#MusicInTheAir Podcast hosts this week :
KNOWHAT

Villahangar releases continue. As previously announced, here we are with the second release of the new year: the label just launched its second 2021 EP!

To continue a year rich of interesting news and inspiring sound adventures all to listen to and enjoy, there is the Sicilian DJ and producer Knowhat with its new EP “Tribalistars”, which also includes the Remix “Villa Flamingo” of Miki J and the Remix of Matt Sawyer, Villahangar’s founder together with Andrea Pellizzari.

For its first official release with our label, we have him as the protagonists for this week’s #MusicInTheAir podcast, editing a selection of tracks with a tribal imprint for his Podcast which includes Tribalistars (Original Mix).

Giovanni Giampapa aka Knowhat was born in Italy, in Sicily, and currently lives in London. His musical career began soon, when he was just 15. He established himself as a dj in his land of origin, he won several contests and competitions and he refined always more his art in the music production creating a discography characterized by drums and inflated house hooks. 

With the passage of time, getting inspired by and drawing from his wide music background, he refined always more his artistic taste, distinguishing himself for a unique and completely personal sound.

He played with many high caliber artists, becoming a fixed presence in the international circuit: names such as Richie Hawtin, Sven Vath, Livio & Roby, Oliver Huntemann, Layo & Bushwacka, Nicole Moudaber, Tiefschwarz, Oliver Klein, Steve Lawler, Marco Carola, Paco Osuna and many others.

His very tidy and engaging tech-house sets led him to playing to important events such as Gianpula Festival in Malta, Heineken Festival, Risla Event, Harry Klein, DJ Mag Live and in notorious clubs such as Egg London, Ibiza Rocks, E1 and Studio 338 in London, and many others. The range of labels where to find his tracks is wide. 

He debuted on NONSTOP Records founded by Pirupa, together with the remarkable remix of Max Chapamn and Tripmastaz.

One of his key releases in 2018 was the EP “Feel it”, both in vinyl and in digital, which included a remix of Basti Grub on What Came First Rec, label of the EEG London club.

His 2019 began greatly with an additional step forward with the release of “The Magician” on the renowned Snatch! Records of Riva Starr.

Moreover, his records shined also on BBC Radio 1, the British radio broadcaster which transmits all over the world, and were chosen by the notorious The Saifam Group, one of the biggest and most important independent music realities in Italy.

An hardworking nature and the unconditional passion for music project Knowhat alias Mr.High with enthusiasm into the future, while he keeps flourishing and expanding his geographical presence at a fast pace.

How was this track born?

I have started “Tribalistars” back in 2017, when I got the core idea of the track. Having the main hook laid out it felt like it was missing something else. Following a few attempts to spice it up, I decided to take a step back and work on it later. I ended up working on this track for four years, it literally carries a few parts of my life! This record means a whole lot to me for this reason.

What are the atmospheres, the type of sound and what have you tried to transmit with this EP?

It is mainly about my passion for house and tribal music. I have been drawn to these sounds since my teenage years.

What tools did you use to create these tracks?

I have made the track on Ableton Live with the help of a few instruments I have got in my studio. The main synth was made on Novation MiniNova. Percussions were recorded using Ableton Push.

How long did it take you to make it and how did you create it?

It took me around four years to finish the track.

How do you foresee your summer, both in your everyday life and from an artistic point of view?

First of all, I really hope all coronavirus restrictions will be lifted by then! Things are starting to look better already, so I do hope this summer will be somewhat similar to previous ones – filled with music.

What are your hopes for your artistic future at the moment?

Hopefully I will be able to be back on the road soon, to play in different places and see friends again. I have also quite a lot of ideas for new music, therefore, I am planning to spend more time in the studio this year.

What were your reference artists over time?

Luciano has played a big role for me in terms of shaping my taste in music. I have been a fan of his sound literally since day 1 (around 15 years now). I was lucky enough to share a stage with him at The BPM Festival in Costa Rica in the beginning of 2020. This was an inspiring moment of my career. Recently I have also been drawn to Maceo Plex’s sound.