Techno with an Emotional Edge / Simone Zino

A chat with Milan based DJ & producer Simone Zino.

Simone Zino’s sound bridges dreamy, emotional techno with groovy house and progressive influences, all rooted in his classical piano background. With his experience as Resident DJ at Bolgia, Amnesia Milano, and as owner of Ratis Records, he’s shaping the modern techno scene while championing fresh talent. From chart-topping tracks to bold collaborations with designer Chiara Amico, Zino’s journey is a masterclass in pushing boundaries and staying authentic in an ever-evolving genre. In this interview, he reflects on his creative process, industry influences, and vision for the future of Techno.

Your sound bridges dreamy, groovy Techno with House and Progressive influences, rooted in your classical piano background. How does your understanding of harmony and melody shape the emotional core of your tracks?

Understanding harmonies and melodies is very important because it allows you to express a specific emotion for that track. Recently, I’ve been focusing more on a style of Techno that is less melodic and more percussive, but still, the melodic element remains fundamental.

Performing at clubs like Amnesia Ibiza and Social Music City puts you at the heart of global Techno culture. Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment or interaction with a fellow artist that has deeply influenced your approach to music?

There have been several moments, but the biggest influences I’ve received come from the incredible dedication to the craft shown by Joseph Capriati, whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for years and sharing the DJ booth with on several occasions, including at Nordstern in Basel for the showcase of his label “Redimension”. I also can’t fail to mention the professionalism of my colleague and friend Sam Paganini, who inspires me every day with his approach to the music and to the industry, and with whom I’ll have the pleasure of performing during this year.

You’ve had tracks like Volcano and Venom charting on Beatport’s Techno lists, and your Pump Up The Jam Edit has been played at festivals like Ultra Miami by Adam Beyer. How do you approach creating tracks that resonate both in underground clubs and on broader stages?

I simply try to make what I like. The important thing for me is that these elements are present: power, groove, and emotion. I look for this mix of qualities before releasing or finishing a track. I enjoy experimenting between more straightforward, floor-oriented Techno tracks and those that are more melodic and suitable for different settings. One example is one of my latest tracks, Freedom, which has received support from DJs with completely different styles and scenes, such as I Hate Models on one hand and Len Faki on the other.

“The important thing for me is that these elements are present: power, groove, and emotion. I look for this mix of qualities before releasing or finishing a track. I enjoy experimenting between more straightforward, floor-oriented Techno tracks and those that are more melodic and suitable for different settings.”

photography by Marco Del Borrello

Your label, Ratis Records, not only showcases your work but also supports emerging artists. What do you look for when scouting new talent, and how does curating these voices inspire your own music?

First and foremost, I look for music – good music that makes me think, “Okay, there’s something here.” Of course, it’s even better if the artist’s profile is well-curated, as I appreciate when someone takes care of their image and presence. Sometimes, when listening to new artists, I find something that truly inspires me to make music myself. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s something I really value. Curating these voices, discovering fresh sounds, and supporting emerging talent keeps me motivated and constantly pushes me to evolve as an artist.

You started collaborating with Italian fashion designer and stylist Ichaar since last year bringing a bold fashion element to your performances and photo shoots, with deconstructed and up-cycled designs. How did this partnership come about and how does it enhance the storytelling of your sets?

We met during one of my sets at Rocket Milano and later connected on Instagram. From the very beginning, we hit it off on a personal level, and a great friendship developed. We both are emotionally involved in music and for Ichaar it is a huge part of her design process, and this connected us much more. The partnership adds a visual layer to my performances, bringing a curious element to the outfits that align with the sound I create. The metallic details reflect the industrial style of the music, while the tailored pieces express an elegance that complements the refined, never predictable grooves in my tracks. We always aim to take things to the next level, sharing interests and ideas, constantly evolving both in terms of style and music

In March 2024, you embarked on your first tour in India, performing in cities like Mumbai and Goa. What excited you most about performing in a region with such a distinct cultural identity?

