As a producer /remixer, Sonny Fodera continues to exploit his raw musical talents and ever expanding skills. His tracks have been released on premier house labels including Drop Music, Guesthouse, 4Kenzo, Nervous Records and many more, and have quickly gained support from the industry’s most respected names such as Mark Farina, Derrick Carter and Mastiksoul. His discography is growing at a rapid rate and his unique style of quality house music incorporates many original as well as live elements with influences taken from jazz and funk, to hip hop and anything in between. Fodera is one talented producer who is making a big impact in the scene on a global scale!
Alright Sonny, so first things first – you’re an Adelaide boy; what can you tell us about where you cut your teeth in the scene over there?
Playing at places like Electric Circus, Sugar, Limbo,Savvy & Apple. Also doing parties like Monkey Tennis, Techphonics, Parklife, We Love Sounds and Stereosonic.
Can you tell us about what you think is your defining gig? When was it and where were you?
I don’t really have one! I have had so many amazing experiences overseas and in Australia. H2o club in Belgium is one of my favourites. Also doing the Love Festival in Serbia and the h2o Party in South Africa are defiantly up there. I did the h2o Festival back in October last year and the Love Festival around August I think.. I did h2o club Belgium on New Years Days after doing Bushwackers in Birmingham with Jesse Rose on New Years Eve, that was pretty crazy! No sleep what so ever haha. Also the Stereosonic festival in 08 was a highlight, doing a live set with Jorge Watts as The Subjekts.
Did you have a fairly clear idea of the sound you wanted to create when you made the move into producing? Who were your primary influences at that time?
Not really, I try not to get too caught up in the sub genres of House music, just do what I feel. I would have to say Joey Youngman, Miguel Migs and Inalnd Knights influenced me alot as a producer. Then guys like Derrick Carter, Dj Sneak & Mark Farina on the Dj tip.
You’ve compiled a very impressive discography in only four short years as a solo producer and have locked in some super tight grooves over that time. Could you tell us a little more about what it is that inspires you to create such funky tunes?
I have always listened to alot of funk and soul, also alot of 90’S hip hop like De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest. I guess that has influenced me alot.
You released your EP “Got You On My Mind” through Salted Music in September last year. Tell us how it felt to you to reach such an epic point as a young producer – releasing through Miguel Mig’s imprint?
Yeah it was an awesome feeling, Miguel is a really cool guy, I have always loved his stuff, especially the naked music stuff. I was also really stoked when he asked me to remix Lisa Shaw’s “Can you see him”
What artists are floating your boat in 2011?
Butch, I am really digging his tech disco crossover, Tim Green, Soul Purpose. Cause & Affect a duo I was hanging out with in Birmingham just did something for my label Beatdown, I have plenty more from them, they are really raising the bar for funky jacking stuff, defiantly watch out for these guys.
And what can we keep an eye out for from you over the next 12 months? You’ve got a tour booked; tell us a little more about where that’s taking you and what you’ll be up to?
A release on Alex Kenji’s label hotfingers, a MC Flipside remix, doing a mix comp on Beatdown and Guesthouse music. Doing a EU tour in July/August to promote my upcoming Drop Music EP with a Drop Music warehouse party in London with the Inland Knights, super excited about this one! Also other shows in the UK and in Belgium and Ireland and a US/North America tour in the fall.
We’d love to hear more about your label Beatdown Music and what we need to keep our ears open for?
Yeah I am really excited about this, doing vinyl and digital. There is a string of heat on the way! Watch out for the “Battle Royale” Vs. Series.
And finally Sonny, we’ll find you spinning at Why Not? at Pretty Please on May 28th – what’ve you got in store for us on the night?
Love playing there last time, so looking forward to it! Got lot’s of new goodies in the bag. Record Bag Section –
What’s in your top 10 right now?
Get Funky – Frederico Scavo, Alex Kenji
Sublim3 – Soul Purpose
Fat Patchy – Mussiak (Belocca Soneec Dark Dub)
Baby Keep It Up – Ian Pooley
World Go Round – Nathan G & Giom (Giom Remix)
Dj Dan – In Your Area (Dj Dan Club Mix)
It’s your Turn – Serial Thrilla
Babylon Fallin – Dj Sneak
No Sugar – Gramophonedzie & Joey Negro
Doin Ya Thing – Oliver $
