Dave Piccioni Interview
(On behalf of Cypher Press)

Both Azuli Records and Dave Piccioni are two names synonymous with house music. What began as a hobby soon turned into a full time job, a DJ career, London’s leading record store and one of the leading dance labels in the world! On the eve of the release of Dave’s latest mix album ‘Azuli Presents Space Ibiza’ we caught up with man behind the label to get an insight into the history of one of the greatest labels in house music, their plan for Ibiza 2007 and of course the new album!

CypherFirst of all - Azuli presents Space Ibiza 07 – features the biggest tunes for Summer 2007. Can you explain how you picked the tracks for the album?

Dave Piccioni - I go away to a hot climate, spend all day on a beach drinking and imagine what it will be like in mid summer Ibiza, and then it all seems to fit into place! (In my dreams…) Actually it’s a combination of word of mouth and keeping a close ear to the ground. Records that break in Ibiza have usually been bubbling under or even lying dormant since March/ April and sometimes before.

Cypher - What is your favourite track on the album?

Dave Piccioni - Guy J - Agent Blue - I’m loving the warm electro sound at the moment

Cypher - What was your first taste of the DJ lifestyle and why did you decide to make it your full time career?

Dave Piccioni - I don’t think anyone can make such a decision, it just happens, a hobby turns into something better!

Cypher - Azuli is one of the most prolific labels in dance music, when did you start it and did you ever think it would become such a benchmark for dance music?

Dave Piccioni - I started it in 1990 and always expected it to last ‘just another year’; in fact I probably still think that now!

Cypher - Do you still actively get involved in the day to day running of Black Market Records and if so, do you find it difficult juggling the shop, label and hectic world-wide DJ schedule?

Dave Piccioni - I just recently sold my share of the shop to my friend and the manager Goldie. It was hard juggling it all and did get too much after 16 years but than all the DJ’ing/ shop/ label stuff is all linked so the info and knowledge you get from one helps the other.

Cypher - As mentioned, Azuli label has been around for a while - how do you and the business stay successful? Any tips for the next few individuals hoping to open a record label or become a DJ?

Dave Piccioni - I think with music you have to have one eye on the creative, have creative principles and put out what you know and love. On the other hand, you have to have one eye on the commercial realities of the situation and always adapt a bit or bend to what people want. It’s a tough balancing act but can be done. Advice is to do it because you love the music, and treat it as a sideline, if it grows and you can pack in your day job, great!

Cypher - Do you think it is viable for new labels to start in the current market?

Dave Piccioni - It’s all different now, it’s easier to set up from your home on a computer but I couldn’t imagine setting up a new dance label with offices and all that stuff

Cypher - What does your mum think about your career choice?

Dave Piccioni - She keeps asking me where all the records are made when my office is so small and has no machines in it. I think she’s still waiting for me to get a proper job.

Cypher - You have a summer residency at Space in Ibiza this summer; tell us more about what you have planned?

Dave Piccioni - A fairly diverse but cutting edge schedule of DJ’s and lots of light-hearted fun!

Cypher - Do you ever get DJ fright and if so, what happens to you?

Dave Piccioni - Not any more – with maturity comes the realisation that you do your best, and if some people like it that’s great, but there will always be people that don’t, and that’s fine too.

Cypher - What made you decide to move to Ibiza?

Dave Piccioni - It’s my spiritual home. (And I have a great motorbike there!)

Cypher - How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Dave Piccioni - Pretty damn cheap

Cypher - What is the worst DJ experience you have ever had?

Dave Piccioni - In my dreams actually, I have this recurring dream that i'm playing to loads of people and I cant decide what to play and the record finishes, I continue to look through my records furiously but everyone leaves. Can’t say it’s ever happened though!

Cypher - Where is the most enjoyable place for you to spin?

Dave Piccioni - Familiar places where you know the crowd and they know you – for me Azuli at The Cross/ Echoes in Riccione/ Alter Ego Verona and Cavo in Mykonos

Cypher - What are the future plans for you and Azuli?

Dave Piccioni - To make it to 20 years for Azuli (4 years left!)

Cypher - Finally... anything else you would like to plug?

Dave Piccioni - www.kiva.org its good to give something back – and there's no better way to do it.

Azuli Presents Space Ibiza is out now on Azuli Records – for more info visiting www.azuli.com