I had an incredible experience performing in India back in March 2024. It’s a country with such a rich and diverse cultural history, and the way music and dance are deeply woven into everyday life is truly unique. I had the pleasure of playing for an incredibly passionate crowd, and the energy I encountered was something special. Mumbai and Goa were both amazing, but the stop in Ranchi was particularly intense—there was such a raw, electrifying connection with the audience. We’re already working on plans to return in November 2025, and I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the Indian crowd and continuing this amazing journey.

“Sometimes, when listening to new artists, I find something that truly inspires me to make music myself. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s something I really value.”

photography by Marco Del Borrello

As a four-year resident at Amnesia Milano, you’ve played alongside artists like Nina Kraviz and I Hate Models. How has your residency shaped your evolution as a performer, especially in adapting to such diverse lineups?

Being a resident at Amnesia Milano, as well as at Rocket or previously at Bolgia when I was just starting out, has been a crucial part of my journey as a DJ. These experiences have taught me a lot about adapting and being versatile. I’ve learned to read the crowd better, build tension at the right moments, and experiment with sounds and styles that I wouldn’t normally consider during a “Peak-Time” slot. Last but not least, sharing the stage with legendary artists like Chris Liebing, Len Faki, and others has taught me a great deal about the energy they exude and how they transmit that energy to the dancefloor.

With Chris Liebing’s CLR podcast coming up and collaborations on the horizon, what excites you most about this phase of your career? Are there any unexpected directions you’re exploring?

This phase of my career is both exciting and full of potential, but at the same time, it’s been quite challenging. I’m fighting to find my place, and I hope to start reaping the rewards of my efforts over the past year. Having the chance to be featured on Chris Liebing’s CLR podcast is a huge milestone for me—it’s a platform I’ve always respected, and it gives me the chance to share a harder, groovier side of my sound with a global audience. What really surprised me, though, was how kind, polite, and approachable Chris Liebing is. I was genuinely impressed by his interest in my productions—it was a revelation. As for collaborations, I’m working on a few projects that will take my music in new directions, and I’m excited to see where they lead. I can’t reveal too much at the moment, but I’m confident that when they come to fruition, they’ll have a big impact on my journey.

The Milanese Techno scene has seen significant growth in the past years. What’s your perspective on the emerging talents coming out of Milan? Are there any specific trends or sounds that stand out?

The Milanese techno scene is evolving quickly, with both positive and negative aspects. There are many small events and new clubs popping up around the city, and techno is becoming more and more popular, with different formats being offered. However, my concern is whether the new generation, particularly those aged between 18 and 23, truly has an interest in techno and clubbing. Personally, I see a decline in that interest. I believe that in the coming years, we’ll see new ways of experiencing clubs, parties, and techno. That’s why I’m working on relaunching my event series under my label, Ratis, in a special format that stands out from the usual techno nights. Milan is a unique city for the underground and techno scene, and for me, this will be an important challenge to keep the focus on and maintain the presence of our culture.

Techno is often about progression, not just musically but culturally. How do you see your role in pushing boundaries, whether through your sound, your collaborations, or your label’s mission?

In a fast-paced world where everyone is busy, I believe we should focus on quality. We need to take a step back and reconnect with the essence of what we do, while still looking toward the future and adapting new ways to promote our culture, keeping authenticity intact. My mission, and that of my label, is to promote good music, share meaningful messages, and offer an escape from the ordinary. Our music was born for that, to provide a moment of freedom from the routine of everyday life.

photography by Marco Del Borrello

Techno with an Emotional Edge / Simone Zino

Credits:

Artist: Simone Zino / @simone_zino
Interview: Kenzie Barena / @kenziebarena
Photography: Marco Del Borrello / @marcodelborrello.raw
Stylist and Designer: Ichaar / @ichaar_us
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei
Assistant: Annalisa Fabbrucci / @annalisa_fabbrucci

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