DJ Mag Canada 011- November 2013 | Page 132

“IT was amazing when John Legend came to perform my single ‘Dance The Pain Away’ with me at Coachella in April,” says the Italian DJ/producer. “I do love American festivals.” Born and bred in Italy, Benny now divides his time between the “small village in the country in Northern Italy” where he lives and “lower Manhattan, which is slightly less peaceful”. With tunes such as the 2003-released, synth-laden electro house hit ‘Satisfaction’ and the lesser-known, dark electro-groover ‘Love Is Gonna Save Us’ under his belt, Benny’s already proved he can make a chartbuster as easily as he can craft an underground tune. “I trace all of my musical in?uences back to when I was a kid, in the 1970s, and ?rst listened to Giorgio Moroder,” says Benny. “It’s no coincidence that Daft Punk roped him in to work on their album. He’s a legend.” When he’s not DJing at festivals, Benny spends time in the studio, working on his new album that’s coming soon. “There are some songs on there that’ll be balanced with a few loud club tracks,” says Benny. “Got to do some bangers so the hardcore fans will know I still mean it.” CLAIRE HUGHES Have DJs’ fees got out of hand? “I don’t want to talk about money. It’s a side-effect of what I do.” Has dance music become the new pop? “Yes it has and I don’t know why. But I’m glad it has.” If you could be any animal what would you be? “A dachshund. They’re really smart.” Should DJs do ‘heart hands’? “Haha. Maybe politicians and football players should.” Do DJs have a duty to speak out about drugs? “I don’t take drugs and have no opinion or judgement about those who choose to.” What would be on your fantasy rider? “Fantasy tonic water and fantasy orange juice.” 89 ?19 BENNY BENASSI Fro