Lacchesi: Navigating the Future of Electronic Music

As co-founder of the record label Maison Close, Lacchesi has been instrumental in promoting emerging talent and diverse sounds since the label's inception in 2019. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Lacchesi reflects on the journey thus far and contemplates the future of both his career and the European electronic music scene.

Lacchesi, alongside his partner Jakob, launched Maison Close as a platform to showcase the vibrant local scene and its burgeoning producers. Their vision was clear: to transcend genre limitations while spotlighting the distinctive sounds emerging from both Paris and Berlin.

“We aimed to shine a light on the local scene and emerging producers, regardless of genre,” he shares.

Although techno is the label's primary focus, the catalog embraces an eclectic mix, including EBM, IDM, trance, and hypnotic cuts. For Lacchesi, the relationship between the artist and the music itself remains paramount, emphasizing a commitment to continuous evolution over stagnant adherence to a single genre.

This perspective is not only reflective of his artistic philosophy but also indicative of the broader shifts within the electronic music community.

“Sticking to one genre and avoiding tomorrow’s music evolution will lead to a quick downfall. Constant evolution is essential,” he asserts, A mantra that has guided both his production and the label’s artistic direction.

The recent milestone of releasing a 4x12’’ Various Artists compilation to celebrate the label's fifth anniversary stands as a testament to this philosophy. Lacchesi highlights not only the music but also the collaboration with design studio Chien Bleu, which has helped elevate the physicality of their releases into artistic objects worthy of appreciation.

The process of curating lineups for events in Paris and Berlin is where Lacchesi’s passion for community truly shines. Each city presents unique challenges and opportunities.

“Promoting in Berlin as a foreigner means stepping into a highly established scene,” he admits, acknowledging the awe he still feels towards the vibrant nightlife there.

In contrast, Paris is a city with fewer venues, yet Lacchesi observes a burgeoning interest among the younger generation, eager to explore new artists and sounds.

“I’m deeply committed to this city and hope to be part of its growth for a long time”.

Through Maison Close, Lacchesi seeks to create an inclusive atmosphere where both local talents and established artists can coexist, creating a balance that promotes growth and visibility for all involved. This approach not only solidifies his commitment to nurturing emerging talent but also contributes to a richer musical tapestry across the two cities.

As Lacchesi prepares for an upcoming B2B set with his close friend Mac Declos at RSO Berlin, he expresses excitement about the synergy that emerges from their performances together.

“Our B2B’s are always special for many reasons. First of all our relationship; we’re very very close friends and I believe that gives a particular energy on the floor, especially because we constantly keep pushing each other. Mac & I have been playing together a lot and for a while we only enjoy very long sets, allowing us both to showcase our music approach and being able to play records we wouldn’t in shorter sets. We are both very excited about Sunday”.

This relationship serves as a microcosm of the broader community ethos Lacchesi champions—one that thrives on collaboration, support, and mutual growth.

The anticipation of their performance illustrates a profound belief in the power of live music to forge connections between artists and audiences, evoking a shared experience that transcends individual tracks. It’s in these moments that Lacchesi finds meaning and motivation, both as a performer and a curator.

“Regarding the rest of the line we brought Bours? & Kuss, 2 close and talented friends from Paris that have been a part of Maison Close catalog for a while now, and all this subtly exalted by Estella Boersma’s presence”.

Upcoming high-profile events, such as Lacchesi's performance at Boiler Room in Barcelona, highlight the pressure and excitement of stepping onto such esteemed platforms.

“Needless to say the first Boiler Room is a milestone in one’s career. You have only one hour to showcase your style, and skills and try to condense what you create usually in long sets into a short intense performance! It’s a set you prepare way more than others. Adding the video format to all this and you get an exciting yet stressful set ahead”. He shares.

With only an hour to encapsulate his style and skills, the intensity of preparing for such a set is palpable. The added dimension of performing in front of a camera amplifies the stakes, yet Lacchesi embraces the challenge with gratitude for the opportunity.

“I cannot wait to be there already!”

These moments of recognition serve as pivotal points in Lacchesi’s career, illustrating the balance between personal expression and the broader landscape of electronic music. As he prepares to perform alongside other electronic heavyweights, he remains grounded in his artistic vision, using these opportunities to connect with new audiences while staying true to his roots.

Collaboration has been a cornerstone of Lacchesi’s artistic journey, as evidenced by his recent work with Australian label Transition and his upcoming EP with JKS. Each project represents an exploration of new musical territories, enabling Lacchesi to expand his sonic palette.

“Lately I’ve been working on deeper club-oriented tracks and the opportunity to release directly on this VA alongside artists I like was perfect."

This openness to new influences is a hallmark of his creative approach, allowing for a dynamic interplay between personal vision and collaborative synergy.

“JKS and I have bonded in the last year, and making a track together one day was a desire we shared. When he offered me to collaborate for his imprint on the upcoming Various Artists alongside amazing artists I immediately said yes. Also, JKS recently released a track on my label Maison Close last spring so I guess we’re even now! We started working on a. Couple of loops from Paris and Berlin separately and then we wrapped it up in one day together in the studio in Paris”.

The camaraderie shared with JKS during their collaborative process serves as another testament to the value of community in shaping artistic endeavors.

“Making music with Val was very fun and we bonded way more easily than we both thought I think! We’re both happy with the result and the track is dedicated to our dear friend Léa Rose”, Lacchesi reflects.

Lacchesi emphasizes the importance of showcasing upcoming artists, stating that this approach not only brings fresh sounds but also maintains the label's original values.

However, the landscape of running an independent label comes with its challenges, including the necessity for constant risk-taking.

“That is the reality of owning an independent label,” he admits.

The label’s diverse catalog is a testament to Lacchesi's artistic philosophy. He finds inspiration in allowing himself to explore new techniques and sounds, aiming to improve as a producer. His latest LP, Based on a True Story, is an eclectic mix, featuring everything from electronica to fast-paced trance-infused cuts. This fluidity allows for a richer listening experience, as each track unfolds in unexpected ways.

Looking ahead, Lacchesi contemplates the future of the European electronic music scene, acknowledging its ever-changing nature. He believes that being part of this evolution involves a delicate balance between showcasing new talent and staying aware of genre shifts.

“It’s very hard to tell. Music in general is a field that is always evolving, from expansion to contraction, and our field is not exempted of course. I’d love to be a part of all this with my project as long as possible, but this envy comes with the responsibility of always keeping an eye on newcomers and genre evolution. There is a very thin balance to catch between showcasing and witnessing that is crucial for any project to last”.

Amidst the flurry of events and releases, Lacchesi manages to juggle producing music, performing live, and running Maison Close. He attributes his ability to stay energized to his passion for music. The influx of talent and fresh releases keeps him motivated, pushing him to work harder each day.

“First of all, working in a passion-oriented field helps a lot of motivation wise. There is so much great music released every day and a constant income of very talented newcomers which all together pushes me to work harder every day”.

Organization is key to maintaining this hectic lifestyle. Lacchesi acknowledges the support from his agency and management but emphasizes that personal discipline is vital.

“If you’re not pushing yourself into the most resilient and rigorous lifestyle, you can’t last,” he explains.

He has also been focusing on cultivating a healthier mindset, incorporating exercise, and maintaining regular work hours when not traveling.

Lacchesi's journey reflects a commitment to nurturing new talent while embracing the unpredictable nature of the music industry. As he continues to shape the future of the European electronic music scene, his dedication to innovation and authenticity remains steadfast, ensuring that Maison Close will resonate with audiences for years to come.