16th December 2019 sees prolific Rome-based selector Frankyeffe team up with British DJ/producer A.S.H to release their stunning debut collaborative single, ‘Jealousy’ which will be released through the Italian DJ’s own Riot Recordings imprint.
Having already racked up an impressive archive of notable releases – We Are The Brave, Filth On Acid, Tronic, Kraftek and Terminal M to name just a few – Frankyeffe’s rapidly expanding back catalogue hallmarks an artist on the path to stardom. With nearly twenty years of experience tucked firmly under his belt, his toughened style of melodic techno has long been refined into a sure-fire formula for widespread acclaim and success.
For the first time, Frankyeffe links up with Portsmouth-based and fellow We Are The Brave DJ/producer A.S.H on the their maiden collaboration, ‘Jealousy’. This essential single release is brutal right from the off, utilizing pounding percussion and thick textures, ‘Jealousy’ sounds out both DJ’s ability in sonic magnitude. The track’s pulse is punishing throughout, building with swelling synth aggression before finally revving up its overbearing distortion into an ear-splitting crescendo.
We had the chance to talk with the prolific producer about his label Riot Recordins, the techno scene in Italy and more ! Enjoy
WWD: Hello Frankyeffe, welcome back to WWD. So, let’s dive straight in. It’s been a very busy year for you. On the production front, you’ve managed to release a whole host of singles, EPs, collaborative projects and remixes – what have been your highlights?
It’s been a brilliant year. All the productions I’ve been involved with have achieved excellent results. I produced five singles on Riot, an EP on Noir, an EP on Senso Sounds and two collaborations with Teenage Mutants. I’ve returned to my preferred, more techno-orientated style of music. It’s really helped my sound improve and mature which is something I’m very pleased about!
WWD: Throughout the year you’ve toured all over Europe, what’s been your most memorable gig of 2019 and why?
I played some fantastic gigs this year but I think the one that really sticks out in my memory was the Noir Music Boat Party. I did a b2b performance with Robert S and shared the decks with Industrialyzer, Sama, Ramiro Lopez, Juliet Fox and Noir himself. It was a really great party!
WWD: You play a very tough, yet melodic style of techno. Where do most of your influences originate from?
My influences mostly originate from what I was listening to as a teenager. I had a strong passion for the techno and progressive styles of dance music. I was listening to the artists coming out of BXR (Media Records) and tracks that carried a ‘Neapolitan sound’. All these influences helped shape my music and my style has grown because of them. I tend to make music with a harder sound but I also like to include other forms of energy in my live sets that explores darker and deeper melodies.
WWD: Your new single ‘Jealousy’ with British producer A.S.H is out now, please tell us about this release and why it’s special? Also, what made you want to work alongside the British producer on this release?
I’ve been a fan of A.S.H since his first EP release on We Are The Brave. A lot of his debut material has always featured heavily during my live sets. He’s an incredible producer and I’ve always admired his sound. I’ve been eyeing up a collaborative project with him for while now so finally get him on Riot with ‘Jealousy’ was a great way to see off 2019.
WWD: You’ve been running techno label Riot Recordings since 2014. What inspired you to set up your own label and what have been its most important releases to date?
I wanted to freely express my music and promote the artists that I liked. This year, I’ve taken a different approach by really focused more on the quality of Riot’s releases rather than the quantity. I think the most important releases so far have been ‘Cosmo’ by Devid Dega, ‘The North Star’ by Brennen Gray,’Boomerang’ by Beico & Mt93 and my own debut, ‘Trenta’.
WWD: In 2019 running a record label can be rewarding but also very challenging, how have you managed to handle/overcome the financial pressures that running a label brings?
Being a label owner in 2019 can be very difficult but I love to invest in the music that I believe in. We try to include as much variety on Riot as possible. Although it can be very expensive to promote artists, I’m working with so many brilliant and talented people that know how to tackle the everyday issues that comes managing a label. Our combined knowledge and experience of the industry helps us to reach our targets and achieve our goals. We’re always working to make the label better. For example, we’ve recently updated Riot’s branding and graphics.
WWD: With over twenty years of experience playing and making music, what would you say have been the most significant changes in the techno scene that you have witnessed?
The techno scene used to feel like a much more underground movement. It certainly wasn’t as popular as it is today. Most modern festivals offer techno music and clubs continue to sell out every weekend. Techno has blown up to a mainstream audience and it’s great to see it continually develop and evolve. It’s not just music, it’s a philosophy of life.
WWD: What is the current techno scene like in Italy and how does it rival other European powerhouse countries?
Despite its scrutiny from the law and media, the techno scene in Italy is alive and well. We have a great scene here that has many great clubs and festivals to enjoy. The country is rich with history and incredible destinations tied to dance music but there’s always room to make it even better!
WWD: How can club/rave culture assist in fighting climate change?
It’s crucial that we abolish the use of straws and plastic cups in clubs and festivals and that we raise awareness amongst young people about the important of our planet. Music can be used as a powerful and effective means to spread the word and artists have a duty to help unify us in fighting for the cause.
WWD: Finally, what can we expect from Frankyeffe in 2020?
I already have some very exciting projects planned. At the beginning of next year, I’ll be releasing an EP on Senso Sounds along with a couple of classic Oasis remixes on Riot with Oliver Lieb. I’ll definitely be touring around the world and hopefully I’ll get round to playing some places I’ve not managed to get round to yet.
FIND FRANKYEFFE ONLINE :