Pagano’s music production and DJing career has gone stratospheric. Each weekend he jets off to exotic destinations all over the world spinning his progressive, energetic sound on some of the planet’s best dancefloors. His tracks and remixes have been supported by an impressive roster of artists including Bob Sinclar, Tiesto, Cevin Fisher, Paul Van Dyk, Marco V, Chus & Ceballos, Mark Picciotti and many more, and it seems this is just the start. 2010 is shaping up to be an electrifying year for this Italian-born dance music aficionado.

It must have been a pretty exciting few years for you, as you’ve become one of the most in-demand DJs in London. What do you think has been responsible for your career taking off in such a big way?
I think it has all been down to hard work, consistency and the fact that I always take risks with my music.

Did your Italian upbringing affect the style of music you produce?
I am sure it has in some ways. After all, growing up in Italy means being surrounded by the best fashion, the best design and 70% of the world's recognized art. So I’m sure this has helped me shape my taste in art and music.

Where did your love affair with house music begin?
I was actually not very keen on house when I was younger. But I think that was more related to the type of crowd that house used to attract in Italy, than to the music itself. I have always been more into electronic music, techno, progressive, synth-pop, new-wave and some forms of indie rock. The thing is that today it seems to me that everything with a dance beat falls under the house umbrella. So if this helps to make dance music more recognizable by the mainstream: let it be house!

How did you get into DJing?
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… my first gig was when I was a teenager in a club in my hometown in Sicily at a sort of school-disco event which took place every Saturday afternoon… approximately 18 years ago! I liked music and I liked to party… there were no PC, no iPod and no internet back then, so going to the local clubs and records stores was the way to go if you wanted to share these passions with like-minded people.

And how did you get involved in the world of music production?
When I was nineteen I moved to Bologna to attend University. There I continued to DJ and used to go to buy music at a record store (which I think still exists; it’s called Record 66) where they had a recording studio in the back room. After befriending the owners, I asked them if I could try and put together some ideas with their sound engineer… and one way or another I’ve never stopped producing music since.

How do you feel when you hear your tracks and remixes pumped out onto a heaving dance-floor, and see a great reaction to it?
Of course I feel very proud and happy, that is what I live for. That is why I chose this job in the first place, it’s inebriating!

What was your best recent gig?
I particularly enjoy playing extended DJ sets and those are the gigs that I do better. My recent six-hour set at the former Crobar in NYC for Alegria is a very good example of that.

Are there any gigs that you haven’t yet played, that you really want to get booked for?
I would love to start playing festivals again. I have done the Godskitchen Global Gathering once and a few others and it was a great experience. I would especially love to play Burning Man in the US. In Ibiza I have played at Space and at Privilege but never at Amnesia: so I would love to do that too.

Which work projects are you most looking forward to in 2010?
2010 is already shaping to be an incredible year, I have so many great gigs already confirmed all over the world and many others are being discussed right now. You will have to check my diary during the coming months to see what I mean.

As for studio material, there are several projects and remixes that will soon hit the market that I am very proud of: like my 2010 remixes of the US club hits I Try by Made By Monkeys and The DJ, The Music and Me by Lula (both forthcoming on KULT Records US) and my remixes of Get Funky the new single from Rosabel (Ralphi Rosario and Abel).

Which vocalist or producer would you most like to work with in the future?
I would love to work with producers such as Vangelis and with William Orbit. I love all their material. As for singers: my biggest dream is to work with either Dave Gahan from Depeche Mode or Robert Smith from the Cure: both are legendary!

How would you describe your sound?
Recently a punter sent me an email of appreciation after a gig describing my sound as sophisticated and full of energy. I think that could work.

Why is it important to cross genres in dance music?
It seems to me that today to cross genres is more important than ever. Contaminations between different styles of music keep the genre alive and exciting.

Pagano’s top five tracks:
Christian Smith & John Selway – ‘Manfreak’
; Marco Bailey – ‘Jungle Laps’; Daniel Portman – ‘Baaly’ (Dub Mix); Steven Redant & Jean Philips – ‘Discotheque’ (Pagano Remix); Danism & Lisa Millet – ‘One Life’ (Pagano Remix).

Find out more at www.djpagano.com and www.myspace.com/djpagano

Read Our Ask The DJ With Pagano »
Click to find out more about the cute Italian DJ.

Pagano has upcoming international gigs at Rapido (Amsterdam), La Demence (Brussels), Circuit Festival (Barcelona), Alegria Pride (USA) and Discoteque (Moscow), plus London events Matinee, SuperMartXe, Lovechild, Megawoof, Onyx, Egg and Trade.

Forthcoming releases include remixes for Rosabel (Ralphi Rosario and Abel), Made By Monkeys, Lula, Giangi Cappai, and a few original productions including the massive Drama on The Dancefloor featuring vocals from London scene celebrity Gavin Nicholls and a new single featuring vocals from legendary Angie Brown of Bizzare Inc. fame.