Matteo Candura – “I Grew Up In The Conservatory Of Music”

Matteo Candura is a musician/producer/songwriter/remixer/artist born and raised in Sicily, Italy. He has a Diploma in “Piano” and a Master’s Degree in “Musical Disciplines” (Department of New Technologies and Musical Languages), both obtained at the Conservatory of Music. He also plays the alto saxophone.

His journey through the world of House music began when he first started DJing at the age of 15, taking his cues from the golden age of turntablism and associated culture in the late ’80s and early ’90s. His attentions were led as well towards other sounds of the era. His infatuation with those classic 4/4 club sounds is something that lives and breathes vividly in his music today. He has no lofty aspirations to play arena shows or break through into the mainstream of electronic music. He would rather stay true to the scene and surroundings he loves and develop and grow therein. “I think the most important thing for me is that people take my music as a personal part of me, so I don’t need to play for the biggest fees in the biggest clubs; I am mainly interested in the underground scene itself by being an active and creative part of it”, he says.

He enjoys creating music from different styles such as House (Deep, Classic, Soulful, Funky), Jazz, Soul, Gospel, Funk and more. Across the room his eyes are closed as he is working out the mix with perfect detail. It is amazing just to watch, as his mind and body are one with the music.

His talent was soon recognized by folks like Steve “Silk” Hurley (4-Time GRAMMY® Nominated Remixer) and “Joe Smooth” (House music legend). They welcomed him into their record labels (Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “DJ Skip” Syas owners of “S&S Records Inc.”, and Joe Smooth owner of “Obelisk Production Multimedia”) based both in Chicago. The legend of House music, Joe Smooth, says about him, “Matteo is a fantastic talent and the sound of his productions are warm, soulful and contemporary”. To date he has worked with such great artists as Faith Evans, George Clinton, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Chaka Khan, Joe Smooth, Jamie Principle, Sterling Void, Jerry C. King, Curtis McClain, Paris Brightledge, Superfunk, Jameisha Trice, Ron Louis Smith 2nd and many others. His music productions can be found on record labels as “S&S Records Inc.”, “Obelisk Production Multimedia”, “Kingdom Digital Music Group”, “Just4Funk Recordings”, “Sunpire Records”, soon also in major labels and many others.

His music goes from deep house to soulful and funky, combining old school references mixed with brand new sounds. By blending his multifaceted skills as a DJ/producer/remixer together with an ear towards House music’s roots, Matteo Candura is definitely a name to watch out for! Check out his exclusive Q&A below.

S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it?
Matteo Candura: I think there is not a definite music style in my music productions, but different shades of these musical styles (House, Classic House, Soulful House, Funky House, Deep House). I grew up in the Conservatory of Music, then my classical influence can be seen often in my productions (pianos, guitars and strings), and this is why I love the Classic House and Soulful house, I think they are the purest kinds for those who studied music (Piano, Alto Saxophone), but not only, everything about Disco, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Blues, Gospel music are in my head, I love Black Music, and all this is always ready to add that finishing touch to my productions.

S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music?
Matteo Candura: I’ve been always surrounded by music since I was a little child, in my family there is and there will always be music and dancing. P.s. I was already studying piano at 6.

S&S: What drives you creatively?
Matteo Candura: When I put my headphones and one particular sound or musical instrument or a few chords or a riff or a groove make me goosebumps, then it means that I’m going to the right way. I do not know what happens next, I just know that then I wake up and the song is ready.

S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection?
Matteo Candura: I think it is very important the opinion of people’s opinion, also for the productions. I always ask for advice, also I let people listen to my songs before I release them. Having many points of view in essential for me. We are so caught up in our music so many times that we forget several fundamental aspects or make some mistakes that we not see, people will do this for you.

S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working?
Matteo Candura: This is a list of some of the artists that I listen to when I’m not working. Yes I know, these are not artist of House Music.
Keb’ Mo’, Beck, Sam Smith, George Clinton, Prince, Michael Jackson, Gregory Porter, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Bill Evans trio, Ron Carter, Buena Vista Social Club, Sonny Rollins, Marc Johnson / Eliane Elias, David Hazeltine, Ella Fitzgerald, Paquito D’Rivera, Hank Mobley, George Benson, Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto, Miles Davis, Madeleine Peyroux, Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Natalie Cole, Melody Gardot, etc.

S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family?
Matteo Candura: I remember when I was a child, before starting to play the piano at 6 years old, I played percussion with my hands all the time without having a percussion instrument! For me any surface was good for a good groove.

S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
Matteo Candura: I’m investing my life in music, I’m not the “kid” who does not know what to do in life and improvised musician and producer. This is my real job.

S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about?
Matteo Candura: Not yet, but I hope in the future.

S&S: Are there any questions that you wish people would ask you?
Matteo Candura: Not really, but if the question is about music, I am always available to answer.

S&S: And on the flip side of that, are there any questions or references you wish people would stop asking or using?
Matteo Candura: Do not ask me how much money I have earned with that song or that other, the music is not money, “it’s a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing.”

S&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with?
Matteo Candura: Steve “Silk” Hurley, Joe smooth, Sterling Void, Jerry C. King, Curtis McClain, Paris Brightledge, Superfunk, Jameisha Trice, etc.

S&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration?
Matteo Candura: Robosonic, Cece Peninston, Copyright, Fast Eddie, Robbie Rivera, Scott Diaz, Monte, Jamie Lewis, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Victor Simonelli, Joey Negro, Ultra Natè, Josh Milan, Kenny Summit, DJ Spen, Kenny Carpenter, Eric Kupper, Terry Hunter, Luis Radio, Groove Assassin, Atjazz, Ralphi Rosario, Michele Chiavarini, Louie Vega, Lenny Fontana, Frankie Feliciano, Kenny Dope, Kerry Chandler, Todd Terry, Marshall Jefferson, Eddie Amador, Kevin Saunderson, Sonny Fodera, Cerrone, etc.

S&S: What can we look forward to next from you?
Matteo Candura: For sure new remixes, collaborations with great names and great record labels, and soon my new EP. Digital and vinyl releases.

S&S: What legacy would you like to leave?
Matteo Candura: I would like people talking about me as a great producer.

Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago

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