In this interview, we delve into the world of Mattia Borriello, who share his inspirations and unique perspectives.
1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?
I’m Mattia Borriello, DJ and music producer known as M.I.T.A. I’m Italian, born and raised on the beautiful island of Ischia, in the south of Italy. Music has always been a big part of my life, but what truly drew me into the world of electronic music was a famous Italian electronic music radio station called m2o.
Every morning before school, my brother and I used to listen to it together, that daily ritual slowly turned into curiosity, then passion, and eventually the foundation of everything I do today.
What drives me? Energy. Curiosity. Love.
Music is not just a job or a hobby, it’s a living force that takes me on constant highs and lows. And it’s in those extremes that I discover the places where emotions and sound collide
My artistic vision is rooted in freedom of expression. We live in an era where fluidity is embraced in so many aspects of life, yet artistic expression often still feels constrained by judgment. I believe in letting go of that weight, moving forward, and creating without fear. Just like with social media, if a post doesn’t resonate with you, simply scroll on and keep going.
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure, and I kind of like it that way! If I had to point something out, I’d say it’s my commitment and my refusal to make too many compromises. Staying true to who I am has always been essential, both personally and artistically, allowing me to express myself without simply catering to global demand.
I started making music professionally in 2009, and because of that I feel my journey has been more gradual and “healthy” compared to the meteoric rise that shines at the top for only three to five years. Perhaps preserving that core identity over the years is what’s slowly paying off now.
2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.
I come from a beautiful island called Ischia, a pearl of the Gulf of Naples renowned worldwide for its landscapes, thermal springs, and culinary traditions. Yet all that glitters is not gold, because for those who want to express something deeper through art, there are still many limitations and outdated mindsets that hold us back. I’ve seen some of the brightest minds leave to pursue their paths elsewhere, and that can feel discouraging.
However, if you manage to strike the right balance between traveling and enjoying the island’s tranquility, you can find a powerful equilibrium. My music reflects exactly this: the desire to contribute something meaningful to the world, to the scene, and, who knows, to the people I meet while visiting new places.
That constant exchange of energy, between myself and everyone I encounter along the way, is what truly shapes my sound. To me, that’s the purest translation of the groove you can hear in my tracks.
3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.
For better or worse, every stimulus can spark an idea for me. It could be standing in front of a breathtaking view, listening to someone speak with a smile, or even catching the scent of something delicious being cooked. Creativity is, of course, a very personal matter, but if I were to share one piece of advice, it’s this: creativity needs to be respected. It thrives when you give it space and pauses, rather than forcing it.
If I may add, I do have a favorite time of day to make music: the evening, any hour after the sun has fully set. It feels as though the energy of the world calms down and gathers in one single place, my studio. That’s when I feel the most focused and connected with my creativity.
4. City Lifestyle and Art: How the places you lived influenced your career and work?
I’ve had the privilege of living, even if only for brief chapters of my life, in places as diverse as Germany, Brazil, Lebanon and Northern Italy. What I carried home was a cultural and emotional heritage, a sense of perspective that continues to expand my creative horizons.
From an early age, life circumstances led me to explore and experiment on my own. I cooked my first meals at eight years old, and by fourteen I was already making music. What began as a necessity quickly transformed into a passion: a way to grow, to understand myself, and to give shape to the curiosity that has always defined me.
Today, that same curiosity remains my compass. I strive to preserve the smiles, wonder and enthusiasm of those formative years, channeling them into my artistic journey. Every track I create is, in some way, a reflection of those experiences, like a dialogue between the places I’ve lived, the people I’ve met, and the person I am right now.
5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.
This autumn is shaping up to be an exciting period for me. It kicked off with the release of my latest vinyl on Chapeau Music, titled Money Driven, featuring a remix by Elisa Bee. This long-awaited milestone means a lot to the three of us, Elisa with her remix, Niceteed running the label, and myself as the artist. Elisa gave it its first spin at Berghain just days after I shared it with her, and this EP became a project that connected the three of us, evolving into a genuine friendship.
Equally thrilling was my recent remix for the legendary Hertz, released on his label Sway. Pierre has been an inspiration for over a decade, so having the opportunity to remix his work is a real honor.
Later this month, another remix will drop, this time for my friend DJ Swisherman on Transition. Additionally, I’ve just finished an EP in collaboration with The Advent and details to be revealed soon.
I’m pretty active with sample packs as well, as I’m collaborating with Sample Market (owned by East End Dubs) since 2 years.
On top of that, I’ll share new tutorials and track breakdowns really soon.
On the live front, I returned last week to Madrid’s iconic Bassement, performing alongside Koboyo, Luxi Villar, and Mac Declos. Mid-November will mark my debut in the United States, followed shortly by my first South American tour.
There are still more exciting developments in the pipeline, but for now, some surprises are best kept under wraps.
Listen "Money Driven" below.
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Instagram: @mita__official
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