How did the idea of Ways Collective come about?

It is a phenomenon that unfolded organically, without imposing itself forcefully. If we were to trace its origins, I have always had the impression that this idea took shape during one of my journeys to London. Perhaps because witnessing a clubbing culture that was far more advanced than our own, especially considering our context in Puglia, the London scene had already reached its pinnacle many years prior. There was a particular event that taught me to embrace such environments, and I remember it vividly: Graziano, one of Ways co-founders and I attended the Sandwell District label night, featuring the most influential artists of that time—Regis, Function, Rrose, Silent Servant—artists whom we have invited over the years and had the pleasure and privilege of hosting at Ways. In fact, on that evening, my question was, “Imagine if one day I could bring all of this to Puglia, to my homeland.” Upon returning to Andria and meeting with my friends, including the future co-founders of Ways, we playfully asked ourselves, “Why not? Why not bring all of this to Puglia and shape our own music scene, create culture?” We had no inkling at that time that it could turn into a business (and in some ways, it still isn’t). From there, the first parties took place between Andria and Trani, featuring our future residents and our first international artist, Svreca. The rest, as they say, is history… As we solidified this scene, we were able to present the premieres of numerous artists, without any external guidance, but simply by doing what we loved and sticking to our musical ideology. Our satisfaction lies in witnessing how many other entities have imitated us, and continue to do so, taking our model elsewhere throughout Italy.

What is your concept of clubbing?

Clubbing, as I have learned over time through our experiences at Ways, is for me a point of convergence, a metaphysical space where people come together to share the same emotions and a profound love for music and culturally akin genres. What we have been able to create is a flow of individuals who believe in the project, and I dare say that our skill lies in being able to attract and catalyse this stream of ideas, allowing it to grow. Our strength lies in not being tied to a specific location; we have ventured everywhere, filling numerous diverse venues. It’s like a home that is dismantled and rebuilt each time, paradoxically. To me, clubbing is a space where one can feel free, where a shared cultural and musical heritage is embraced down to the smallest detail. It embodies the desire to partake in the same moment of listening and dancing. It is incredibly challenging to find true clubbing experiences in Italy.

How many people work at Ways? What are the everyday challenges or the difficulties of a techno collective like yours?

The project was initially born from a specific group of individuals, some of whom have departed while others have joined. Currently, the project consists of four partners: myself, Andrea Di Bari, Michele Bianchino, and Massimo Rizzi. Naturally, we are surrounded by a team of 40 individuals, each hailing from and representing a nearby city in relation to the main urban centers of Andria and Trani, from where most of our collaborators originate. What is so stimulating is that the social structure underlying and supporting Ways is constantly evolving, open to all those who wish to contribute to the project. Back to the question, I think there’s a particular challenge in the realm of techno: the genre has a very rapid evolution, music takes on different forms, and many clubs are forced to host various types of events, prioritising certain trends of the moment over others, making it nearly impossible to maintain a consistent artistic philosophy. Unfortunately, they often face significant financial burdens and clashes with institutions. Consequently, clubs frequently find themselves compelled to accommodate other musical realities that compromise the standard of quality. Then, the main trouble in organising events of this nature in Puglia, and in Italy as a whole, is finding suitable locations that allow us to present our musical content and cultural product at their best. Many times, we have found ourselves creating our own venues to ensure continuity and, above all, to establish a meeting point for our community. For instance, I can mention the experience of “Il Pastore”, where we built an entire venue, driven by our desire to have our own space. However, the real difficulty lies in the lack of constancy, often requiring us to start from scratch. For us, it was somewhat a deliberate choice not to have a fixed home because venues come and go, but the essence of the project remains forever. What sets us apart is precisely this: all these ideas, the eagerness to learn and grow, we carry them with us wherever we go, even beyond Puglia.
The material may come and go, but the soul remains.

From the first day you had as guests local DJs like Z.I.P.P.O., Hiver, Dj Plant Texture, Cem33440 and Kaiser. They started playing at Ways then afterwards gigs in international clubs of the calibre of Berghain, Tresor and Circoloco followed. How is their relationship with the collective each time they return? Was it satisfying to see them growing and their music careers?

It’s just as we were born together, and step by step, we grew together. Our resident DJs, who have now become great artists, were there from the very beginning. Among the first were Dj Plant Texture, Hiver, Kaiser, Cem3340, and later Zippo. I initially knew them as friends, we came from the same place and sharing the same cultural heritage that our beloved Puglia offers us. After all, we began working together. This collaboration has only served to enhance both parties involved to such an extent that they have now become truly international DJs, traveling the world. This fills me with joy and makes me proud of the path they have undertaken. When I finalize the lineups, I always include one of them alongside an external guest. This brings me immense happiness because, in addition to the professional aspect, it becomes an opportunity for us to reunite and engage in what we have always loved since the beginning. I sincerely wish for all of them to continue growing in this industry, fully aware of how complex and challenging this world can be.

After a period of pause between 2020 and 2021, you came back on social media by stating “We know where we are from and where we want to go”. Do you think is it possible to evolve by not overturning your own roots? Is that what you have done since Ways took shape?

The truth is that we are still here after 10 years because we have taught our audience to truly perceive everything that we offer. The customer is the one who provides us with feedback, both regarding the genre and the musical quality, but we always remain steadfast in our musical philosophy. It’s for this reason that, in our 10th-anniversary session, we have chosen to showcase the fundamental pillars of the music scene and true cultural landscape. Ways, as long as I will be its art director, will undoubtedly maintain its musical identity. The artistic direction will never change, as our philosophy is distinctive. It consists of the continuous discovery of new talents and bringing back the great artists who have made a concrete, tangible mark in the techno music culture. At Ways, we have been fortunate to have such artists, and each time they return, they further enhance our reputation. We are well aware of our origins, and we have always held utmost respect for our future visions while maintaining coherence.