Within Me” unites two very different Italian artists whose combined talents have created something even greater than the sum of their parts.
Dardust collides the worlds of minimalist piano composition and ambient electronica, a mix that simultaneously echoes Max Richter, Philip Glass and Aphex Twin. Meanwhile, no introduction is needed for Grammy award-winner Benny Benassi, the electro house pioneer who regularly packs festivals and amasses millions of streams all over the world.
The result is something refreshingly different yet entirely in tune with their backgrounds. “Within Me” opens with Dardust’s captivating piano, which captures a melody as immediately infectious as anything from the world of pop while expressing an atmosphere both beautiful and evocative. Set alone, it’s serene, but Benny Benassi’s dynamic drops and restless beats fire it into the dancefloor. What follows is two artists challenging each other to reach new heights, both weaving between and complementing each other’s creativity.
We caught up with Dardust to understand how the single came about, and his influences.
T.H.E – Hey man! Welcome to T.H.E – Music Essentials. How has 2021 kicked off for you?
Dardust – In a very difficult time I can say it is been tremendously good . In a way being locked down gave me the chance of not having distractions – I could do what I like to do …Play music …all music …hence this new record with Benny.
T.H.E – Ever since you started off, which artists would you say have influenced you tremendously, when it comes to pursuing your craft?
Dardust – Bowie is the obvious one. I still miss him every day. Bjork. My fellow Piano people. I got really into Ornafuld Arnalds /Bonobo track. What a track ! AM Envious !
T.H.E – You must be pretty excited with your new single with Benny Benassi – Within Me. Benny is a legend in the industry, how was it working with him?
Dardust – Well, even though I’m coming from a classical background, EDM has always been an important influence . As a kid I was so fascinated by those strange electronic sounds by people like Giorgio Moroder so I understand all genres of music. During lockdown part one Benny wanted to do a gig at the Verona arena and wanted me to play along with him on a track he loves. So the connection was made. A week later my A&R and management made me notice that this was a hell of a track …and made me think about it. I got connected on line with Benny and finished the track in a couple of days . On Within Me, he added his magic. Benny was amazing to work with, I admire his enthusiasm and the respect that he has for others.
T.H.E – How did you feel that the collaboration was the perfect platform for both of you to bring the best of both worlds, as you both represent different sounds?
Dardust – Well that’s a good question…see as an artist i don’t really ask myself what’s a platform …you should really ask my marketing guy! I do what I do with maximum enjoyment ….to me music has no particular sound in this case this is a contamination, and contamination is everywhere in music
T.H.E – How long was the single in the works?
Dardust – Not too long really, a couple of days. Benny’s kids are very “on “. I mean they get on with it. No bullshit.
T.H.E – Are there any exciting collaborations/originals in the pipeline that we should look forward to in the coming months?
Dardust – Oh well NOW you are getting TOO curious !
