14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHGIANNI FIRMAIO

For Nicole Moudaber’s MoodCollective, Gianni Firmaio serves up ‘Dubber’ 13th November 2026. A fast-paced, full-fat tech house cut with cavernous sub-bass and plenty of driving heat. Retro synth stabs energise the mix, while a sultry vocal smoulders, bringing some soul after dark. This peak-time cut excels in crisp sound design and never stops rolling.

Born in Naples and now based in Barcelona, Gianni Firmaio is a real groove master. His tunes on labels like Elrow Music, Rawthentic, and Viva Music appear in sets by Marco Carola, Richie Hawtin, The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati, and many more. He is a regular across Europe and Ibiza, favouring bass-heavy sounds with plenty of warmth, and that MO defines the output on his well-respected label, VISYØN.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hi, I'm Gianni Firmaio. I’m a DJ and producer, born in Naples, Italy, in 1990. I’ve been living in Barcelona, Spain, for the past eight years, and I’m also the owner of my second and newest record label, VISYØN.

Music has always been part of my life. When I was around 12, during middle school, I played in an orchestra, where I learned to play the tenor flute and percussion. Around 13, I got into DJing, mainly thanks to older friends who were DJs themselves. They played vinyl, and House music was particularly dominant in Naples at the time.

Through that scene, I first discovered François Kevorkian, whose sound was already much harder than what most of the scene was playing back then. A few years later, when I was around 15, I started discovering artists such as Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola and Paco Osuna. They had a huge influence on my musical journey, introducing me to a kind of Minimal sound I had never heard before.

That same year, I also came across a CD of Fruity Loops almost by accident. I didn’t even know what it was when I installed it on my PC, but I started experimenting with it, and that’s how I began making my first productions. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

Outside the music world, it would definitely be Alessandro Del Piero. He has always been my sporting idol, and still is today. I admire not only what he achieved on the football pitch but also the way he carries himself outside of football.

When it comes to music, there are quite a few people! Jamiroquai, because of his incredible funk sound, and Eminem, whose music I absolutely love. Then, of course, Marco Carola, Paco Osuna and Richie Hawtin. Paco and especially Richie have always been ahead of their time. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation, without a doubt! Just imagine being able to travel anywhere in the world, literally anywhere, without airports, delays or long journeys. You could wake up at home in the morning, be behind the decks somewhere in the world that same evening, or simply spend the day exploring a new place. That would be absolutely amazing! 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

I’d choose either Trainspotting or Interstellar. And then I’d love to go on and work on something with Quentin Tarantino. LOL! 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

I wouldn’t say there’s one single person. It’s more a combination of people and random events that have influenced me along the way.

As I mentioned before, I discovered DJing and electronic music almost by chance, through older friends who were DJs. Some of them were into House, while others listened to harder, rawer Techno and Minimal. That mix of influences was what really introduced me to the scene.

Then there are all the artists I’ve mentioned before, who helped shape my musical vision and the way I understand music. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

My journey has been shaped by a combination of different factors, many of them unexpected. It all started when I was around 13, and I began producing music at 15. I’ll be turning 36 this year, so it’s been quite a journey!

Like any journey, there have been ups and downs. That’s simply part of the game and part of life. I believe consistency and the desire to keep creating have been essential in getting me to where I am today, especially during the more difficult periods. I’ve always had the motivation to keep pushing, to make something of myself and, above all, to continue doing what I’ve always loved.

Even my move to Barcelona, Spain, was driven by music and the desire to experience new things, meet new people and open up new opportunities.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?

Experiment and always make the music you genuinely love, without ever selling yourself short just to follow a trend.

Trends come and go, but your own style stays with you. Sooner or later, if you put real work into what you do, people will recognise it, even if you’re not following whatever is popular at the moment.

And if you ever feel the need to take a break and recharge your batteries, that’s perfectly fine too. Just make sure you come back to doing what you love, even stronger than before, without compromising who you are. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

My very first DJ performance, at a party organised in my hometown, will always be unforgettable.

I played a three-hour warm-up set, and about 400 people were there. It was absolutely  crazy! I was only 15 years old, and seeing what felt like an endless crowd dancing throughout my entire set was an incredible experience. It was the first time I had played in front of so many people, and the positive feedback I received afterwards made it even more special.

It’s something I’ll never forget. 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

My sound has evolved a lot over the years, but I’ve always tried to keep my roots in it. I started with House music, which gradually led me towards Minimal, Minimal Techno and also Techno, a genre I’ve always listened to a lot and still love today.

I would say discovering Tech House and seeing how the genre developed changed everything for me. I found the perfect balance between two styles I love, and that’s what I try to bring together as much as possible in my current sound. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

Hip-Hop, without a doubt. It’s a genre I really love, and from a production perspective, it gives you so much freedom to experiment with different sounds, styles and techniques. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

Choosing just three is really difficult, but these would definitely be among my picks:

1- DJ Rolando – Knight Of The Jaguar.

An absolutely perfect track. You can play it in a House, Tech House or Techno set, or even use it to close a set. There’s really nothing more to add!

2- Paul Woolford – Erotic Discourse.

This track came out in 2006, when I was around 15 or 16. Its electronic yet incredibly danceable sound completely blew my mind at the time.

3- Floorplan – Sanctified EP.

Simply an outstanding EP. Both We Magnify His Name and Baby Baby are absolute gems. I could listen to it for hours.

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

Old River Park, in Limatola, near Naples, in the province of Caserta. It’s a magical place that is no longer part of the rave scene, but I have so many great memories connected to it. There was always something special about that location: the woods, the river and hours of non-stop music.

I’ve seen so many incredible DJs perform there, especially in the Techno scene, from Joseph Capriati and Dave Clarke to Rino Cerrone and The Advent. But there were also some amazing House parties.

It’s one of those places that will always have a special place in my memories. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

I have several confirmed releases coming up this year, and I’m really proud of all of them.

First, “Dubber” is coming out on Nicole Moudaber’s MOOD Collective. Then “Chic EP” will be released on Ilario Alicante’s Sound D’Elite. It’s an EP that has already received great support from Franky Rizardo, The Martinez Brothers, Jamie Jones and Carlita, and it consistently gets an amazing reaction on the dancefloor. The EP also includes “Set Me Free”, which Marco Faraone has played.

There will also be releases on Stacey Pullen’s Blackflag Records and Wade’s Criterio Music.

Finally, “Rhythm Talk” is coming out on my own label, VISYØN, and has already received support from Ilario Alicante, Franky Rizardo and many others.

As for shows, I still have some dates to confirm, so hopefully there will be more news soon!

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

I can be quite shy, or at least I sometimes come across that way, which is a funny contradiction considering my job as a DJ! Hahaha.

The truth is, I really enjoy being around people, having a beer and chatting with everyone. And although you might not guess it, I also eat A LOT! Hahaha.

I’m also a huge animal lover, especially dogs and penguins. I mean, who wouldn’t love penguins? Hahaha!