Italian pianist, composer, and producer Lorenzo Dada has built a career bridging classical training and electronic experimentation.
Photo credit: Lorenzo Dada – Official
A graduate of Rome’s Conservatory of Santa Cecilia, he has released on labels such as Kompakt, Mule Musiq, and Wolf + Lamb, performed at festivals including BPM, OFF Sonar, and WMC, and pioneered what he calls “Electronic Pianism,” combining piano with modular synthesizers.
His latest work, ‘Back To The Beginning’, is a seven-track mini album on Permaculture inspired by early influences like Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, and Radiohead.
In this conversation with EG, Lorenzo reflects on returning to his roots, the timelessness of musical memory, and why he believes the true challenge for artists now is longevity.
EG: Hi, Lorenzo! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How are you doing?
Lorenzo Dada: Hi guys, thanks for having me. I’m doing well — I’ve just returned from Puglia, where the Polifonic Festival events took place. Beautiful vibes, as always.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new LP, ‘Back To The Beginning’! You must be stoked to have this one out. What are some of your initial feelings? What has the reception been like so far?
Lorenzo Dada: I’m really happy about this album released on Permaculture, a new project from my friend and brother Nitin. Lately, I’ve been working on many albums, and I think this might be the last one for a while. I’d like to focus more on live performances and club-oriented productions. I really love these tracks — I’m very proud of them.
EG: ‘Back To The Beginning’ is obviously a “self-explanatory” title, but what was it that drove you to re-explore your formative origins?
Lorenzo Dada: This album takes me back in time, to the experimental electronic sounds where it all started for me. It’s a bit of a return to my musical roots. I also used a TEAC tape recorder from 1975, which belonged to my dad and was used in his own productions — that gave the music a unique, nostalgic texture.
EG: Is it possible to “go back”, or is that somehow tainted by the passage of time? What did you discover by this exploration?
Lorenzo Dada: Going back in time is always fascinating, but memories often feel more beautiful in our minds than they would be if we actually relived them. I think the same applies to music. I composed these tracks as if I were a young pianist again, but with the awareness and maturity I have today.
“A musician’s touch will always make a difference — in any genre — compared to someone who doesn’t have a deep musical background”
EG: We know that you received studies at Rome’s Conservatory of Santa Cecilia. Were you into electronic music by that time? Or did that happen afterwards? What was it about electronic music that drew you in?
Lorenzo Dada: I studied piano, harmony, and composition for many years at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia — from age 11 to around 20. I got into electronic music around 16, thanks to Aphex Twin, especially the track ‘Film’, which I still find genius. Another big influence was ‘OK Computer’ and ‘Kid A’ by Radiohead — those albums left a lasting mark on me.
EG: Coming from a conservatory, how do you navigate the concept of “rules” during creation? Are you mindful of what one should and should not do?
Lorenzo Dada: That’s a very good question. In general — no rules apply nowadays. Sadly, I think almost anyone can do anything, especially when it comes to mainstream genres. For me, the most interesting ideas and musical talent are expressed best in ambient or melodic electronic albums. A musician’s touch will always make a difference — in any genre — compared to someone who doesn’t have a deep musical background. But that doesn’t mean the track will be more successful. I’ve recently realized that success isn’t necessarily tied to technical skills or creative depth. It’s a different game today.
EG: What would be the perfect setting to listen to ‘Back To The Beginning’? What would you like listeners to take away from the experience? Are there any plans to present the record in its entirety in a live setting?
Lorenzo Dada: I don’t have specific plans to present the album yet, but I think it could be a nice idea to do a live set in a contemporary art gallery. In general, I just hope each listener gets something personal and meaningful from every track — especially considering how little attention is usually given to digital content like this. I care deeply about the timbral quality of sound, and I hope people take that with them — the feeling that it could be a work from the past.
EG: Given your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges artists will face in the near future?
Lorenzo Dada: The biggest challenge today is to stay. To remain relevant. To create a record that stays with people. An artist who leaves a mark. With the flatness created by AI, Splice libraries, and musical “fast fashion” — the ZARA of music — we’re in a moment where everything sounds the same and doesn’t last. Staying is the key — just like having a strong identity is.
“I composed these tracks as if I were a young pianist again, but with the awareness and maturity I have today”
EG: What’s next for Lorenzo Dada? What milestones are you looking forward to now? Where can your fans catch you next? Any tours planned?
Lorenzo Dada: I’ll be playing at Club der Visionaere on August 27th with my girlfriend Diana, Jakob from Wareika who hosts the party, and other artists for the We R the Aliens label night. Lately, I’ve been very focused on my music academy, Electronic Music Division — it’s a big priority for me, even at the cost of some gigs. I’m also working on productions and about to launch a new small label on August 4th called Romance Music, dedicated to fresh, romantic house sounds.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Lorenzo! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
Lorenzo Dada: Thank you, you as well!
Lorenzo Dada’s ‘Back To The Beginning’ is out now on Permaculture. Stream and download here.
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