For more than four decades, DJ Soch has carried the spirit of house music with a quiet consistency that speaks louder than any spotlight. From early discoveries in a small Italian town to shaping underground communities across the country, his journey has been defined by curiosity, respect and a deep belief in the culture that first inspired him. His story is not one of trends or noise, but of commitment, connection and an unwavering dedication to the values that make house music timeless. Fresh off his latest release on WOLF MUSIC, he stops by for a chat about his house music journey, the spark behind the EP, and more! 

WWD: Your journey in house music began in the mid 1980s. What do you feel has stayed constant in your relationship with the music since those early days? 

My journey began in a small Italian town with limited access to music, mixing early dance and house records. Over time my identity became fully rooted in house. What has stayed constant is my love for discovering new music, blending eras and choosing records that feel truly underground. Most of all, the early message of belonging and community remains central to my connection with house music.

WWD: You are described as someone who moves through the scene quietly, without hype. What does that approach mean to you artistically and personally?

It reflects who I am. I value mutual respect and avoid egocentric behaviour. Staying underground keeps me free and curious, allowing me to search for new music with the same excitement I had from the beginning, without trends or compromises.

WWD: House music has always been a form of identity for you. How do you define that identity today? 

House music is a way of life built on respect, equality and belonging. It has evolved for decades, and being a house artist today means embracing both classic and contemporary sounds that carry the same spirit. My approach remains the same, to seek authentic music and stay true to the culture that shaped me.

WWD: Serendipity has been called a home, a laboratory, and a source of inspiration. What did that residency teach you about shaping a club’s musical culture? 

Serendipity was an experiment in bringing open minded electronic music to a small town. The mix of experienced and young DJs created a unique environment where many genres coexisted. Through constant exchange, a distinctive and recognizable sound emerged, giving the club its special identity.

WWD: You have helped define a sonic identity for generations of Italian clubbers. What makes Italy’s underground scene unique in your eyes?

Italy’s underground scene is smaller and more independent, driven by passion rather than profit. Past opportunities were often wasted due to short term thinking and lack of support. A scene needs patience, commitment and investment in people and music. Today’s underground may be smaller, but it is more authentic because it is sustained by people committed to music and culture.

WWD: As president of the Human Beings Collective, how do community, values, and inclusion intersect with your work as a DJ? 

Human Beings Collective was created to keep house culture alive and pass its values to younger generations. FREAKIT brings together friends with different skills to build something deeper than a club night. We share house culture and collaborate with charities, using music as a tool for unity and giving back.

WWD: Your studio approach is deeply analog yet refined. What draws you to analog processes in an era dominated by digital tools?

I enjoy the physical connection of analogue gear, shaping sound with my hands. I also use digital tools and often combine both. The choice depends on the moment, but what matters most is the idea and emotion behind the music.

WWD: Your influences span Detroit, Chicago, Italian paradise house, and early nineties US labels. Which elements from those traditions still guide your hand in the studio? 

I follow creative processes rooted in nineties production, sampling old records and building grooves with a raw, natural feel. Imperfections give character, and technique should never overshadow emotion.

WWD: You have earned support from artists like Move D, Jimpster, Ladymonix, KiNK, and Virginia. What does that recognition mean to you? 

Support from artists I respect means a lot. It confirms that my work is valued for its quality. Their belief in my music motivates me to stay true to my identity.

WWD: When WOLF first heard ‘Let Me Tell You,’ it was an instant yes. What was the spark behind that track, the drums, the organ, the vocal, the mood? 

The track began with a sample from an old record and a vocal from a soul track. I built the rest around those elements, letting the music evolve naturally.

WWD: The ‘Power Mix’ strips back the vocal and pushes the church organ into Holy Ghost territory. What inspired that alternate version? 

I wanted the organ to lead with a straighter rhythm. A spontaneous keyboard session with a friend became the foundation of the Power Mix.

WWD: ‘Chewing Gum’ is described as heads-down, hypnotic deep house. What feeling or moment were you chasing when you built that groove? 

Chewing Gum uses few elements woven into a hypnotic groove. It draws from mid nineties deep house but keeps its own identity through balance and simplicity.

WWD: Prince Palmer’s remix nods to nineties US Garage and peak period Strictly Rhythm. How did you feel hearing his reinterpretation for the first time? 

Prince Palmer brings fresh energy while staying true to house roots. His remix reminded me of early nineties dub versions and gave the track a new personality.

WWD: Through ‘The Italian Stallion,’ you explore early nineties sounds and Italian house heritage. What makes that era so foundational for you? 

It takes me back to my early days playing house and dreaming of producing. It also recalls summers in Riccione, where the scene was vibrant and influential. The music still carries that energy and authenticity.

WWD: What do you hope listeners feel when they hear your productions under this alias?

I hope listeners feel the spirit of authentic house music. The project will evolve, and I am also working on a novel and LP inspired by early nineties scenes.

WWD: Playing at Berghain Panorama Bar is a milestone for any artist. How did that room shape your understanding of intensity and connection? 

Playing there felt like complete freedom. Starting from zero allowed me to tell my own story, and the crowd’s trust created a powerful connection. I have felt similar energy at Heidegluhen.

WWD: After decades behind the decks, what still surprises you about reading a dancefloor? 

I still feel nervous before sets because every night is different. A DJ must connect with the crowd without becoming a jukebox, building a journey with their own identity.

WWD: What is one recent moment at Serendipity, FREAKIT or abroad that reminded you why you do this? 

Playing at Heidegluhen after a friend insisted I belonged there reminded me why I do this. Even when a record skipped, the energy of the room carried me.

WWD: Your Loose fm show Close to the Heart focuses on music with deeper emotional weight. What does close to the heart mean in your musical vocabulary? 

It is about playing music that truly means something to us. We invite guests we respect and share records and stories that stay close to our hearts.

WWD: How does radio allow you to express something different from your club sets? 

Radio lets me play the music I love without thinking about dancefloor energy. It is a blend of many genres, united by emotional impact.

WWD: With WOLFEP088 landing, what feels like the next chapter in your artistic evolution? 

I will keep making music I believe in. I have new releases coming and continue working on The Italian Stallion LP and novel.

WWD: What do you hope people understand about you and about house music when they listen to this record? 

I hope people enjoy the record and see that house music is timeless. If it leads them to explore my past work and values, I will be happy.

WWD: Thanks for the chat 🙂 

The ‘Let Me Tell You’ EP is available here