Smoke Joke founder Ivan Iacobucci delivers the 20th release on Shonky, Dan Ghenacia & Dyed Soundorom’s Apollonia imprint, available March 9th (vinyl only). The Berlin-based Italian producer has provided 3 mystical groovers with a distinct funk edge and today, exclusively via When We Dip, you can check out an exclusive preview of B-side “Mini Ass”. What’s more, Ivan joined us for a little q&a action, filling us in on the release, an adventure to a Romanian ravine and all the plans for the coming months.
WWD: You’ve signed your latest release with Apollonia, can you tell us how that came about?
Dan Ghenacia messaged me on Facebook and told me that he had just bought my record on Holic Trax label called Monoklo 1. He wrote me he loved it a lot, that he knew me already through my former productions. Then he asked for some of unreleased tracks he could play and possibly release. At this point I went straight to work and managed to send him the perfect material
WWD: Would you play a lot of tracks from the label? Have you a favourite from the back catalogue?
I bought several productions of Apollonia, in particular I like Apollonia – ‘Trinidad’ Dan Ghenacia & Shonky – ‘Close To The Edge’ Dan Ghenacia – ‘Trax On Da Road’
WWD: How would you describe the health of the Italian scene right now? Do you get back there as much as you’d like?
I’ve lived in Berlin for two years but manage to come back home occasionally, although it is a short and rare visit. I noticed, especially in Bologna, the city where I lived for 27 years, that the new generation is really amazing. They have a great musical personality and the underground scene is rich in talents
WWD: 3 favourite hang-outs in Berlin?
I don’t go out so often, but when I do, my favorite hang-outs in Berlin are Club Der Visionaere and Hoppetosse to have a dance, and for a drink I’d pick the Minimal Bar.
WWD: One thing you’ve learnt in the studio recently?
Actually, you might be surprised but one thing I’ve learnt recently is to listen to the music from the speakers. I’ve had always used headphones.
WWD: How are things developing on the Smoke Joke front?
Smoke Joke records is a label that does not allow commercial compromises, and has been created especially to give voice to new talents who keep receiving some “NO” answers from the various labels because their projects are not bankable enough. So I am very proud of it because I can support those who, from my point of view, much-deserve some support.
WWD: In recent memory, what’s the most adventurous experience you’ve had on your travels?
Surely in Romania last summer: when I landed in Bucharest my records were not on the tape. Back at that time I was playing 90% on vinyls, then I had a moment of real panic but at the end managed to solve it as luckily i found out I had most of the tracks with me on a usb pen. The next day, I had to travel by car along with the promoter of the previous night, to a second gig in Romania. We had to drive about 350 km so I logically fell asleep on the road. So I ddin’t realise what was happening when it happened, but basically after half an hour driving, the driver lost control of the car and we ended up upside down in a ravine. Fortunately nothing serious happened to any of us, a few bruises for sure and the car was destroyed. After a couple hours we had to spend with the police obviously, another driver picked us with another car and we finally arrived to our destination at 5am, which was quite late as you can imagine and still without any vinyls!! Hard!! And the story ‘s not over! The day after I had to fly to Berlin then, but Lufthansa was on strike… At this point I guess we can call it a pretty adventurous experience, What do you think? 🙂
WWD: Looking ahead to 2016 just a few quickfire q’s
1- Who’s your star on the rise?
Etienne, TC80, Yoshi, Saverio Celesti, Slow Life crew, Sleepers Crew and Yone Ko
2- Where are we going to find the best party?
Hoppetosse, Get Perlonized at Panorama Bar, Libertine, Sleepers, Slow Life.
3- One thing you want to see more of?
Love
4- The one musical accomplishment you’re most proud of?
‘On’ ep of course (truly!)
WWD: What else have you in store for the rest of 2016?
A couple of things, but most of all to set up my party here in Berlin.. work in progress!
Follow: Ivan Iacobucci // Apollonia