Marcello De Angelis has enjoyed something of a dance music fairy tale. From his early releases in his native Italy, to moving to the big smoke and getting signed to West Records, as well as releasing tunes on Mantra Breaks and knocking out a veritable slew of killer remixes, Marcello, better known as Plaze De Funk, has developed a keen ear for a beat and a pure party spirit. So, ahead of him playing for Chew The Fat!, it seemed only right that he answered a few questions.....

With yourself and artists like Madox, it seems that Italian electronic music has a very different style and feel compared to it's UK based counterparts. How would you describe what you do?

I have to say there is more and more interesting stuff coming from Italy, which obviously I am very pleased about! New artists such as Break The Box and Mowgli are definitely making their mark on the scene. I would say in Italy there is a very strong house tradition, you can't get away with 6 hours of straight breaks in a clubnight which is how the italian "sound" was born...mashing up bits and pieces of different genres to keep the people on the dancefloor. And it's all about the funk of course!! Electronic carbonara funk.

Do you think that moving from Italy to the UK has changed your style and method of working in any way?

Definitely, in a big way!! London has got so many things going on and so many influences and cultural diversity, you can find inspiration just walking down the street! Also, when I moved here 4 years ago, it was really easy to meet my favourite producers, get in touch with labels...it's definitely helped a lot.

Are there any producers or artists that you'd give your left nut to work with?

Well I have a couple of collaborations on the cards so watch this space! But if we are talking about my left nut...it would have to be Perry Farrell from Jane's Addiction or Bjork.

Is a Plaza De Funk live performance on the cards any time soon?

I'm not really sure about that, I played in bands for ages before I even thought about djing so this is still me exploring my "other side". But if I find a way to build a live performance that's exciting and interesting...I wouldn't rule it out.

There is a lot of talk on breakbeat forums about breaks in the UK being on it's last legs. Do you think this is the case, and if so, what level of 'kick up the arse' would be required to get it to a healthier state?

Haha I knew this was coming, it's the obligatory question these days isn't it? All I can say is that, every time I go to a breaks night, it seems to be totally rammed with people having a good time. Granted, it's not "breaks" as we knew it 5 years ago, it keeps changing and incorporating elements of other genres which is definitely a good thing. I loved big beat and that was funk, soul, house, rock, and breakbeats, all put into a blender and shaken up. I don't think it's too dissimilar to what's going on with breaks at the moment. There is a lot of amazing music being released on breaks labels, so I'd say it's definitely far from being dead! Also, personally I've had more gigs in 2007 than in any other year so...

Do you see a definite split between the various breaks sub-genres, with funky/tear out etc operating as almost rival factions?

Not as much as a couple of years ago, definitely! I think the sub-factions have blended a bit...most of the funky stuff has become a bit harder and peak-time, and most of the bassline/tearout is also being influenced by new sounds. I find myself playing stuff from "tearout" labels from time to time, which probably wouldn't have happened a couple of years ago.

If you had to choose between DJing and producing, which would it be and why?

Oh, I don't think I could possibly choose! Please don't make me choose! I love being in front of a computer making tunes, I could stay there for days - but then I also love playing those tunes in front of the people and seeing the reaction. There's nothing quite like seeing a dancefloor going mental when you drop the tune you just finished mixing down the night before! And I love travelling, luckily I've been around a fair bit this year and I love seeing different countries and meeting people.

Write a personal advert for yourself in no more than 20 words.......

Plaza is da motherfucking man, he funks up the jam, wham bam bam, come see him when you can. There is a reason why I didn't get into advertising, you see?

Who do you think is the fittest person in the breaks scene at the moment?

I have a soft spot for Steelzawheelz, it's never been a secret!

Can you teach me a useful phrase in Italian?

Vorrei succhiarti i capezzoli. That's guaranteed to help you, trust me!

What can we expect from the Plaza camp in 2008?

I've been very busy on the remixing front in 2007, so I'm hoping to have a bit more time to concentrate on originals next year. Also as I said earlier I have some collaborations planned which should be interesting. And I'm hoping to get one or two international mini-tours going, it all looks good!

Finally, complete the sentence; "Plaza De Funk is....."

a very lucky and happy boy! I couldn't have it better!

CHEW THE FAT!
@ THE END, LONDON
Friday 14th December, 10pm – 6am
www.thefatclub.com

As 2008 draws to a close, it’s time for the Fat! Family to reflect on one of the most genre-busting years in CTF’s history, with guests as diverse as Skream, Audiojack, Tayo, Riton, The Rogue Element, Trevor Loveys, Streetlife DJs, Sinden, Toddla T, Caged Baby and Trickski all having graced the decks at Chew The Fat events in the past 12 months. This month sees a techy feel to the main room...

IN DA MAIN ROOM…
THOMAS SCHUMACHER
ELITE FORCE
PLAZA DE FUNK
DJ I.F.U.
+ Chew The Fat! Ibiza residents
Paul Arnold
Kid Blue

IN DA LOUNGE – Black Rabbit…
LOTTIE
BONES
GUY WILLIAMS
RYAN O’GORMAN

http://www.dontstayin.com/uk/london/the-end/2007/dec/14/event-150960