Music
From Salerno to the Grammys •
The Parisi family and that human touch that changed the world of electronics
From jazz to the Grammy they won with Fred Again, via Madonna. The journey of the two brothers from Salerno, leading producers on the international scene, who are among the guests at Benny Benassi’s Electronic BBQ Festival
“Our mindset has always been more that of musicians than producers. Our aim was to make music, not simply to produce it.” This is how Marco and Giampaolo “Jack” Parisi describe the beginnings of their artistic journey to Il Foglio. Two brothers who grew up in a family of musicians and made their way onto the international electronic music scene through years of studying their instruments, harmony and sound exploration.
Even before establishing themselves as manufacturers, the Parisi brothers had always aimed to bring something from the world of traditional instruments into the digital realm: touch, expressiveness and the ability to imbue even a synthetic sound with a human touch. This journey has taken them through classical and jazz training, years spent in London with the British music technology company Roli, and the Seaboard – an expressive electronic instrument they helped to develop. From there came collaborations with international artists such as Will.i.am, Fred again.. and Madonna, culminating in a Grammy win in 2024.
But before the big names came a journey that began in Italy, with their first productions and collaborations. Marco explains that he “studied classical and jazz music from the age of 12 or 13”, whilst Giampaolo “took a different path: I was a drummer, but at a certain point I chose to devote myself to production and the world of DJing”.
When did you first get involved in the world of manufacturing?
Between 2012 and 2013, we were fortunate enough to meet the team developing the Seaboard – an encounter that eventually led us to move to England. It was during those years that we formally began our journey into manufacturing.
Between 2012 and 2013, we were fortunate enough to meet the team developing the Seaboard – an encounter that eventually led us to move to England. It was during those years that we formally began our journey into manufacturing.
However, you took your first steps in Italy.
We began collaborating with DJ TY1 and Clementino. In the years that followed, we also produced tracks for Marracash’s ‘Persona’.
We began collaborating with DJ TY1 and Clementino. In the years that followed, we also produced tracks for Marracash’s ‘Persona’.
How important has the Seaboard been to your journey?
It was the instrument that changed our lives. Electronic music has always been a world closely tied to binary instruments: buttons, faders, controls. The Seaboard was one of the first times an electronic instrument became as expressive as an acoustic one.
It was the instrument that changed our lives. Electronic music has always been a world closely tied to binary instruments: buttons, faders, controls. The Seaboard was one of the first times an electronic instrument became as expressive as an acoustic one.
It was whilst working on the Seaboard that our first major international meeting took place – the one with Will.i.am.
During our time in England, many artists came to the company to learn about the instrument; we were the ones giving the demonstrations. Will.i.am arrived and said: ‘The products are beautiful, but who are these two?’. He then asked us to go into the studio with him. At the time, he was working on new music for the Black Eyed Peas.
During our time in England, many artists came to the company to learn about the instrument; we were the ones giving the demonstrations. Will.i.am arrived and said: ‘The products are beautiful, but who are these two?’. He then asked us to go into the studio with him. At the time, he was working on new music for the Black Eyed Peas.
And then?
We went into the studio with him and, over those few months, he was almost like a mentor to us. He told us stories and gave us advice that still shapes the way we work today.
We went into the studio with him and, over those few months, he was almost like a mentor to us. He told us stories and gave us advice that still shapes the way we work today.
That’s where it all began, and you’ve made a name for yourselves abroad. In your opinion, what is still missing in Italy for this type of music?
There’s a big difference in club and festival culture between Italy and what you find in other countries. Abroad, we see many Italian artists and producers doing very well, partly because there are more venues where you can listen to this type of music. In recent years, however, things have been changing: festivals and clubs are starting to bring a culture closer to the international scene to Italy as well.
There’s a big difference in club and festival culture between Italy and what you find in other countries. Abroad, we see many Italian artists and producers doing very well, partly because there are more venues where you can listen to this type of music. In recent years, however, things have been changing: festivals and clubs are starting to bring a culture closer to the international scene to Italy as well.
What do you mean?
Italy has always been a powerhouse in the electronics sector, perhaps even better known abroad than at home. Just think of Italodisco. Even when we were growing up, there was a different kind of disco culture, with figures such as Claudio Coccoluto, Ralf and Alex Neri.
Italy has always been a powerhouse in the electronics sector, perhaps even better known abroad than at home. Just think of Italodisco. Even when we were growing up, there was a different kind of disco culture, with figures such as Claudio Coccoluto, Ralf and Alex Neri.
Speaking of key figures in the Italian electronic music scene, Benny Benassi wanted you to perform at the Electronic BBQ Festival in Castellarano (RE). How did the invitation come about?
We’ve always been big fans of Benny’s; we grew up listening to ‘Satisfaction’. He messaged us on social media, we swapped numbers and started chatting a bit about music. A few months later, he got in touch to ask us to take part in the festival, and we accepted straight away.
We’ve always been big fans of Benny’s; we grew up listening to ‘Satisfaction’. He messaged us on social media, we swapped numbers and started chatting a bit about music. A few months later, he got in touch to ask us to take part in the festival, and we accepted straight away.
You recently collaborated on a few tracks from Madonna’s latest album. What struck you about her?
Her ability to constantly reinvent herself. An artist like Madonna, who for over forty years has managed to evolve, explore new directions and remain relevant in every era, is truly incredible.
Her ability to constantly reinvent herself. An artist like Madonna, who for over forty years has managed to evolve, explore new directions and remain relevant in every era, is truly incredible.
How did you meet?
Thanks to a mutual acquaintance, Chris Morris, who works for Warner Music US and also follows us. She and Stuart Price were looking for new producers who could bring a more modern touch to the project.
Thanks to a mutual acquaintance, Chris Morris, who works for Warner Music US and also follows us. She and Stuart Price were looking for new producers who could bring a more modern touch to the project.
How did it feel to walk into the studio with Madonna?
At first, we had to get to know each other and break the ice. But then we spent several days together and formed a connection on a personal level too. One of the things that struck us most was the freedom they gave us. They played us the tracks and asked, ‘What would you do?’
At first, we had to get to know each other and break the ice. But then we spent several days together and formed a connection on a personal level too. One of the things that struck us most was the freedom they gave us. They played us the tracks and asked, ‘What would you do?’
In 2024, you won a Grammy as co-producers and co-writers of Fred again…’s “Actual Life 3”. How much did that change your career path?
Emotionally speaking, to be honest, not much. Obviously, winning a Grammy is hugely satisfying, especially as we’re among the few Italians to have won one. But we’re not the sort of people who stand still and look back on what we’ve achieved; we always feel there’s room for improvement.
Emotionally speaking, to be honest, not much. Obviously, winning a Grammy is hugely satisfying, especially as we’re among the few Italians to have won one. But we’re not the sort of people who stand still and look back on what we’ve achieved; we always feel there’s room for improvement.
And what is the most important thing for you today?
The most important thing is that the music we’ve made has created a connection with people and that we’ve been recognised for what we do, regardless of the award.
The most important thing is that the music we’ve made has created a connection with people and that we’ve been recognised for what we do, regardless of the award.