Carlo Servodio started early. The Italian DJ and producer decided he wanted to be a DJ aged 11, having seen his brother spinning music magic. It’s been a dream run since, especially after winning the Fame Music International DJ Contest, which won him a residency at Dubai’s GQ Bar.
Soundbites caught up with him to talk music, life and and why he wants to stay in the city.
Tell us about the moment you decided you wanted to be a DJ for life.
Since childhood music has been a part of my life. My brother was an amateur DJ and he taught me the ropes. I was 11 when I decided DJ-ing was what I wanted to do.
How has life been since that decision?
After learning the techniques, I started playing in small parties for friends. At the age of 14, I attended a regional DJ contest and I won first place. From then on I started to play in some of my local clubs in front of a crowd of 3,000. Meanwhile I had also started to produce music. I published my first track on Tom Blacksoul’s label and this has allowed me to be supported by many DJs around the world. I have since produced many tracks, including The Fall with British singer Offial Nancie that allowed me to win Fame Music International DJ Contest, which brought me to Dubai.
How different is the clubbing scene here in the UAE from other places you’ve performed at?
There is not a huge difference but Dubai is ahead musically. In Italy, where I live, DJs and their skills are often obscured. In Dubai the club goers know how to appreciate music and DJs who play it, and this is great for DJs.
How do you get into the zone before playing for the night?
I always want to give the best during my sets and I try to listen to and discover new music tracks to add to my playlist. Also, a Red Bull before playing never fails.
What are the five hottest tracks of the moment you’re tempted to play every day?
The five tracks that I play the most are: Huxley’s I Want You, Detroit Swindle’s Me, Myself & You, Mad Villains’ G.I.T.H, Romanthony’s What$ Love and Waifs & Stray’s Just Don’t Know.
DJs are becoming pop stars in their own right. What’s your take on this?
I find it wrong when DJs act like pop stars, especially when performing live [if they are actually live] and they appear on stage as if they were rock stars. In my opinion, real DJs should be among the crowd, and being in contact with them. Also many of these DJs have their agendas full of concerts around the world and I wonder how they find the time to be in the studio making music. That said, I am aware that times have changed and also the role of the DJ as we knew before is changing, though perhaps a little too quickly.
What next for you?
Having won the contest for me was not a point of arrival but a starting point. In the future I hope to return to play in Dubai. In the coming months, I have some tracks that will go out on Erase Record, Blacksoul Music, Minimarket, and I hope to take further steps forward.
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For tables at GQ Bar, call 04-3214541 or email reservations@gqbardubai.com.
