The Echio Quiz with Massimiliano Pagliara
How did you learn music, and did you have mentors?
I had no clue about anything. I didn’t even know what a synth was or what you could do with it. One day, my dear friend and mentor, Daniel Wang, showed me his Roland SH-101 and explained how to use it. That was love at first sight. I started looking for vintage gear and slowly set up my studio. I also took piano lessons for about three years to understand harmony. Two other important mentors were Jules Etienne and Alessandro Tartari, with whom I later founded my first band project. It was very much learning by doing.
Tell us about a key feedback you received during your career and from whom.
Danny (Daniel Wang) once came over to my studio, listened to my Transmissions Florales tracks, and told me, “This track has a very strong hook. The bassline is super groovy and very catchy.” That moment made me realize how important a bassline is, and it motivated me to keep working on those tracks. Eventually, I finished them, and he released them on Balihu Records, which was an amazing milestone for me.
What is good music feedback in your opinion?
Feedback can be intimidating, especially early on. It’s important to be as objective as possible and focus on the technical side of things. However, since music is so personal, you should take what is relevant and then do your own thing. Follow your heartbeat, and one day, the magic will happen.
What feedback would you give to your first release (please name the release)?
My first vinyl release was the Transmissions Florales EP on Balihu Records in 2008. Listening back, I still love the funky basslines, and I appreciate the naive approach I had back then. I was open, free, and experimenting. If I were to redo those tracks today, I might make fewer key changes, but overall, I think it was a pretty good start.
If you could spend a day in the studio with one of your heroes, who would it be?
Patrick Cowley. I wish I could have met this genius and worked on music together. He passed away too soon, but we’re lucky to have releases of his unreleased works through Dark Entries. I’ll forever be inspired by him.
What’s the object in your studio (musical or not) you can’t live without?
Definitely my Juno 106 synth. If I had to grab just one thing in an emergency, it would be that. Beyond gear, all the small objects in my studio—books, little trinkets, and lamps—also play an important role in inspiring me during the creative process.
If you were not making music, what would you do?
Something creative, like interior design, architecture, visual arts, or fashion. These are my main interests outside of music, and I draw so much inspiration from all of them.
