Valentinø | True Techno Podcast 86
Valentinø is the alias of Italian DJ and producer Valentino Marchiori, based in Genoa, Italy. The founder of Mantra Club since 2016 in the suburbs of the city, he also runs his own label, Overtime Records. His label and others have provided a platform for his trademark sound incorporating hypnotic melodies and frenetic rhythms within the techno and Psy-Trance genres. “Psy-Trance is a sound that I most resonate with and helps me to represent myself in the most authentic way”.
He started out his DJ career playing in Genoa, and became recognised for his style, but felt that this wasn’t fulfilling his goals, and started to work on the idea of opening his own club. “Mantra Club was opened in 2016 and became a point of reference, and a home for all the people who love music from my city and beyond”.
He was involved in the curation of the very first Genova Dance Parade in 2023, an innovative formula combining electronic music, fun and sustainability for over 50,000 people in every street corner of the city. Its impact was significant, and gave Genoa more visibility on an international level, and he hopes to continue strengthening the city as a music destination for years to come with events like this.
Valentinø’s very first single ‘Activity’ appeared in 2017, on Marco Bailey’s Materia label as part of a VA, which lead to his debut follow up EP ‘My Way’. After its success, he secured further releases on Etruria Beat, Suara, Second State, Off Recordings and Galactica Festival’s label.
However, the turning point in his career, was his most recent release was on Indira Paganotto’s mighty ARTCORE Records, with his debut EP ‘Baba Baby’ in February 2024. Two original tracks embodying the ARTCORE aesthetic, with unearthly vocals, pummelling basslines and off-kilter drum breaks. The title track was his highest charting to date, positioned at No.4 on Beatport’s Psy-Trance chart. He followed this, with his single ‘Space Travel’ featured on their OFFSonar VA release in June 2024. A hardstyle track on a psychedelic path with razor synths, a penetrating bass and warping overtone.
Now part of the ARTCORE family, he played for the labels OFFSonar showcase in Barcelona, as well as their Ritvales showcase in Medellin, but has already amounted a lot of key club plays for Fabrik Madrid, Cocorico, ilMuretto, Khidi Tiblisi, Spazio 900, Vastion Group Festival, Complex Maastricht, Complex, and a debut at Amnesia Ibiza alongside Indira in the Club Room for her takeover as part of Joseph Capriati’s Metamorphosis party.
Looking ahead, he has secured a new residency with Bolgia Club, one of the most renowned Northen Italian venues, and will be starting his own festival, called Enigma, with his mission to curate a special line up with scenography effects. Plus shows confirmed at Tomorrowland, Dreambeach Festival, Barrakud Festival and Hi Ibiza.
