commercial with a restaurant, which isn't unusual in Italy. This was only the 4th party they've had at the club and the place was very nicely decorated—minimal, white walls and pretty trippy lights. My only complaint would be about the sound system. It's a huge room and takes a lot of boom to shake that room. They could use a bit more power and bottom end.

Ruggero was playing when I arrived and I really enjoyed what I heard of his set. In fact I had to run up and ask him about one of the records he played; it was the Buik Project mix of Rulers of the Deep. Massive. Sandrino took over for the next hour and kept things moving really well.

I started playing and tried to start off with some deeper stuff. It only took a few records to realize these guys wanted it harder NOW. I was only playing a two-hour set, so I was happy to step up the pace considerably and start going for it. My highlight of the night was the great reception of a new mix I had just finished for Bob Sinclair's label, Yellow. It's by Lyszak and features vocals by Jeff from Fierce Ruling Diva. It was a big success. I was smiling ear to ear. It turned out to be a very good night and I look forward to going back.

Saturday I had a quick walk around the town (Teramo), before we headed to Riccione by car. I was happy not to be flying for a change. This was my second gig at Cocorico; I played there last summer with their resident and all-round Italian hero, Ralph. It was a great night—so I was expecting a lot. This time I was to play in the smaller "house" room, as it was full-on techno with Lenny D in the main room. I wasn't sure it would be as good in the second room, but I was pleasantly surprised. This is now officially one of my favourite clubs in the world! The vibe is amazing—the people are totally into the music and totally up for having a great time.

And they're all gorgeous. Seriously, all of them. I don't know another country in the world like Italy when it comes to fashion. Everyone has a look. And it's all labels—D-Squared for days, and those haircuts that look like the barber's clippers died halfway through. And of course, those Dior Yoko-Ono-meets-the-fly sunglasses. You think for a moment that maybe you could work that look, but you know there's no chance. Only Italians. Only they can make it look so cool. I really enjoyed my set and again—I can't wait to go back. This really is an amazing club that you should definitely check out if you ever have the chance.

Sunday, we drove to Reggio Emilio for the 10th anniversary party of Folies de Pigalle. The DJ lineup included the Pasta Boys, Claudio di Rocco, Ralph, Sandrino and myself. Again we had dinner in the club, but I was too distracted listening to the Pasta Boys and Claudio di Rocco to eat. The club was jumping when we arrived at 10 p.m. and just kept getting busier. And just like the rest, it was full of gorgeous girls and boys and some that looked somewhere in-between. It was pretty chaotic in the DJ booth, but I also really like to be in the middle of the action-not locked in a booth a mile away from the dance floor. This was the perfect end to a great weekend. I played for two hours and then Ralph took over and I stayed on the dance floor until the end.

I've got nothing but good things to say about Italian clubbing. And I'm off there again this weekend....