INSIDE THE SOUND OF IVAN MASA: SOUND, SOUL AND EVOLUTION

Italian DJ and producer Ivan Masa recounts his evolution from the Caserta underground to global stages, blending emotional depth and futuristic sound design.

For Ivan Masa, music isn’t just rhythm: it’s memory, movement, and emotion intertwined. Born in Caserta in 1989, the Italian DJ and producer has built a career defined by deep musical roots and a forward-thinking approach to electronic sound. His tracks move between melodic techno, house, and electronica, always with a cinematic sense of tension and release.

Over the past decade, Ivan has earned support from some of the scene’s most respected names such as Solomun, Joseph Capriati, Miss Jools, and Justin Berkmann.

Ivan’s musical journey began at home. His father worked in nightlife and his mother owned a dance school. Rhythm was part of the family air, music was everywhere. By his late teens, he was already DJing professionally, performing alongside pioneers like Justin Berkmann (co-founder of Ministry of Sound) and Miss Jools. His debut EP, Musa (2007), marked the beginning of a steady rise through the underground scene. Over the years, his style evolved from classic deep house into a hybrid form of melodic and emotive techno: rich in atmosphere, yet grounded in groove. He has released on top labels like Suara, EIN2, Monaberry, ATLANT, Stil vor Talent, Azzur, Amaeo, and Engrave. One of his breakthrough moments came when Solomun started playing his track “UZHU,” released on D-Floor, across major international stages.

His touring résumé is impressive: (London), Amnesia (Ibiza), Studio Club (Malaga), Dybukk(Athens), Yume (Dubai), and even the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples. From 2022 to 2025, he’s also been guest resident for The Sanctuary, playing in Rome, Milan, Puglia, and Porto Cervo, a circuit that reflects his balance between underground culture and international appeal.

Ivan’s creative philosophy revolves around emotion and space. His process often begins by finding the right kick and a warm bassline, building from this solid groove. In the studio, Ivan is methodical but never mechanical. He sees production as an emotional language rather than a technical exercise. For him, DJing and producing are extensions of the same impulse: communication.

“You started DJing very young, surrounded by nightlife and dance culture. How did those early experiences shape your sound?”

“My passion for music started very early. I was already playing my first records at the age of six. My love for music was passed down from my family, especially my father, who owned a club back in the '80s. Since I was a child, I’ve always been surrounded by nightlife, and I had the chance to visit some of the best clubs in Italy with my family, which helped broaden my musical horizons from a young age. These early experiences taught me to appreciate music in all its forms: from disco and funk to acid house, electro, and techno. I don’t really define myself by a single genre; my sound is definitely electronic, but I embrace many shades and variations. I don’t like to keep my sets static, I always adapt to the crowd and the club. Right now, I’m very focused on a sound that blends house and electro.”

“Can you tell us about your creative process in the studio? What’s your first step when starting a new track?”

“I believe the key to being a good producer is letting go in the studio, listening to your mind and following the different creative impulses that come each time. When I’m working, I don’t like to plan too much. I prefer to let things flow naturally, usually starting with finding the right kick and, most importantly, a warm bassline. I love playing with percussion and building grooves that are always hot and engaging. I admit I’m not a master of melodies, but I try to achieve a strong result by following the vibe. For me, starting with a solid groove is essential, it becomes the foundation I build everything else around.”

“Your track “UZHU” gained strong support from Solomun and others. How did that recognition influence your artistic direction?”

“My track "Uzhu" has a long story; it was created in a trullo, surrounded by the countryside of Puglia, in southern Italy. I wanted to craft something original for that time, so I started exploring sounds inspired by African tribes, especially ritual chants. I immediately sent the demo to Solomun, and within a few days, he was already playing it in nearly all of

his sets around the world. Mentioning Solomun in my career is essential, he's been a major influence in my artistic evolution, and to this day, I owe much of what I do to him.”

“The global electronic scene is constantly evolving. What trends excite you most right now?”

“Music is constantly evolving, which is exactly why, as I mentioned earlier, I don’t like to label myself within a single genre. I'm definitely happy to see the strong comeback of house music, especially when it’s blended with more modern and techno-inspired sounds. Today, music has so many shades, and defining a specific genre is quite difficult. I always prefer to go for an original and distinctive sound.”

“What advice would you give to emerging producers trying to find their unique sound in an oversaturated industry?”

“Well, the first piece of advice I would give is to focus on yourself and truly understand your musical direction and artistic identity. Then, always aim to create an original sound, and avoid the risk of copying, even when drawing inspiration from your idols. As we know, the music industry is very saturated, which is exactly why it’s essential to stay consistent, work hard, and put love and passion into what you do.”

“Looking ahead, what’s next for you ? Any upcoming EPs, collaborations, or live concepts you can share?”

“I don’t like to give too many spoilers about my future projects, but I can say that I’m very focused on myself and exploring a new sound. There’s definitely an album coming soon and an EP set to be released this December on Monaberry, the label run by Super Flu.”

On stage, Ivan Masa’s aesthetic is understated yet magnetic. Dressed in soft tones, he defines his performance with precise graphics and dramatic lighting, allowing the music to speak louder than any gesture. His sets build slowly hypnotic layers that pulse, rise, and dissolve, leaving the crowd suspended between introspection and euphoria.

You can find his music on Spotify, explore his latest releases on Beatport, and follow his journey on Instagram.

His technical setup reflects his precision: four Pioneer CDJ 3000s and a Pioneer V10 or DJM 900NX2 mixer, tools that allow him to create complex, dynamic sounds in real time.

Ivan Masa’s story is one of dedication, evolution, and authenticity. From Caserta’s underground beginnings to global stages, he’s remained true to the principle that emotion drives everything. His music doesn’t chase trends, it builds bridges between people and sound.

With his next chapter unfolding, Ivan Masa continues to stand as one of Italy’s most introspective yet forward-looking electronic voices: a master of melody, mood, and movement.

Discover Ivan Masa’s latest releases here: Spotify, Soundcloud