Interviews

Lorenzo Morresi returns to Italian label Rollover Milano. Known for his wildly eclectic sound palette, and freeform productions, the Apollo Milan resident is about to drop his ‘Isla EP’. The new release is inspired by a futuristic novel where the producer reimagines the dystopian images of the film and novel into sound. We take a minute to talk to this wildly creative and deep- thinking producer.

Thank you for talking to us at Dream Chimney Lorenzo. How are you doing ?

Thanks for having me it's a pleasure. I'm good thanks. Monday is the perfect day for this interview.

Where are you and what are your plans for today?

I'm currently in my hometown in Central Italy. I will be here for some weeks, and today I'm setting up my temporary studio.

Where are you from? Where are you based now?

I'm originally from Central Italy, near Ancona on the Adriatic coast.

I'm currently based in Milan since one year.

When and where were the first places you DJ'd in the early years?

My first DJ set was when I was like 16, in a beach bar here in my hometown. I was playing stuff like Chemical Brothers, LFO, OGHR. Was fun ha!

What kind of vibe were you into in your early DJing days?

When I started DJing I was mainly into electro and experimental electronica. I remember ordering lots of records from Boomkat.

What were one or two of the early records you were into or purchased?

The first two pieces of vinyl I bought were Transformer by Lou Reed and Rocket Juice & The Moon, which is a record made by Tony Allen, Flea and Damon Albarn.

When did first step into production? What was one of your first pieces of kit?

I've been always playing guitar with bands since I was a teenager, and my first step into production was when I bought an AKAI mpc2000XL. I was 16 and this completely changed my approach to music. Soon after I bought my first Mac and started producing with Cubase and Logic.

What was the first record you made/released?

The first record I released was when I was 17 and it was with an electronic/rock band called Kitsch. My other house project is Seven People. From 2020 I started releasing with my name. The first record as Lorenzo Morresi is called 'Internal External' released via Roots Underground.

What do you think is the most notable record you've put out?

Well it really depends as I'm quite eclectic in terms of genre.

Regarding my jazz funk live band side I would say I'm quite enthusiastic with about my last album 'Pop Flop'. Regarding my DJ/club side I think this EP Isla, illustrates quite well where I am now musically. In terms of numbers, 'Cosmica Italiana' made together with Tenderlonious.

Your sound palette is unique and is broad. How would describe your sound/ the music that you make or is it hard to put into a box?

It's never easy to describe your music especially if you are super eclectic like me. I've always genuinely loved lots of genres and maybe this makes it hard to label me or recognize my sound. Anyway, I think I will always pass through jazz funk, world music, disco, house and electronica but who knows what's next.

It's true to say you love new sounds and world instruments. Where do you look and how do you go about exploring new sounds?

Travelling and the internet are my sources of inspiration. There are thousands of Youtube videos uploaded from almost unknown musicians that are pure magic.

The Loutar for example - that is used on your new EP – how did you discover this instrument?

I bought the Loutar in Marrakech last year after visiting some shops and also had a quick lesson by a local musician on the basics of the Loutar and other 'Gnawa' musical instruments. I started practicing this incredible instrument when I came back to Milan and yes the first song I played and recorded is 'Odissey Venezia'.

You like to blend analog sounds with technology too. Tell us about your TB303. Have you had it a long time? What is it you love about it sound and what it gives?

I own a Cyclone Analogic TT-303 Bass Bot V2, the original Roland is too rare and expensive. It's an analog good alternative that replicates the acid signature sound of this classic Roland.

How did you meet the Rollover guys?

Yes we share our passion for music since long time. I think like 12 years ago I started writing some music reviews for Rollover website. We met again after long time when I moved back from London to Milan

They have a regular night at Apollo. You are a resident at Apollo Milan right?

It feels really natural for me to DJ at Apollo, I feel connected with the crowd, and I feel they understand my music, which is quite underground, so I would say this what clubbing is about.

This is your second release on the label right? Or have you released more with Rollover?

Yes this is my second release after 'Le Bonheur' EP and a couple of edits on Anything Goes.

Isla is inspired by a dystopian novel. Tell us a little about this inspiration, and how does that play out in this EP?

Some names, manipulated samples and quotes are inspired by the movie the 'Holy Mountain' by Alejandro Jodorowsky. I felt a musical and spiritual connection between my trip in Marrakech and this movie. It's quite irrational I know.

Tell us a little about your live set up? How does the performance pan out? What/ who is involved?

My solo live set is quite psychedelic and dance oriented and I'm using world guitars like Loutar and Oud, Analog Synthesizers and Ableton Live Push to control/manipulate everything.

My live band project is a quintet, it's mainly instrumental Italian jazz funk and library music and features: Ed 'Tenderlonious' Cawthorne - Flutes, Keyboards. Federico Crivicich – Keyboards. Jeanne Hadley – Bass. Archelao Macrillò - Drums, Lorenzo Morresi - Guitars, Keyboards, Electronics.

If we want to see you live, where are you playing next?

Apart for some festivals where I'm DJing this summer the first live band gig will be in London on 16th September at 93FeetEast.

Are you working on more new releases?

Always!

When you are not in studio making great music, what might we find you doing?

Very simple and basic things like running, playing football, and trying some cooking experiments 😊

Thank you for your time Lorenzo.

Thank you!

Check out the latest release from Lorenzo Morresi