Italian songwriter, record producer and pianist Dardust has always wanted to push boundaries in music. Classically trained from a young age, his passion was equally inspired by everything from Kraftwerk to Underworld. He became a sought-after producer, scoring countless Platinum records and 500 million streams for his work with internationally successful Italian artists such as Mahmood, Sfera Ebbasta, Jovanotti and Ghali.
Throughout this era, one idea remained constant: could he reinvent classical music with an intergalactic vibe in a similar way to how David Bowie re-imagined pop? It’s something he’s strived to achieve, from his debut album 7 in 2015 to last year’s ambitious S.A.D. Storm And Drugs, which set 18th-century classical piano within the 90s Manchester club scene.
His new release Within Me unites him with the talents of Benny Benassi, the Italian electro-house pioneer. The result is something refreshingly different yet entirely in tune with their backgrounds, a dancefloor track combining Dardust’s captivating piano with Benny Benassi’s dynamic drops and restless beats.
Here, Dardust reveals his Music DNA inspirations to Andy Howells.
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
There are too many to say, but the first that comes to my mind is Svevn-g-englar by Sigur Ros.
What was the first single you bought?
Underground by David Bowie.
What was the first album you owned?
Casanova by Rondo Veneziano.
What’s your constant go to track?
Near light by Olafur Arnalds.
What’s your constant go to album?
In the last year Trust in the life-force of the deep mystery by The Comet is Coming.
Who’s your latest music discovery?
Sebastian Plano.
What’s your own track that best defines you as an artist?
Sublime. Opposite and distant worlds meeting themselves.