We had the pleasure to chill backstage, have a drink and interview the owner of the house and tech music festival based in Kent, Nic Fanciulli. Nic has organised The Social Festival for the past 5 years and has brought some of the biggest names in house and tech music to shut it down. Names like Carl Cox, The Martinez Brothers, Jackmaster, Nina Kraviz, Hot Since 82 and many more have graced the festival and we were overwhelmed that he took the time out of his busy schedule to speak to us and we can honestly say he is hands down one of the most down to earth DJs we’ve ever met. He even gave us access all area wristbands after we met which gave us literally access to everywhere! We chilled out in VIP and even partied behind the decks with some of the main headliners at this year’s festival. We will 100% be returning next year and if you’re into your house and tech music, we suggest you join us. Here’s what Nic had to say.
Who influences you musically?
I’ve got such a wide range of musical influences, everything from drum and base, to sort of house and techno. I think that the DJs that influenced me when I was younger were Sasha & Digweed, Laurent Garnier, Francois K and Lee Burridge.
Name three artists you had on your playlist growing up…
Daft Punk, Oasis & The Stone Roses
When was the pinnacle moment you realised you could make a career in music?
I think when I did my first essential mix for Radio 1 from Amnesia in Ibiza I kind of felt I could make a career of this.
What’s been your biggest career highlight so far?
Can I have 2? Closing Space Ibiza back to back with Carl Cox, shutting the club down right until the last record. Also, getting my Grammy nomination.
If you could collaborate with one other artist, past or present, who would it be?
Nile Rodgers
Where is the most memorable venue you’ve ever played?
I wouldn’t say it was the best gig of my life, but just after the war in Bosnia I got flown out by the UN to play in an old military bunker in the middle of Bosnia.
What/Who/Where is the most memorable performance you’ve ever seen?
Oasis at Wembley.
What do you enjoy most about playing The Social Festival festival?
I love playing at The Social Festival because it’s mine and I get to book all of the DJs.
How does the UK crowd differ from other countries?
Honestly, it’s so difficult to differentiate crowds in different countries. The one thing I will say is the one way the UK differs, is that the sound levels are a lot worse than anywhere else and we have to shut early, when I play festivals in Spain I don’t normally start till 7 or 8 in the morning.
What’s been your summer highlight of 2017?
My residency at Hi Ibiza every Thursday.
What’s your guilty pleasure track?
CeCe Peniston – Finally
How do you spend your down time when you’re not performing or in the studio?
With my son and watching football. I’m a Maidstone United and Chelsea fan.
Favourite film/TV series?
The Wire and my favourite movie is City Of God
Drink of choice on a night out?
Beer
Can you explain your fashion sense? How would you describe your style?
Mid-Life crisis!
Describe yourself in three words?
Not serious, fun and loving.
What’s next for 2017?
After Social, we are off to South America for two weeks on the Ultra Tour for Resistance, then back to the UK, then ADE and then we are just touring and travelling. It’s non-stop.
What advice do you have for aspiring DJs?
Just do it because you love it and don’t do it because you’re trying to play big festivals or big clubs. Just do it for the passion and the rest will follow.
So, who’s better, you or your brother?
My brother!
Make sure you pre-order Nic’s upcoming album here.
