Reported by Jessica Alici
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Submitted 18-04-12 19:01
Italian born Marcello Baccheschi is no stranger to the trance scene! He’s been DJing in the London underground scene since 1997 and has an impressive 50 releases under his belt. Now focusing on his act CIMI; playing and producing – deep and driving techy atmospheric progressive psy-trance, I decided it was time to find out a little bit more about this dark horse . . .
When did your love of music begin, who were your childhood inspirations?
I was in Italy riding my Vespa at 16 when I stopped at a record shop and spotted a rave compilation from London. I bought it immediately. I went crazy for that stomping new sound and started mixing tapes of it without even a mixer hehehe, homemade! My favourite DJs in those days were Franky Knuckles, Satoshi Tomiie and Francesco Farfa.
You were born in Italy and moved to London in 1997, what attracted you to the big smoke and when did get into trance music?
I came to London thinking to stay for 6 months and improve my English but instead, I fell in love with this bustling city and decided to start a new life here. I spent the first three months exploring different scenes, from techno raves to Ministry of Sound and The Fridge, until one night I ended up in Tyssen Street Studios for a Kundalini party and bang! I found my dimension. Never looked back.
Did you have any formal training when learning to produce or are you self taught?
I’m 100% self-taught but I will thank forever the likes of Domestic, Pixel and Rinkadink for giving me the first tips on production.
What three words best describe you?
Keep it psychedelic!!
You are one half of the renowned act M-Theory, how does being part of a double act differ from flying solo under your CIMI guise?
Actually the other half of M-Theory (Rob) left one year and a half ago due to family commitments. Since then I have been working on the two projects by myself. Two heads can be more creative than one but being solo allows me to fully express myself through music. Must say that it is great fun to be in the studio with a mate – I often make collaborations with other producers.
You’re a prolific producer with previous releases on well respected labels including Alchemy Records and Free-Spirit Records. Do you have a formula to making a successful track? What is important to you when producing?
I don’t think I have a formula, actually I believe a formula doesn’t really fit with creativity. Every new track I produce, it’s original. A solid kick and bass to begin, a couple of percussive sounds to give some rhythm and then I simply go with the flow – sometimes I happen to make a seriously killer track!
CIMI has been signed to the awesome label Furthur Progressions since 2009. How did this come about?
I’ve been a good friend of DJ Hamish (label manager) for a while now. It all started when one day we were talking about my new CIMI project and his new label project. I gave him a CD with my proggie tunes and apparently he liked it We are both proud to be part of the only progressive psy-trance label in UK.
You've released over 50 singles and an artist album, what upcoming releases do you have in store for us?
I’ve been working on a lot of new material for the last few months. As M-Theory I wrote two new tracks and will release an EP collaboration with Ital on Antu Records pretty soon. I also have plans for a second M-Theory album. As CIMI instead, I have just released a new track on Plusquam Records, a great collaboration with new act Bomb Voyage and news news! The first album is almost finished. Titled “White World Bridger”, it will be released on Furthur Progressions later this year. It will also include some collaborations with a few talented producers, more details will follow soon.
In the studio what is your favourite piece of kit?
My Dynaudio BM5A nearfield monitors . . . they’re gorgeous!
You’ve played at some awesome events including the legendary Sonica Festival, what have been some of your gigging highlights? What are the negatives to being an artist (if any)?
Well, hard to say, I do love the dance floor when you can feel that special connection. It doesn’t matter if it is a mega-festival or a smaller club night but naming a few; Universo Paralello, Boom, Fusion, Glade, Sonica, Vuuv, Antaris, Indian Spirit, the US and Mexican gigs, always special . . .
Negatives of being an artist? It’s when everyone tells you “yeah dude, you are so lucky, you can travel around the world and see new places and loads of interesting things”. Unfortunately 80% of the times you just land, travel to the location, have some junkie food, play, stay up all night and then again back to the airport. Yes I’ve been to lots of countries but most of my pictures are from parties only - Damn!
Do you prefer to play DJ sets or Live Acts, and why?
I like both, but if I have to choose I would go for the Live set. A DJ set can be fun, but it’s in live sets that you get to play your own music and that’s very rewarding, especially when the dance floor is going for it.
You've been involved in promoting yourself, back in the days of the ‘Fairy Tales’ London parties. What do you think are the key ingredients to a successful party? Would you consider promoting again?
An event doesn’t come to life and is immediately successful, it needs to grow gradually and establish itself within the scene. Every side of the production needs to be properly organized: venue, sound system, deco, line-up, safety and security - these are all equally important. If people have fun at your event, they will tell their friends and that is the best advertisement. I would love to promote large events or festivals and I’ve got loads of ideas but unfortunately I don’t have that kind of financial support . . . any investors out there?
Your production skills have also led you into sound designing for an Energy Savings Company as well as producing the sound track for a new Saab car presentation. Do you enjoy this side of being a producer as much as the other?
Yes I do. It is surely different from producing psytrance, but it helps broadening my mind and stimulating another level of creativity.
Word on ‘the street’ is you have a new solo album coming out soon . . . is this true?
Yes, almost done! I’m retouching the last couple of tracks, then it’s ready for mastering.
You’re playing the Main Indoor Stage for April Babies Spring Festival 2012 at the Greyhound Bar in Streatham, London. What delights can party goers expect from your set?
A journey into deep techy progressive psytrance, get ready. I will definitely play a lot of the new material from the forthcoming album.
What do you hope the future holds for you?
Love, good health, recognition and loads of Fun!
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview, I look forward to hearing you at April Babies Spring Festival 2012.
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We are both proud to be part of the only progressive psy-trance label in UK.
Can't wait to hear the new album!