If you’re in Milan tonight and are looking forward to living a unique experience, you're in luck. The Italian DJ and producer Matisa is releasing her highly anticipated debut mini-album, In My Head, today via Slacker 85, the forward-thinking imprint from electronic music titan Seth Troxler. To celebrate this very important moment in her career, the artist will be hosting an exclusive launch party at Milan club, Vacuum, featuring a secret vinyl-only lineup, unique giveaways, and bespoke merch. Sounds good, right? About her seven-track release, which follows the success of singles 1234 Bisous and In My Head, we spoke in this interview in which we also asked her about the obstacles she had to overcome at the beginning of her career.
“As I carefully unwrapped the package, I could feel your presence, and with it, a rush of emotion. To finally hold you in my hands, knowing that I’ll be able to listen to you forever—it’s beyond words,” Matisa shared in her last post on Instagram a few hours ago, showing off her gorgeous new vinyl and announcing that she will be sharing some copies with all those who attend the In My Head release party tonight. “I can’t wait to see you there, to celebrate this moment that means everything to me. Thank you, truly, for being part of this incredible journey. See you tonight at Sampling Moods from 11pm till late.”
Matisa, today you’re releasing your debut LP, In My Head, on Seth Troxler's Slacker 85 label. This is a very special moment in your career; how do you feel?
I'm absolutely over the moon! To celebrate this incredible milestone, I've decided to throw an epic event in Milan at Vacuum Club. It’s going to be an unforgettable night filled with unique vibes, and of course, music that will keep us dancing until dawn. I’m beyond excited to party with those who have supported me and with everyone ready to experience this magical moment. Let’s make this an unforgettable chapter!
A few weeks ago you presented the first single from In My Head, a lush, sultry vocal house cut primed for shimmering dancefloor moments titled 1234 Bisous. “I made this track in New York, but the lyrics came together in London,” you shared with your followers on social media when you announced the release of the first single from In My Head, titled 1234 Bisous. Tell us more about its creative process, please.
I was in London for a gig, and after the show, I went to the studio with some friends in Soho, Jammer from Mas Tiempo, the label behind Skepta, and the crew. They were working on a track, and just for fun, they asked me to jump in, grab a mic, and freestyle some lyrics. That night, I ended up coming up with the lyrics for 1234 Bisous. It was spontaneous and all in the moment, and we just vibed off each other. A few weeks later, I headed to New York and recorded the vocals in a studio in Manhattan. The energy in that city was perfect for the track. After that, I took everything back to Italy, where I fine-tuned the music and perfected the production. It all came together organically, and the track really represents that unique fusion of vibes from three iconic cities. It’s a perfect mix of spontaneity, culture, and the global energy that’s shaped my sound.
In that same Instagram post, you mentioned that 1234 Bisous is all about a big love story coming to an end and a new one starting. What would you like the public to feel when they listen to this track?
A love story that ends, leaving behind both wounds and cherished memories, along with lessons learnt only to give way to the start of a new chapter, full of curiosity and the mystery of what lies ahead. How many of us have experienced these emotions in our lives? I wanted to translate this feeling into music, capturing both the pain and the hope of new beginnings. It's important to note that this is not connected to my personal life, but rather a universal sentiment that many can relate to.
Nodding to your love for euphoric, nostalgia-inducing rhythms, shimmering acid, and piano-laced sounds, this single carries the same bold energy that has solidified your place in the scene while introducing a more introspective and emotional depth to your sound. How do you remember the beginnings of your musical career? What were the first obstacles you had to overcome to make a name for yourself in the scene?
There were many obstacles along the way. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of a strong community in the electronic music scene in Italy, which made it incredibly hard to get noticed. I had to work twice as hard just to make an impact. And even now, I still carry that same feeling—this constant drive to prove myself and show that I’m capable. Every time a door closed, I never let it discourage me; I kept pushing forward and started from scratch more times than I can count. If you have a passion, don’t ever give up on it. Keep chasing your dream, no matter what.
Since then, your versatility behind the decks has also made you a standout at world-renowned venues such as Berghain and Circoloco, where you consistently deliver unforgettable sets. What do you enjoy most about your live shows?
I would say that these are two examples of key places where I’ve had the privilege to play my music, but honestly, every show holds its own significance for me. What really matters is the connection I create with the people I’m performing for; that's where I feel I truly shine. I approach it as a form of deep empathy, understanding the crowd’s energy and responding to it. That’s what I love most about performing. And, of course, the freedom of expression is something I deeply value. Without freedom, creativity is constrained, and it’s that sense of unbounded expression that fuels my music.
Do you remember how, when, and where you first performed in front of an audience?
Let’s start with the how: a friend of mine asked me to play at his party and open for two renowned DJs who were performing for Circoloco at the time. Now, let’s talk about the when: it was back in 2014. And the where: it took place in central Italy, in a small town called Anagni, about an hour from Rome. I still remember how nervous I was; it was my first time playing vinyl in front of an audience, and I had only been practicing for a few months. But somehow, it was a success. My friend still tells me how I didn’t want to leave the DJ booth and was already itching to get back behind the decks. That night marked the beginning of something that would change everything for me.
Helena Hauff, Ellen Allien, and Franco Battiato are some of your main references within the music scene, but is there any new talent you have discovered recently we should listen to?
Ennes. I discovered this young talent while I was having dinner with some friends in Bari. He was there and made me listen to his EP for Rawax, and I immediately fell in love with his talent. A guy to watch!
I understand you are very passionate about contemporary fashion and art, aren't you? What creatives are you most excited about and why?
Here are my top five fashion designers to watch: Logan Monroe, Sanda Simona, Daniel Bosco, Ichiyo, and Rui Zhou. Each of them brings a fresh, bold perspective to fashion, pushing boundaries with their unique designs and creativity. I’m really impressed by how they blend innovation with style, and their work has a certain energy that feels both modern and timeless. These designers are definitely making waves, and I’m excited to see where they take their craft in the future.
And beyond the release of your debut LP, In My Head, out today, what can you tell us about your projects for the next year?
I'm currently working on some exciting remixes and also reflecting on what my next step will be as I plan my world tour. There’s definitely more music on the way. I'm focused on pushing my sound further and connecting with my audience on a global scale. It’s all about keeping the momentum going and continuing to evolve as an artist.