Boyanza is thrilled to present the latest musical offering from Tommaso Conforti, who once again showcases his dexterous and multifaceted talents across four tracks of house-laden brilliance.
Originally hailing from Florence, Italy, Conforti has made Chicago his home for almost a decade. The birthplace of house music has embraced him as much as he has embraced it, establishing himself as a key figure in the city’s underground scene. His passion for music was ignited during his formative years, listening to his parents’ collection of 45s, and has deepened through his respect and love for Chicago’s musical heritage. As a DJ, his approach—seamlessly blending old-school rarities with cutting-edge contemporary productions—has earned him admiration from some of Chicago’s pioneering artists. Acting as a bridge between eras, Conforti’s productions mirror this ethos, merging classic motifs with forward-thinking elements that make his sound both familiar and refreshingly innovative. Each track on this release embodies a harmonious balance between diversity and cohesion, weaving rich narratives alongside compelling rhythms and melodies.
Conforti has also expanded his musical universe by co-founding Elevator Music, a platform dedicated to reshaping the boundaries of dance music while fostering meaningful, long-term connections within its community.
Off the back of his new EP, we sat down with the rising Chicago DJ and Producer to talk through the release and much more…
WWD: Hey Tommaso, great to meet you! What’s happening in your world at the moment?
Right now, I’m gearing up for an incredible year of music! My focus is on packing 2025 with as many music-driven adventures as possible creating, sharing, and playing my heart out. I can’t wait to unleash what I’ve been working on and see it come to life in front of people. Let’s make this year unforgettable!
WWD: Congrats on dropping ‘Sulla Pista’ on Boyanza Records ! Can you talk us through the release?
Thank you! I’m beyond excited about this one because it’s my first original EP, a collection of tracks I’ve been crafting over the past three years, each with its own wild story of why and where. It’s like a little time capsule of my journey as an artist.
What makes this release extra special is that ‘Sulla Pista’ was written and produced in Mexico City during the final hours of one of my trips there. So, having Boyanza, a Mexico City-based label, believe in these tracks and bring them to life feels like it’s come full circle. It’s an absolute honor, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
WWD: How did the collaboration with the label and the Dehesa remix come about?
Funny enough, one of the founders of Boyanza booked me for my first gig in CDMX, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. From the moment we met, I’ve been a huge fan of Boyanza’s releases. So, I thought, why not take a chance? As I learned early on, it never hurts to ask. I sent over some demos, and now here we are! It all feels surreal!
Working with Dehesa was both fun and suspenseful. I sent him the stems for the track, and then… silence. For about a month, we didn’t talk much, and I was on the edge of my seat. Then one morning, I woke up to his remix, and I was floored. It was everything I’d imagined and more. He kept the heart of the original track and wove in his own magic seamlessly.
I’ve got so much love for the Boyanza crew they believed in this project and made it feel right at home. This whole experience has been incredible!
WWD: For those who are just discovering your music, what do you hope they feel when they listen?
That’s such a great question and honestly, it’s not an easy one to answer because music hits everyone differently. But if there’s one thing I strive for, it’s to spark joy. Whether it’s a smile, a memory, or just the urge to dance, I want my tracks to add a little happiness to people’s lives.
When I DJ, I’m drawn to playing uplifting music, and I try to bring that same energy into my productions. Music has this incredible ability to connect us, and if my songs can do that even a little, then I’ve done my job.
WWD: Can you describe the connection between your music and your Italian roots, and how they influence you today?
I was born and raised in Italy, so Italian music is deeply ingrained in who I am. Growing up, I was surrounded by timeless gems of Italian pop from my parents’ generation, songs that are still staples in my DJ sets today because, honestly, they’re just that good. There’s something about their melodies and emotion that feels universal.
Italian cinema also played a huge role in shaping my musical perspective. I grew up watching movies with soundtracks by legends like Ennio Morricone, Piero Piccioni, and Piero Umiliani some of the best in the world, in my opinion. Even though I don’t play any instruments myself, their ability to tell stories through sound stuck with me.
