Matteo Esse is a former globe-trotter DJ and record producer (Analog People In A Digital World), now A&R for legendary Italian indie label, Energy Production (d:vision Records, X-Energy Records).

Our recent chat with Matteo discusses his favourite campaigns and talks about the overlaps between visual creativity and music.

IM LOVING

Fred Again is taking clubland by storm right now - he is elevating dance music to a whole new pop level in a fresh and exciting way. Also loved his collaborations with XX's lead singer Romy and The Blessed Madonna.

Laufey is surely my favorite artist of 2023. Incredible to hear such a classy inspiration and powerful voice coming from a gentle and young lady.

FAVOURITE VIDEO

Daft Punk's Around The World marked the beginning of a new era in dance music history. The music video directed by Michel Gondry is still one of the most iconic of all times.

BEST ARTWORK

It might be obvious but it must be the banana album by The Velvet Underground & Nico designed by Andy Warhol. Also lovin' In Color by Jamie XX, simple yet beautiful such as art should be sometimes.

RECENT CAMPAIGN

Working for an indie label I'm lucky enough to work only with artist I fall in love with so it's hard to mention just the one campaign but I'm so proud of the albums work we did with the likes of Darin, Dotan and LP.

COLLABORATION

Liam Gallagher taking over Manchester's tram network by voicing passenger announcements. So cool!

HOTTEST RECENT VIDEO

Sam Smith and Kim Petras' Unholy music video has surely been a powerful source of inspiration for many artists this year.

LOGO LOVE

I know I'm getting repetitive but ...it must be Daft Punk again! Deadmau5 does the job too.

GO FOLLOW

LONGO is a young Italian talent we just signed to d:vision Records. We love his creative, joyful sound, and his latest single Love Again is all over TikTok right now!

ICONIC PHOTO

Freddie Mercury at Live AID ...Rock and Roll!