Daniele Baldelli is a pioneering Italian DJ known for his innovative contributions to the development of the “Cosmic” and “Afro” sound in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Born in 1952 in Cattolica, Italy, Baldelli began his DJ career in 1969, a time when the concept of DJing was still in its infancy, lacking the advanced equipment and techniques that would later become standard.
Baldelli’s early career was significantly influenced by American DJs Tom Sison and Bob Day at the Baia Degli Angeli club. This exposure helped him master mixing techniques and innovate new ones, such as manipulating the speed of vinyl records to create unique sounds
In 1979, Baldelli became the resident DJ at Cosmic, a club near Lake Garda. Here, he developed his signature style, characterized by eclectic sets that fused electronic music with diverse genres like African rhythms, Brazilian music, jazz, and rock. This eclectic approach was instrumental in creating the Cosmic sound, which combined different musical elements in innovative ways, such as playing records at altered speeds and using drum machines and synthesizers to add unique effects
Baldelli’s technical prowess and creativity set him apart. He was known for using multiple turntables, drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909, and early sampling keyboards, making his sets not just DJ performances but live musical experiences. His ability to blend tracks from various genres and eras, along with his use of innovative equipment, made him a trailblazer in the dance music scene.
Throughout his career, Baldelli has remained active, continuing to produce music and perform live. His work has had a lasting impact on the electronic and dance music scenes, influencing numerous DJs and producers worldwide
DISCOLYPSO QUESTIONNAIRE
Tell us about an important early musical experience.
I started in 1969… I went to the Tana Club in the afternoon, I was 17 years old, and one day the owner of the club asked me if I wanted to play the records for him. I just had to turn down the volume on one turntable and turn up the volume on the other. they were all 45s and the tracking list was already prepared by the club owner.
When did you decide your future would be in music?
I didn’t realize it… I’ve never stopped since 1969… I was in high school and also university… but being a DJ took me over…
What was your first musical composition, edit or remix?
In 1981 I made a compilation mixed on vinyl for Panarecord, it was called “Discocross”. mixing and editing using a Revox recorder .
Do you have an album or DJ set that you listen to repeatedly and would like to share with our clan?
I might recommend listening to Weather Report’s “Sweetnighter” … but also some Ravi Shankar albums
What was the first record you can remember buying?
When I was a kid I bought records by Mina, Gianni Morandi, Celentano… then little by little the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan arrived….
Where or when are you most at peace?
in my basement… among all my vinyls…
If money and death was not a factor - who would play at your wedding or birthday - both live acts and djs?
Herbie Hancock , Jaco Pastorius, Al di Meola , Miles Davis ……
Which musical acts do you feel have not been dealt their fair hand in the annals of time?
I have no idea… considering that I have been listening to music since 1965… I have practically known all the genres, listened to them, searched for them, collected them… I have room for everyone depending on the moment…..
Stax or Motown
Stax
