Interviews

Italian magic man Walter Del Vecchio aka Quiroga is back on Hell Yeah Recordings. After the success of his Acid Dropout EP here last year, this time he offers up a varied package of tasteful and timeless house music with a deep and Balearic twist.

We sit down with Quiroga for a quick chat about music, his influences and upcoming releases.

Hello Walter, thanks for taking time to speak with us. Where are you located and how are things going for you ?

I live in Rome now, and things are going pretty well. I've been enjoying having more time to focus on my music.

How did you get started in music production?

I got started in music production back in 1996. At the time, I was playing guitar in a HC band, but everything changed when I got my hands on a sequential circuits Pro one and an Akai sampler, they completely enchanted me.

I became obsessed with experimenting and layering sounds, driven by my love for labels like Mo' Wax, Ninja Tune, Warp which were pushing the boundaries of music.

That inspiration led me to start producing my own tracks, blending the raw energy of drum machine and synths with the limitless possibilities of sampling.

It was a turning point that shaped my entire creative journey.

How do you find your inspiration when making new music?

I find inspiration for new music in a mix of everyday experiences, emotions, and the world around me.

Sometimes it's a melody that comes to mind while walking, other times it's sparked by a conversation, a movie, or even the atmosphere of a particular moment. I also draw a lot from the music I love—listening to different genres and eras often opens up new ideas.

But more than anything, I try to stay curious and open to experimentation, letting the process itself guide me. Inspiration often comes when I least expect it.

Who are some of your musical heroes from the past?

Some of my musical heroes from the past include pioneers who pushed boundaries and redefined genres. Artists like Lucio Battisti, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Piero Umiliani for their constant reinvention and fearless creativity, but i'm a music obsessed, i got thousands of inspirations.

I've also always admired J Dilla for his innovative approach to sampling and rhythm, as well as the MPB, (the musica popular brasileira), for the ability to evolve while staying deeply emotive.

What came first for you, Djing or music production?

Music production came first for me, without a doubt.

It's where my passion for creating sounds and experimenting really began. That said, I do enjoy DJing—it's a completely different energy. It allows me to connect with people in real time and share the music I love, including my own tracks, in a way that feels immediate and alive.

What does your current production studio setup consist of ?

A Fender Rhodes Mark V, a lot of modular eurorack and Buchla stuff and some synths, I've always collected instruments, I'm a gear addict...

Tell us a bit about your label Really Swing.

Really Swing is a state of mind for me, a space where eclectic sounds meet, blending genres like jazz, funk, electronic, and everything in between.

Really Swing is more than just a label—it's a community of like-minded creators who share a deep love for soulful, forward-thinking music.

How did the new French Kiss EP come about ? What was the inspiration for this EP ?

The French Kiss EP it's an homage to Eric Rohmer's aesthetic, and came together quite naturally. It was also inspired by my love for classic house music and acid House and the way it captures a certain raw, emotional energy while still being perfect for the dancefloor. I wanted to channel that same spirit but with my own twist—infusing elements of funk, jazz, and modern electronic sounds.

How did you meet Marco and start releasing with Hell Yeah Records ?

I met Marco at a music fair years ago. I've always admired his label and its motto, 'Expect the unexpected' and we instantly connected over our shared love for eclectic sounds and a forward-thinking approach to production.

Hell Yeah Records had already established itself as a label with a unique, adventurous spirit, and that resonated with me. Marco appreciated the vibe of my music and encouraged me to push my creativity further. Working with Hell Yeah felt like the perfect fit, which is exactly what I aim for in my releases.

Who are the artists/DJs that you follow right now?

The list is endless, there are so many artists and DJs I'm following right now, I'm constantly inspired by both rising talents and established names across a variety of genres.

Music is evolving every day, and I love discovering new sounds that challenge and excite me.

Any future release planned or in the works ?

Yes, I've got a 12” coming out on the wonderful Archeo Recordings next spring, and an ambient LP planned for release sometime in 2025.

Check out the latest release from Quiroga.