By Michele Valente.
Italian DJ and producer Lordnox, a native of Basilicata’s vibrant music scene, contributed with his unique sound signature to make atmosphere irresistible of the last commercial VS Distribution spot for the Oscar® Qualifying Program 2024. His ability to blend musical genres and create a compelling energy is perfectly in line with the italian company’s innovative and dynamic approach.
Ciao Pasquale! Thanks for being our guest on Hollywood Newsweek. In the last few years, it looks you’ve emerged as a new rising star withing the electronic and dance landscape. You’re still so young, can you tell us how everything started, and also a bit more about yourself?
Hello, and thank you for having me! My journey in music began in my early teens, inspired by the sounds of icons like Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, and David Guetta. I was drawn to the world of electronic music and started experimenting with my own sounds. For several years, I produced music that, although meaningful to me, didn’t see much commercial success, with only a few hundred streams to show for my efforts. However, I persevered, driven by a deep passion for this world. It wasn’t until 2020 that my persistence paid off. My track ‘Loved By You’ went viral, marking a significant turning point in my career. This experience taught me the value of staying true to my artistic vision, no matter the obstacles. Beyond music, I’m a guy always seeking to learn and grow.
Listening to some of your recent tracks, it seems your music got somehow influenced by the recent past Dance/Electronic sonorities, for sure, with a nice and fresh melodic soul. Would you say so…and which are your main sources of inspiration?
Yes, my music is definitely influenced by recent dance and electronic sounds, and I like to keep my melodies fresh and lively. But I don’t just listen to electronic music. I also get ideas from other genres, like pop and sometimes rock music. These different styles help me mix things up in my music. But my biggest inspiration is the EDM from the early 2010s. That period had a special energy that really speaks to me, and it’s a big part of what I try to bring to my own music.
You’re originally from Moliterno, a small town from Basilicata region, south of Italy. How much would you say it’s been difficult for you to emerge and be successful in your musical journey from such a small environment, to be recognized in a broader professional scene? Is there any secret formula you want to share with us.. :)?
Living in my small town has had both challenges and advantages for my music career. On the downside, it’s been tougher to get bookings for live shows in a small place. But on the bright side, I’ve had fewer distractions and more time to focus on my passion. The beautiful landscapes here have also inspired my music. I’m happy with the choices I’ve made. While I had to make some sacrifices, I’ve had wonderful experiences, not just in music but in life overall. My decisions have brought me to where I am now, doing the ‘job’ I’ve always dreamed of. I’ve made progress in my career, but there’s still a long way to go. There’s no secret, just a lot of hard work, dedication, and never giving up, no matter the challenges.
How much time do you spend in studio for producing your music and how important is the aspect of researching new music trends and also getting influenced by some greatest hits of the past?
I spend a significant amount of time in the studio (about 9 hours each day), not just producing but also researching new music trends. It’s crucial to understand the evolving landscape of music. I believe that music is like a wheel that turns, so trends do come back, but they are updated and modernized. For instance, consider Calvin Harris and his track ‘Miracle.’ He took the ’90s dance style, added a modern twist, and it quickly became a trend embraced by many artists.
You’ve produced some very interesting remixes in the recent past. What would you say that inspires you when deciding to remix a song? Also, how much do you think collaborations with other music artists are important for your career?
The most significant remix I’ve worked on is ‘Memories’ by David Guetta, even though it’s not an official remix but my own reinterpretation. I produced it in collaboration with my friend Junerule, and I provided the vocals. This track went viral in Germany and has reached nearly 8 million streams on all streaming platforms. Collaborations with other artists are definitely important for my career, but I strongly believe in the importance of carefully selecting them. It’s crucial to ensure that a collaboration aligns with my artistic vision, so it doesn’t compromise the essence of my music. By the way, I want to emphasize the significance of networking in the music industry. Knowing the right people can truly make a difference and open up new opportunities in an artist career.
What is your relationship with your fans? Do you enjoy being followed on social media? In regards to this, how much do you think it’s important to be live and interactive on Socials nowadays?
My relationship with my fans is special to me. Many of them reach out and send me wonderful messages, and I believe that seeing someone love your music is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job. I’m quite active on social media, especially on TikTok, where I post at least one video every day. I create content related to electronic music charts, featuring my own tracks. Many international artists like David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, Lost Frequencies have appreciated, shared, and even used my videos for promoting their songs. It’s not something that happens every day to receive a notification saying ‘David Guetta mentioned you in his video. In today’s music landscape, being active on social media is essential. It’s not just about sharing music; it’s about connecting with your audience and finding new ways to promote your music. Being live and interactive on social platforms allows me to engage with my fans in real-time and share my passion for music with a wider audience.
What would you say it’s been a very gratifying professional experience for you so far, and also, would you share with us your plans and projects for the next future? Where do you see yourself in a few years from now..?
I’ve been lucky to have many gratifying moments in my career. Collaborating with Marnik, an international DJ duo I’ve been following since 2015, was a highlight. Signing with Time Records, my first live show abroad in Amsterdam during ADE, and reaching my first million streams with ‘Loved By You’ were all significant milestones. Another unforgettable moment was being awarded at the Campidoglio in Rome last December. However, I’m confident that the most gratifying moments are yet to come. In 2024, I have plans to release new music, possibly more than in the past two years, to continue evolving as an artist and creating music that resonates with a global audience. In a few years, I hope to have left a significant mark in the electronic music world, expanding my reach and inspiring others. The journey is exciting, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Thanks a lot Lordnox for you time! We all wish you the best for your life and career!
ABOUT LORDNOX
Pasquale Calabria (Lordnox) is an Italian electronic music producer, songwriter, and DJ.
At the age of 13, he got into electronic music after being inspired by artists like Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, and David Guetta. These artists had a big impact on his music taste and motivated him to create his own tracks with the dream of performing at top music festivals.
One of his most successful tracks, “Loved by You,” a collaboration with Los Angeles-based singer Manda Malina, became a big hit. Released in April 2020, the song went viral, with over 5 million streams and gained him recognition in the music scene.
In July 2020, he created a dance version of David Guetta’s popular song “Memories” with Junerule, which did well in Germany, reaching 7.5 million streams.
In 2022, Lordnox released “Turn the Page,” a collaboration with internationally renowned DJs Marnik. This marked his entry into major record labels (Time Records/Universal Music).
In 2023, he released “Burn Slowly,” which reached the 78th position on the Italian iTunes dance chart and made it to the Top 100 in Lithuania.
In 2023, he wrote, produced, and performed the theme song for one of Italy’s most important film festivals, the Marateale.
Between 2022 and 2023, he introduced a new format on TikTok, amassing over 120,000 followers on the platform. Prominent international DJs like The Chainsmokers, Lost Frequencies, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and many more, have used his format to promote their singles.
Lordnox è un affermato DJ e produttore originario della Lucania, noto per la sua versatilità e la sua capacità di creare atmosfere avvincenti attraverso la sua musica. Con una carriera in costante crescita, Lordnox ha guadagnato il plauso della critica e il sostegno di un vasto pubblico grazie al suo approccio unico alla produzione musicale.
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