RS: You are in quite demand as a remixer - how do you approach a remix as opposed to a production?
Benny: I prefer not to do many remixes. Quality not quantity. First of all I have to like the track and the artist. Then I have to be sure I can do a good job.
RS: Outkast's "Ghettomusick" must have been a challenge - were the vocals difficult to work with?
Benny: It was great marrying the vocals to our beat and bass sounds. It turned out really well. At least I am artistically really satisfied.
RS: InGrid's "Tu Es Fouto" could be considered the other big track out of Italy this year - how does it feel having your hands in the two biggest Italian based dance tracks of the year?
Benny: This is because I work at Off Limits in Reggio Emilia. We've had a great year but there has been an unbelievable amount of hard work and steadfastness of spirit. Again, our executive producer, Larry Pignagnoli, is, I think, the man with the magic touch for putting the right people together and creating the perfect creative working conditions.
RS: You've been mixing tracks for over a decade now. What is your favorite remix that you have ever done?
Benny: The Outkast track
RS: What was it like remixing Black Box "Ride on Time" ten years ago? That's such a classic record, and your Two Men mixes were all great.
Benny: The Black Box people are friends. We're all from the same town. It was exciting.
RS: What is your favorite piece of studio gear?
Benny: Something we're developing ourselves which I can't reveal at the moment!
RS: Do you use Logic / Protools / Cubase?
Benny: Logic and Protools.
RS: Is there anyone that you would like to remix or produce?
Benny: There are quite a few. I'm attracted to specific tracks rather than artists for remixing and as far as production goes I would like to "discover" new talent. You can find details on the website - www.bennybenassi.com
RS: How do you choose records for your DJ sets?
Benny: I can't analyse it. When a record feels right, I
try it. If it gets the right reaction, I play it again.
RS: Do you try out new productions that are in process?
Benny: Yes. This "testing" phase is vital for me.
RS: What's been the biggest crowd that you have spun to?
Benny: Los Angeles arena for Halloween 2003.
RS: Whose idea was the babes and powertools video?
Benny: That came from our UK label.
RS: What is your New Year's resolution for 2004?
Benny: I've already broken it!
