Release Radar: Fausto Messina - Extasy [CADENZA140]

From early experiments with cassette recordings to becoming immersed in Italy's legendary club scene, Fausto Messina has spent a lifetime exploring the possibilities of sound. Eight years after his Cadenza debut, he returns to the label with Extasy, a deeply emotional record that reflects both his artistic evolution and his enduring connection to the Cadenza philosophy. We caught up with Fausto to discuss the journey behind the release.

What were your earliest connections to electronic music and what first inspired you to start producing your own tracks?

I have been passionate about music since childhood. I was always carrying my portable cassette player with me. One of my favourite pastimes was experimenting with cassette recordings. Capturing sounds, manipulating tapes and exploring different ways of transforming audio. Through this curiosity, I was introduced to electronic music at a very early age. It was then that I realised that sound was not simply something to listen to, but something that could be shaped, manipulated and reimagined through creativity. The idea of producing my own tracks came later, as a natural evolution of this fascination.

Growing up in Italy, were there any artists, scenes or experiences that played a particularly important role in shaping your musical identity?

Growing up in Italy during the 1990s, I was fortunate to experience an incredibly vibrant club culture. In Milan, Plastic was a true temple of nightlife, a place where avant-garde music, fashion and artistic expression came together. It was one of the most influential clubs in Italy and a cultural landmark that helped shape the country's underground scene. The north-eastern part of the country, and especially Jesolo Lido, was also a true hotspot for electronic music and nightlife. Venues such as Movida, Matilda, House Nation c/o Exess were far ahead of their time, regularly showcasing cutting-edge sounds and introducing audiences to new musical trends. Those venues quickly became some of my favourite places to be and spending time in those environments had a profound impact on me.

You first released on Cadenza eight years ago and now return to the label with Extasy. How has your journey as an artist evolved during that time?

I don't see music as something static. For me, it’s a constantly evolving process, always in motion and open to transformation. Perhaps that's why I remain so deeply fascinated by it. In a way, it can never be fully captured, defined, or possessed. The more you chase it, the more it reveals new possibilities and unexplored territories. That constant sense of discovery is what keeps me engaged, the feeling that there is always something just around the corner waiting to be explored and discovered. Over the past eight years, my journey as an artist has followed that same path. My sound has matured and evolved through new experiences, influences, and discoveries, but I have always tried to stay true to the core values that define my musical identity.

In many ways, I feel the same about Cadenza. The label has a very distinctive musical vision that continues to evolve, yet remains deeply connected to its essence. That's what I find so inspiring about it: the ability to embrace change without chasing trends, while staying faithful to its original spirit and artistic values. Luciano has always embodied that philosophy. Throughout his career, he has continued to evolve and explore new directions while remaining true to his artistic identity. That's a lesson that has stayed with me. I think Extasy reflects that balance perfectly: it's the result of an ongoing evolution, while still remaining rooted in the foundations that have always guided both my music and the label's identity.

What does returning to Cadenza mean to you personally, and how has your relationship with the label developed over the years?

Coming back to Cadenza is definitely a great achievement for me. To explain what the label truly means to me, I have to share a small story. Back then, the only way to discover new music was by attending parties and regularly visiting record stores. Among my group of friends, word had started to spread that Ibiza was the place to be. Mondays had become legendary because you could extend your weekend and experience unforgettable parties like Cocoon, Circoloco and the first free Ushuaia parties on the beach. There was a real sense that something new was happening musically. 

At that time, a couple of tracks had particularly caught my attention because they sounded completely different from anything else around. One was "Bombero’s” and the other was a mysterious track built around a Mercedes Sosa vocal sample that several underground DJs were playing. Back then, if you wanted information about a record, there was no Shazam, no social media and very little information online. The only way to find answers was to spend hours digging through record stores and talking to the people behind the counter.

