Margherita D’Aguì is a newly emerging Italian artist from Calabria who already has a distinct style full of stripped back groove. Fresh from her recent ‘Taka’ EP on Supernova’s Lapsus Music, we caught up with her to find out how she first got into dance music, what inspired the new release, and much more!

WWD: Hey Margherita, great to meet you! Introduce yourself to us for anyone who might not be familiar with your work…

Hi guys! The pleasure is mine…I’m a Calabrian DJ/producer, and I’m just a simple music lover living off my passion.

WWD: Can you remember when you first got into dance music? What sounds, labels, or DJs sparked it?

It has always been a part of me; my mother says I started singing before I could talk. My grandfather was a pianist and my father was a DJ. At two years old, I sang along to Queen and Dire Straits songs in the car with my dad—he really gave me a proper education in music.

When I was eight, my mother enrolled me in singing lessons, and from then on, I never looked back. I learned to play the piano and guitar, and I had an amazing journey related to singing, which led me to a significant achievement on a television show. Then I realised that wasn’t my path; I didn’t want to sell myself…

One night, when I was about 18, I went with friends to a new club. Nick Curly was playing; it was the first time I heard electronic music. I was so fascinated by the DJ booth that I spent the whole night staring at the DJ’s hands to figure it out. The next day, I asked my dad for a DJ setup as a graduation gift. He got me CDJ 800s with a small Pioneer mixer… and from there, I never stopped. House music captured my heart.

WWD: Why did you settle on stripped back house, what draws you to it?

Let’s say that, being primarily a singer, I got into this genre of music mainly for this reason…it’s really a matter of sounds and energy. House music puts me in a good mood and makes me happy.

WWD: How much does your native Sicily and its weather and atmosphere inspire and influence the music you make?

I’m of Calabrian origin, and my land is beautiful…there’s the sea, the sun. This has definitely influenced my musical choices; I’ve always enjoyed “happy” music, just like my land. So yes, it has inspired my musical tastes.

WWD: What is your own signature, and what do you hope is your musical identity?

Honestly, I don’t like to label myself. I play what I feel, what makes me happy, and connects me with the dance floor. When I perform, I only think about the people in front of me; I’m with them, we are just one thing. I let others label my musical identity… I certainly have my own style, moving between minimal and tech house sounds, but that doesn’t stop me from taking risks during my sets and stepping outside the boxes.

WWD: What inspired the new ‘Taka’ EP on Lapsus Music? 

‘Taka’ is an EP with sounds a bit different from my usual style. The track ‘Taka’ was inspired by a solo journey, like in the jungle. I imagined myself in a jeep immersed in the sounds of nature; the horns are meant to imitate the trumpeting of elephants.

‘Think of You’ is part of the end of the journey; the singing is the release after long nights spent alone.

I sincerely want to thank Supernova for this opportunity and the entire Lapsus Music team for their availability and professionalism!

WWD: What gear do you have in your studio? Do you collect hardware or are you a software person?

In the studio, I have a bit of everything; honestly, I’m not a wizard with computers—I love to play. I play instruments, record them, and sing.

WWD: What has been your favourite DJ performance experience, and what made it memorable for you?

I had the honor of performing at a concert for Jovanotti, a very famous singer in Italy. He gave me the chance to perform in front of 50,000 people.

It was incredible—an emotion I will never forget and for which I will always be grateful.

WWD: What else have you got coming up/what are you working on?

I’m working on new tracks, this time with my voice recorded…but I don’t want to say too much, or I’ll lose my ideas!

WWD: What goals and dreams do you have for your musical career? Can you share them with us? 

My goal is to achieve personal success, which is different from fame; that doesn’t interest me. I want to be satisfied with what I do and what I share with people. Seeing them dance and smile at me is everything to me. Knowing that someone is escaping life’s problems thanks to my music, forgetting a love or a disappointment… all of that because of me.

I love making others feel good; I love giving love.

Honestly, I don’t think about my career; I did that when I was younger. Now I enjoy what I have, and I’m happy that way.

The ‘Taka’ EP is available here