The Southern was born in Matera, Italy) in the 90’s. It’s always been passionate about music, passing through various kinds of underground genres, from the purely electronic sound to the early hip hop sounds. At the age of 17, fascinated by the best masters of techno music as Carlo Lio, The Junkies, Ron Costa, Harvey Mckay and more, began his productions inspired by its own myths and seeking a refined and sophisticated sound with which he tries to distinguish itself till today.
We had a short chat with The Southern aligned to the release of his new EP, ‘Raw Culture’, via EI8HT.
Electronic Groove: What’s your real name, and where were you born?
The Southern: Ciao guys, my real name is Carmine Portarulo and I was born in Matera, Italy.
EG: Describe your music in 3 words?
The Southern: Raw, energetic, straight.
EG: Where are you based?
The Southern: Now I am based in Ferrandina, a little city in the deep south of Italy! I love it here. Great food, wine, and weather – lots of things to help inspire me.
EG: What labels have you released on in your career?
The Southern: I have released on labels including 1605, KD RAW, ODD Recordings, Tronic, Rawthing, Alalytic Trail, Hydrozoa, Intec and more. And of course, not forgetting my upcoming EP on EI8HT.
EG: Can you mention 3 artists you aspire to/have influenced you?
The Southern: There are many artists but the most inspiring for me are Truncate, K!NK and Roman Poncet.
EG: How long have you been producing music? What was your first signed release?
The Southern: I started producing music at the age of 18 with an old alias, but with my new alias ‘The Southern’, which is now 6 years old, I’ve been got a lot more satisfaction since I changed my style of music.
“Create your own style and make it unique to only you!”
EG: Three things you can’t live without on the road when touring?
The Southern: Headphones, ear protection, and a camera!
EG: Can you tell us about your next release?
The Southern: Of course! My next release, which is my debut also will be out on Friday, January 24th on Eats Everything and Andres Campo’s collaboration label called EI8HT. I am very excited to be a part of their new project and have been a fan of all the releases so far. I am very grateful to the guys too for releasing my music. This EP is a 4 tracker, which is very much in my raw style of production with a dirty groove.
EG: One piece of advice you can give to other aspiring producers?
The Southern: Never give up, be yourself and don’t try to copy anyone! Create your own style and make it unique to only you! Sooner or later, good things will come! I’ve learned to keep my head down and work hard.
Peace.
The Southern’s ‘Raw Culture’ EP is now available, grab your copy here.
Follow The Southern: Facebook | Soundcloud