During one of my trips to Ibiza, I visited Vinyl Club and managed to buy a copy of "Bombero’s”. While I was there, I asked about the mysterious Mercedes Sosa track. The record dealer told me that both "Bombero’s” and the record known as "430" had been produced by the same artist: Luciano. That conversation sparked my curiosity even further and led me to explore Luciano's music more deeply. Looking back, it was one of those small moments that ended up having a lasting impact on my musical journey. Cadenza was at the very heart of that movement, and for me it became much more than a record label, it became a reference point and an artistic philosophy that resonated deeply with me.

Extasy feels like a deeply emotional record, carried by beautiful piano melodies and a strong sense of progression. Did you have a specific feeling, story or moment in mind when creating the track?

Some time ago, I started collecting tracks in a folder called "The End of It All." The idea was simple: to gather what I consider the perfect records for the closing moments of a DJ set, the kind of tracks capable of creating an emotional, memorable and almost cinematic ending. It's a very special folder for me because I don't add tracks to it very often. Every record has to carry a certain feeling: emotion, depth, tension, release, and a sense of timelessness.

For me, a great closing track doesn't just end a DJ set, it leaves a lasting feeling in the room and stays with people long after the music has stopped. That's exactly why I started working on Extasy. I wanted to create something deeply personal, a track that could capture those emotions and become part of that special moment at the end of a set. In a way, it was my attempt to create a signature closing track, something built around stripped-back grooves while preserving a strong emotional core and reflecting my own musical identity, leaving people with a feeling they'll remember long after the night is over. In some ways, Extasy is the track I always hoped to find in someone else’s record bag.

What does your studio setup look like these days? Are there any pieces of equipment or techniques that play a key role in your creative process?

At the beginning of my career, I tried to invest in different pieces of hardware: drum machines such as the Korg Electribe, Allen & Heath mixers, outboard EQs and other studio gear. Like many producers, I was fascinated by the idea of building a fully equipped studio around hardware. However, at a certain point in my life, I realised that this approach had become too complex for my lifestyle. Balancing work, family and music meant that I needed a more practical and efficient workflow.

That's when I decided to simplify everything and move to an entirely in-the-box setup. Instead of spending my budget on increasingly complex gear, I chose to invest in what I felt would have the biggest impact on my sound: high-quality plugins and proper acoustic treatment for my studio. I sold almost all of my hardware equipment and redirected that investment into improving the listening environment of my room. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. A well-treated room allows me to make better mixing decisions, work faster, and stay focused on what really matters: the music itself.

Outside of music, where do you find inspiration and how do you like to recharge creatively?

In general, I love travelling and discovering different cultures. Music has played a huge role in helping me develop an open-minded perspective and a genuine curiosity about the world around me. When I travel, I always try to immerse myself in the local culture as much as possible. Rather than spending all my time in tourist attractions or restaurants, I enjoy doing simple everyday things like visiting local supermarkets, walking through neighbourhoods and observing how people live their daily lives. For me, travelling is one of the best ways to recharge creatively. Every journey offers a new perspective, and those experiences inevitably find their way into my music.

What’s next for Fausto Messina over the coming months? Any upcoming releases, collaborations or projects you can share with us?

After creating a track that I feel is perfectly suited for the closing moments of a DJ set, I think it's now time to focus on something designed for peak-time energy. I've already been working in that direction, it explores a different side of my sound while still staying true to my musical identity. I'm also working on a remix for 82J6, an artist I deeply respect. It's been a real pleasure to reinterpret his music and contribute my own perspective to a project connected to the Cadenza universe.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue exploring new musical territories and pushing my sound into unexpected directions. One artist whose work I greatly admire is Holchin. I have a lot of respect for his musical vision, his attention to detail and the unique atmosphere he creates in his productions. We haven't discussed any collaboration, but I would be delighted if our paths crossed creatively one day. I think there could be an interesting connection between our musical worlds. More than anything, I want to stay curious. Every time I think I've understood music, it shows me another direction worth exploring.

Check out Extasy on Beatport on Bandcamp.