Federico Scavo is an Italian house artist veteran who, going into 2026, is celebrating his 35th anniversary as a touring dj. We caught up with him recently to find out his current plans for it, how the role of a DJ has changed over the years, and how he stays creatively inspired after all this time!

WWD: Hey Federico! You’ve been DJing for 35 years now, do you remember the moment you knew music would be your life?

Yes, I remember very well: I was at the first party in my hometown in the heart of Tuscany in Italy, playing vinyl for the first time in front of so many peers, and it was a wonderful feeling.

WWD: How has the role of a DJ changed from when you started to today’s digital era?

Today, DJing is undoubtedly easier, and with the advent of social media, if you have a lot of followers and a lot of visibility you can DJ even if you don’t know much about playing. Before, it was a more meritocratic profession.

WWD: What were the biggest challenges you faced breaking into the international scene?

Definitely managing to get my tracks signed to prestigious labels and to create my own style (which is not easy).

WWD: Your productions blend house, tech, and groove so naturally, how do you approach creating your signature sound?

I started playing drums at 16, so I’m very interested in rhythm and groove, which are key elements to any track for me. Playing an instrument made this job much easier for me.

WWD: Which track in your career felt like a real turning point for you?

After the great success of the first official Pink Floyd remix in 2002 under the name PINK COFFEE, STRUMP was definitely the track that brought me success.

WWD: How do you stay creatively inspired after so many years in the industry?

I do a lot of musical research of all genres and I get very emotional listening to music, this is my secret.

WWD: What’s one lesson the music industry taught you that no one tells you at the beginning?

Nobody gives you anything for free, everything must be earnt with music, not with chatter.

WWD: You’ve played clubs and festivals all over the world, is there a crowd or country that surprised you the most?

I’ve played all over the world, but I felt the most affection and love for myself and music at a festival in Serbia. The audience was incredibly passionate and musically knowledgeable, the organization was impeccable, but above all, the people were so humane and kind like I’d never seen before. I was deeply moved.

WWD: How do you read a dancefloor and decide where to take the energy next?

I observe a lot; I don’t play for myself, I play for the audience. The first 15 minutes of a set are crucial for figuring out which musical direction to take.

WWD: Vinyl to CDJs to digital libraries – do you miss anything about the old-school DJ era?

I miss touching vinyl but not carrying it in very heavy bags 🙂

WWD: You’ve seen dance music trends come and go, what makes a sound timeless?

Music is a bit like fashion: it comes and goes based on “what’s working now.” To become timeless, a sound must speak to people’s primary emotions, be sincere, and have its own identity. That’s how it becomes iconic and lasts forever.

WWD: Is there an artist or collaborator who has deeply influenced your journey?

My idols, who I had the honor of knowing and even collaborating with: David Morales, Roger Sanchez and Erick Morillo. I love everything about them: their style, their mix, their productions.

WWD: How do you balance touring life with personal life after decades on the road?

When I’m at home, I try to dedicate quality time to my loved ones as it’s limited. I also try to exercise everyday, sleep well, eat healthy meals. While traveling I meditate a lot.

WWD: What’s a moment in your career that still gives you goosebumps when you think about it?

The first time I played at Pacha in Ibiza and at the Ministry of Sound in London, gigantic emotions that I still remember today and I think I will never forget.

WWD: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

To the boy version of me, I would tell him to always believe and to trust his intuitions more, because they will take him far.

WWD: What can we expect next from Federico Scavo – new music, new projects, new directions?

2026 is the 35th anniversary as a DJ for me, so it will be very special: I’ll release a lot of new music (about a release per month), I’ll continue to surprise you with my DJ sets, blending classical music and melodic pop songs to my sound, adding that touch of madness that makes the difference. I’ll continue to be me. 

WWD: Huge year! Thanks for the chat 🙂

Ciao! Thanks for having me!

‘Flashback’ is available here