Italian DJ and producer Massimiliano Pagliara, originally from Lecce and now based in Berlin, has built a career shaped by collaboration, exploration, and a constant dialogue through music.
Photo credit: Paul Mpagi Sepuya
Known for bridging the city’s techno landscape with a softer, more emotive sensibility rooted in disco, he has developed a distinct voice across both solo work and joint projects. A Panorama Bar resident, Pagliara has also carried his sound across international stages, while releases such as ‘With One Another’ and ‘Feel Live’ reflect his focus on human connection and evolving studio processes.
Now, Pagliara marks two decades in music with the release of ‘20 Years Of Massimiliano Pagliara: Selected Unreleased Works’, arriving June 3rd via Funnuvojere Records. The compilation brings together a selection of previously unreleased tracks, reflecting a period shaped by experimentation and analogue exploration following his move from Milan to Berlin.
The project includes collaborations with Kid Simius, Alinka, Budino, Aérea Negrot, and more, highlighting Pagliara’s collaborative spirit and range. Recent singles ‘Flicker of Us’ and ‘Flawed People’ (ft. Unconscious Honey) continue to reveal different facets of his sound, balancing rhythmic drive with melodic depth.
With a long-standing career rooted in both music and performance, Pagliara has developed a clear artistic identity centered on groove, balance, and emotional connection. Here, he shares five essential studio tips drawn from his experience.
1. Less is More (EQ, Space & Silence)
With EQ, cutting frequencies is often more powerful than boosting. Instead of adding more energy, you create clarity by removing what is unnecessary and allowing each element to sit in its own space without fighting others. This idea also applies to arrangement. Silence is powerful. Strategic gaps, drops, or even removing something as simple as a kick for a few bars can create tension and make what comes next hit harder. Space gives your track movement and intention.
2. Control Over Loudness (Compression & Monitoring)
Compression should be about control, not loudness. Over compressing kills dynamics and emotion, so it is better to use it gently. Starting with low ratios like 2 to 1 or 4 to 1, small gain reduction around 2 to 5 dB, and slower attacks can help preserve punch and musicality. At the same time, louder does not mean better. It is easy to get used to high volume, but that leads to ear fatigue and misleading decisions. Turning things down helps you hear balance more clearly and work longer with better judgment.
3. Trust Your Ears Over Your Eyes
When it sounds right to you, it usually is. It is easy to rely on meters, waveforms, and analysers, but music is not visual, it is felt. Try stepping away from the screen or even closing your eyes while listening. Feeling the track in your body often gives you more honest feedback than anything you can see.
4. Build Width with Intention (Panning & Layering)
Panning is key to creating a wide, immersive mix. It is not just about separating sounds, but about giving them a sense of space. Keep your core elements such as kick, bass or sub, snare, and lead vocals centred to anchor the track, and use the sides for character and movement. Techniques like recording multiple takes, for example a dry and a processed version of a synth, and panning them can add depth and excitement.
5. Progress Over Perfection (Reference, Finish, Let Go)
Reference tracks are essential for developing your ear and understanding both technical and creative decisions. Actively listening and taking notes can inspire new ideas and push your work forward. Just as important is finishing your tracks, even if they are not perfect. You learn the most by completing ideas and treating them as if they will be released. Going back and finishing old sketches can be incredibly rewarding. At the same time, do not chase perfection. Endless tweaking can kill the original magic. The goal is progress. Each finished track gets you closer to where you want to be.
Massimiliano Pagliara’s ‘Flicker of Us’ / ‘Flawed People’ is out now on Funnuvojere Records. Stream and download here.
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