Exclusive Interview with Aeroplane
In just a few years, Vito De Luca, the Italian-Belgian producer behind Aeroplane, has established himself as party-starting DJ. He has never been at the mercy of traditional bpms, and being free of “the dancefloor pressure” has given Vito additional license to slow things down and look around, finding the perfect blend between club music, pop hooks, and spaced-out soundscapes. Making your ass shake more than your fist pump, as his first " In Flight Entertainment " 100% exclusive compilation demonstrates. The start of Vito’s own label Aeropop will see many collaborations with big names and a fresh, exciting, variety of music come out, allowing Vito to flex his classically trained musical muscles in all directions, just like his touring schedule.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Aeroplane, shortly before his performance at Levels Club on Wednesday 10th April.
You learned music for 10 years, studied piano and guitar. What led you to electronic dance music and how does your background impact on your productions?
Daft Punk did. I had a rock band and I’ve discovered “Homework“ the first Daft Punk album. That’s when I put my guitar aside and bought some computers and gear. Then when I learned about sampling and that some of that french house stuff was sampling disco records, I got into that, and that’s when I was able to use my music background to actually make some disco, with guitars, and keyboards.
In 2010 Aeroplane released its debut album “We Can’t Fly” – at that time still as a duo. How did the music change or evolve since you are the driving and only force behind Aeroplane?
I don’t feel a big difference. The album actually came out as a solo record as the split was before the release date, but I had done a lot of the work on it myself anyway. That’s why the split happened, Aeroplane became my project.
How would you describe Aeroplane’s music in just a few words?
The power of chords.
Aeroplane initially caught the attention of many by the remixes you did and it was the remix of Friendly Fire’s song “Paris” that turned you into a headliner and made you do big festivals and play main stages. Were you surprised about the success of especially this track?
You should always be surprised by success. It doesn’t matter how good you think you are, the fact that other people think so too is always amazing, and always a surprise. The “ Paris “ remix was a gamble as I removed the original lead vocal and slowed it down a lot, well sometimes you gamble and you win.
Out of all of all the tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Low Motion Disco - Love Love Love (Aeroplane Remix)
Aeroplane - London Bridge
You not only produce your own music, you also write its lyrics yourself. Where do you find inspiration for the lyrics?
I don’t really “write“ lyrics. I just use the old technique that certain melody notes call for a certain sound, so I sing pretty much gibberish and then try to sort out all these sounds and turn them into words that kinda have a meaning.
You were chosen to mix the 500th radio show of the highly respected “Essential Mix” on BBC Radio 1, which you opened with your own song “We Can’t Fly”. Would you mind to share your thoughts about this special occasion with us?
It was a big surprise. Essential Mix is the ultimate DJ show, it’s a big achievement to do it. But that one was even more special as we’ve been picked by a panel of influential professionals, and it was live on BBC Radio 1 instead of pre-recorded. That’s the reason why we started with We Can’t Fly, it was the first time people heard the song.
What are you currently working on?
A lot of things. New album, tracks for my label Aeropop, producing some people I like.
You travel a lot. What are the things you miss the most when you are on tour?
The studio. I’m not really inspired working on a laptop, I need my stuff around. I’m getting used to the rest pretty much, if it wasn’t for flying touring would be easy, the planes make everything way harder.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
Too many gigs, impossible to answer. A lot of incredible ones, sometimes bad ones.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Getting Domino Pizza’s delivered in the DJ booth, and share some slices with the crowd.
You are a self-proclaimed sneaker addict. What was your latest acquirement?
If everything goes well, a pair of Jordan 3 Retro 88 White Cement. I had to set an alarm in the middle of the night to get on a website and order them, I had friends trying to get me a pair too, if everything goes well I should receive them. I also just got a really nice pair of Spiz’Ike Black History Month edition, bright yellow, made out of tennis ball material. Those I won’t wear.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to? Do you enjoy Thai food?
Asian food is my favorite food. Thai, Japanese,... Italian food is obviously up there but it doesn’t count because italian food beats everything, and I’m of italian origin so you can’t fuck with it.
Your upcoming performance here in Bangkok is your Thailand debut. Are you excited play in Bangkok? Have you travelled to Thailand before?
I don’t think I have been to Thailand ever. I’m obviously excited, I’m always excited to play a gig, play music I like really loud is always a great moment.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Levels Club on 10th April?
No idea. Depending on the reactions of the crowd I go one way or another. We are in this together.