4 days ago

Pantomatic: "Living in a city that exudes such creativity is stimulating"

Pantomatic is a DJ duo based in Milan, formed in 2019 after meeting at Sae Institute. United by a shared love for music, they combine their influences and skills to create a unique sound. With deep roots in electronic culture and years of experience in music production, Pantomatic explores diverse genres, converging on techno.

Your new EP "Breathe" has just been released on Daydreaming, featuring remixes by JP Lantieri and Ornery. What was the main inspiration behind this project, and how did you select the remixers to reinterpret your work?

"Breathe" is the track that kickstarted the entire project, blending club-oriented sounds with more cinematic and ethereal atmospheres. "Amnesty" follows a similar direction but adds a more melancholic and solemn touch. Finally, "World of Our Own", which concludes the EP, is the most club-driven track, characterized by a darker and more ominous vibe.

When it came to selecting the remixers, we were thrilled to collaborate with two exceptional artists. Ornery, the label manager and a highly respected producer, was the perfect choice to reinterpret "Breathe" with a dancefloor-focused twist while staying true to the track’s cinematic essence.

JP Lantieri, a well-established name in the electronic music scene, brought his signature style to deliver another club-ready version of "Breathe", full of refined energy. Both remixes add new dimensions to the EP, offering fresh interpretations while staying connected to its core identity.

Since 2019, you've built a distinctive sonic identity, blending sophisticated sound design with driving rhythms. How would you describe your creative process, and how do you keep your style fresh and innovative?

Our creative process often begins with an emotional or atmospheric idea that we want to translate into sound. Rather than starting with a rigid structure, we let the process flow organically, experimenting with textures, rhythms, and melodies until the track starts to take shape. We love combining analog gear and digital tools to create a balance between warmth and precision, allowing us to craft sounds that feel both personal and refined.

To keep things fresh, we continually explore new techniques, sounds, and production methods. We also draw inspiration from diverse sources like visual art, nature, or even everyday life. This openness to new ideas allows us to evolve while staying grounded in the core of our sonic identity.

Milan has a vibrant and growing electronic music scene. How important is the local context to your music, and how does the city influence your creativity?

Milan is a city full of opportunities, with a wide variety of artists exploring different genres. This diversity often sheds light on unique production approaches and a range of sounds, which is incredibly inspiring. Living in a city that exudes such creativity is stimulating, as it constantly pushes us to evolve and stay open to new ideas.

However, it’s important to recognize that Milan’s fast-paced lifestyle can sometimes overwhelm you. You have to be mindful of managing the rhythm of life here and not get caught up in the rush, allowing space for reflection and creativity to flourish.

What musical influences have shaped your sound? Are there any artists or genres that you consider essential to your journey as DJs and producers?

Both of us come from an electronic background, both as DJs and producers, so our approach has always been focused on creating club music. However, today we find ourselves influenced by a wide variety of genres, constantly evolving and merging together. This leads to the creation of hybrid sounds, blending influences from different styles while maintaining our personal roots.

In terms of references, we definitely look to the pioneers of melodic music, like Tale of Us, whose atmospheric and emotive approach has been a strong influence. At the same time, we also draw inspiration from EDM artists like CamelPhat and Swedish House Mafia, who were foundational to our musical culture and understanding of dance music.

We try to blend these influences in our own way, always aiming to create something fresh that reflects both our personal journeys and the evolution of electronic music.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for Pantomatic? Can we expect new collaborations, projects, or significant live performances in 2025?

Looking ahead, our main goal for Pantomatic is to keep evolving our sound and exploring new creative territories. We plan to release more original music, diving deeper into different aspects of our style while staying true to the essence of what we do. In 2025, we’re also excited to collaborate with artists from all over the world, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse influences to our music.

In terms of performances, we’re focused on taking our DJ sets to new places, bringing our sound to cities both near and far, including Milan, which has been a huge source of inspiration for us. The local scene here continues to grow, and we’re excited to contribute to it while also expanding our reach beyond the city, connecting with audiences in other cities and countries.