Interview with Francesco Tamburrano
Exploring deep dub techno, creative freedom, and musical roots with one of Crossfade Sounds' emerging voices.
We’re excited to start publishing more regular interviews with our label artists here at Crossfade Sounds. One of the artists we’re proud to feature is Francesco Tamburrano, who has become a key part of the label’s identity with his deep, evolving productions. His recent album Dolce Vita marks an important milestone, reflecting both artistic maturity and emotional depth. In this conversation, he shares more about his creative journey, process, and musical roots.
Lately, I’m working on a couple of new musical projects mainly based on art and literature. These first projects will be the focus of my production until the end of this year, and maybe for 2026 too.
Can you briefly share when you started producing music, your first piece of equipment or software, and reflect on your debut release?
I started to produce a couple of years ago.
When I was young, I played as a DJ both for some local radio stations and clubs… My goal since that time was to become an electronic producer.
I started with some basic instruments such as Ableton Live (DAW), Ableton Push 2, and a MIDI controller (one octave).
After this first period, I just specialized in using many more virtual instruments directly on my DAW.
My first release was an EP called Soft.
I had a beautiful beach party together with some other DJs (friends of mine) in a private club. On that occasion, many people were expecting just lounge music and soft sounds… but we surprised everybody by playing some deep dub techno that was really appreciated and discovered by many of them right there. From that fun experience, I borrowed the name Soft for my first EP.
Did you have a mentor or take any lessons, either offline or online, to enhance your skills?
I had lessons as a musician (piano player) when I was younger, but when it comes to electronic music, I am self-taught (just some tutorials on YouTube).
I didn’t have a proper mentor, but my best friend (who is also the best DJ I’ve worked with), Walter, pushed me to keep producing.
What I noticed during this process is that contamination of styles helps me grow faster than usual.
Do you have a preference between producing music and DJing?
Yes, and the preference is performing live with machines and DAW (together with console). The “Kink style.”
Producing live and making a unique mix for that only occasion.
This kind of DJ set transforms a performance into a unique and unrepeatable musical emotion.
What do you consider the highlight of your career so far, both as a DJ and a producer?
Definitely having some of my productions released on special labels like Crossfade. That’s the big satisfaction. No doubt about that.
How did you first learn about Crossfade Sounds, and could you mention some of your favorite releases on the label?
I learned about Crossfade on SoundCloud. When I was selecting tracklists for my mixes, many excellent tracks were from Crossfade.
My favorite release is a difficult question, I love many… but if I have to mention two, I would say Numbers by Seabra Monkey and Dusty Texture by ZeroA.
When making a track, how do you typically approach the process? Do you spend more time on sound design, arrangement, or mixing? And how long does a remix usually take you from start to finish?
Most of the time is required for sound design.
About remixes, it depends on the original — I can say that with some originals it’s faster and easier than others. Usually, it takes me 2–3 days.
What is your main DAW, and can you name a few of your go-to VSTs, plugins, or tools you use when producing music?
Ableton Live as a DAW, and among other tools, Vital is one of the most used in my productions.
Many artists have a signature sound or style. How do you balance staying true to your artistic identity while also experimenting and evolving as an artist?
I usually produce most of my tracks in minor — that’s the only signature.
In the word “evolving,” there’s no space for others… it would kill creativity.
This is also because I always try to contaminate my tracks with musical characteristics from other musical styles.
The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with streaming platforms and digital distribution reshaping the landscape. What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry, and how have these changes affected your career?
I consider streaming platforms and digital distribution as a big chance. It’s like opening the doors to everybody. This would have been impossible in the 90s, for example.
Thanks to this new scenario, it was possible to access labels for me too.
I don’t think that this new music industry affects the quality of products in a negative way — on the contrary, it helps a lot of talents to emerge much more easily than before.
What are some of your favorite record labels, and do you have a specific goal or aspiration to release your music on a particular label in the near future?
My favourite labels are: Crossfade as well, Ecoul Snd, Superordinate, Techenie, and Piranha Siberia Dub. And yes, there are many other great labels I would like to work with. If I have to mention one, I would say Lucidflow.
What advice would you offer to your younger self, considering all the knowledge and experience you've gained in your career so far? Additionally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who may be reading this interview?
My advice is simple: passion and a lot of work, together with a lot of fun.
Besides music, do you have any other passions or hobbies?
I have too many: reading, fishing (no kill), opera, sport, museums, movies, theatre… the list could go on and on.
Are there any books, documentaries, podcasts, or TV shows that you'd like to recommend to your fans and fellow artists?
The book I will suggest isn’t a simple one… but I haven’t found anything greater in human history: Dante’s Inferno.
I don’t watch TV much, but I really like National Geographic.
Could you share some of your all-time favorite tracks or songs that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
Storm – Storm (Original Mix, 1998)
Oasis – Y.O.M.C. (Club Mix)
Paul van Dyk – For an Angel (Original Mix)
As you can see, none of these are dub techno tracks, but they influenced my musical motivation since I was a young guy.
What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
In my mind, I am pursuing a “new wave dub techno style,” which means deep chord sounds mixed together with bossa nova (or jazz, soul, blues… even classical music) melodies, together in one harmonic sound puzzle.
Follow Francesco on: Soundcloud | Instagram | Spotify