By: Mariah Thomas
Photo By Oliver Johnson
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I’d say — and people often tell me this too — that my songs are recognizable as mine. After almost twenty years of songwriting and production, I feel like I’ve finally found my own sound. It’s mainly a fusion of Hip-Hop, West Coast Rap and R&B, blended with different subgenres of electronic dance music, including Melodic “Swedish” House, Bass House, Big Room and Afro House.
Q) Who are some artists that inspired you growing up?
A) There are so many. I grew up constantly surrounded by music from different eras and genres, so the influences came from a lot of places. But I would have to say Dr Dre, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Scott Storch, Dean Martin, Harmony Samuels, Phil Collins, Bob Marley and Tiësto are some songwriters, producers and artists that have inspired me in different ways.
Q) How have your Mediterranean roots influenced your music?
A) Stefano [Vecchia], with his Italian blood and who sings on this record “Bacio Quel Body” and wrote it, has got a lot of Reggaeton and Mediterranean rhythm running through his veins. And since I have also composed and produced Reggae, Reggaeton and Afro House in the past, we can always find common ground and enjoy our collaborations.
Q) “Bacio Quel Body” is a very sensual and sultry song. Going into this, when did you know what you wanted the vibe of the song to be?
A) The lyrics and vocals by Stefano required an emotional vibe in everything from the chord progressions, choice of instruments and synth sounds, as well as throughout the whole production up to and including the mastering. I wanted it to remain emotional and sensual, but through a very dance friendly and “Ibiza beach club” kind of groove, sound and vibe – which I believe we managed to pull off!
Q) The single combines Mediterranean-inspired sounds and contemporary production. Being known for so many different styles of production, how do you choose which styles to merge for a project like this?
A) Much like I described, this was about finding a good balance between beautiful and emotional lyrics and vocals with warmth and delicacy – and a groovier sound and soundscape, tempo and vibe that makes you want to dance the night away, under e.g. a purple and orange Ibiza sky and through PA speakers. Blending modern and current sounds and production, with more classic, warm and analogue instruments, sounds and production from Mediterranean, Caribbean and Latin American regions. Quite the challenge, but a really fun and motivational one! Perfect fit for my taste, experiences and set of skills.
Q) What was it like collaborating with Stefano Vecchia on this song?
A) As already mentioned, we have made several collaborations and enjoyed them every time! Not only have we reached great success with them, but they are also great fun each time and act as inspirational challenges. Sometimes we think a bit differently about music and production, but we always find common ground in the end and it is always a blast throughout the creative process.
A) Being a DJ on top of a songwriter, when you go into creating a new song, does the melody come first? Or the lyrics?
A) For me it is almost always the melodies that come first! Although sometimes it can start with lyrics; just one sentence, a hook or a theme. Since all my music, no matter the genre or mood, is about expressing feelings and emotions there is usually a hook that comes from a memory, a moment or something that inspired me. Sometimes it simply appears and hits me, whether it’s a melodic hook, just a few notes in a memorable order and rhythm or just a few words.
Q) How did the Italian inspired songwriting contribute to the production of the song?
A) I have always said to Stefano that he should only write and sing in Italian. [laughs] He can write and sing in Swedish and English, too, but I definitely think Italian suits his voice and the way he sings best. Again, for me, music is about expression and emotion and the Italian language really brings that out in his performance.
Q) “Bacio Quel Body” marks your third single of the year. Do you have plans for a bigger project or album?
A) Yes. All the releases this year so far have helped build new momentum, which I’m really grateful for and hopefully that will help push the upcoming release even further. They are all leading up to the major release I have in the pipeline for 2026: a record called “God Bless Pimpin’” featuring Snoop Dogg. It’s my third official release with Snoop as the featured artist (after two previous songs that reached great success) and this might be the best song and production I’ve ever made — or at least one of them. It was also one of the most challenging tracks I’ve ever finished, in the most creative, skill-demanding and fun way. We get to showcase the much-loved old-school West Coast G-funk, Gangsta Rap and Melodic Funk sound and vibe, alongside warm analogue ’80s synths and more current drums, beats and production. With the lyrics, theme, mood and sound, it really captures and presents the essence of both Snoop and me.
Q) Your signature sound typically leans into acoustic instrumentation and electronic production. Do you ever feel pressured to stick with what you know fans love or do you have fun experimenting with sound outside of that?
A) That’s a very good question. I’m always experimenting with sounds and I love sound design because it helps me discover something new. Of course, I think about what fans love to hear, but I’d say it’s equally important — if not even more important — to bring out the expression, vibe and emotion of each song through the sounds, no matter the instrument, synth sound or genre. I think listeners recognize me more through the overall production, arrangement, sound and feeling of each song than through individual sounds or specific genres and subgenres.
Q) You have collaborated with a wide variety of artists. From Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg to the likes of Brandon Chase, Zara Taylor, JC and Lazee. Who are some dream collaborators you have?
A) That’s a tough one, but I would have to say Swedish House Mafia, Dr. Dre, Coldplay and Zara Larsson. I can already hear finished songs with them in my head — their sounds and vibes blending with mine in a way that feels natural and exciting.
Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music?
A) I just want to say that I’m sincerely thankful for every single listener who likes my music, connects with it or can relate to it. As I mentioned, music is mainly about feelings for me — expressing different scenarios, emotions and life situations. That could be anything from a chill tune on a beach somewhere, to a deep and meaningful song, to a packed open-air EDM festival vibe or even a track that makes you want to kill it in the gym pushing weights.
I didn’t get much support at all when I was little and growing up. I saved up for my first synthesizer as an early teenager and have worked with music and music production — on and off, from part-time to full-time — ever since. I’ve made it all the way to where I am today on my own and I’m proud of that. That’s also why I never take anything for granted and can truly say thank you to every single one of you listening. Thank you and keep tuning in — there is a lot more new music coming that I can’t wait to share with you!