I think that influence comes through in my music today. Whether it’s a lush string section or a groove that feels cinematic, I’m always chasing that timeless, evocative quality that those artists mastered. It’s my way of honoring my roots while bringing them into a modern context.
WWD: How is the scene in Chicago atm?
The scene in Chicago is absolutely thriving right now! It’s incredible to witness the underground community blossoming into something truly special. Having been here for almost nine years, I can confidently say this is the most vibrant and exciting it’s been.
Chicago has this magnetic energy, a mix of deep-rooted history and fresh, innovative voices pushing boundaries. The passion and creativity here are unmatched, and I’m so proud to be part of it. It feels like the city is reclaiming its place at the forefront of music culture, and I couldn’t love it more!
WWD: As someone deeply involved in the electronic music scene, how do you see it right now?
Honestly, I’m just excited to see how the scene is evolving, especially here in Chicago, which, as I mentioned, is really blossoming right now. The energy and creativity coming out of this city are incredible, and it feels like we’re entering a new golden age.
That said, if there’s one place we could all take notes from, it’s Amsterdam. Their club culture is unparalleled. It’s truly the best place in the world right now if you’re passionate about music. They’ve nailed the balance between fostering creativity, supporting artists, and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences. I think there’s a lot to learn from their approach, and if we can adopt some of that ethos, the global scene will only get stronger.
WWD: You’re co-founder of the popular live streaming channel ‘Elevator Music.’ How did the idea come about? And how did you get the likes of Fatboy Slim as a guest?
If you believe in coincidences, this record exists thanks to Elevator Music! When I was first booking my tour in Mexico City, promoters asked me for a video of a live DJ set to see me in action. My manager, Mickey Wozniak, who also happens to be the co-founder of Elevator Music, along with our other co-founders, filmed a set of me playing… in an actual elevator.
Fast forward, and here we are, years later: booking legends like Fatboy Slim and now releasing my first EP on a Mexico City-based label that probably saw one of the most unique episodes of our journey. It’s wild to think about how it all connects, but I guess that’s the beauty of music: it’s full of surprises and happy accidents!
WWD: What’s been the highlight of your career so far? Any particular moment that stands out?
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience so many incredible moments in my career, it wouldn’t feel right to single just one out! I’ve met and played for so many amazing people along this journey, and I can’t wait to create even more lasting memories and continue connecting with others. That being said I did just play on top of the Dolomites and that was pretty fucking epic!
WWD: Can you share some insight into your creative process? Any rituals or methods that keep you inspired?
My approach to production and DJing is quite different, but both are deeply personal and rooted in connection. When it comes to producing, I love collaborating with others, It’s where the magic happens. I usually plan ahead, deciding what kind of vibe and elements I want in the track, but I also try to work quickly and efficiently. For me, capturing that initial spark of inspiration is key, so I rarely spend more than four days on a track.
DJing, on the other hand, is all about connecting with the audience. My background in comedy and theater (yes, I have a BFA in comedy!) has taught me that whether you’re on stage or behind the decks, it’s all about reading the room and improvising. I treat every set as a performance, using energy and intuition to create a shared experience with the crowd.
When I’m in the studio with my musical brother, Logan Aping, who co-wrote Affettati Misti with me, we have our own little rituals to get the creative juices flowing: a case of beer for him, a good stash of weed for me, and a vibe that lets us experiment freely. It’s a mix of structured creativity and letting the moment guide us and that balance keeps me inspired every step of the way.
WWD: Please share with us your top 3 dancefloor fillers?
WWD: Finally, what does 2025 hold for you?
Hopefully, a lot more of what I love—spreading joy through music and connecting with people around the world. This year feels like it’s brimming with potential, and I’m so excited to share even more music. I’ve got three more releases lined up for now, and each one tells its own story.
Beyond that, I’m looking forward to diving deeper into collaborations, exploring new sounds, and creating moments that resonate with people. 2025 feels like a blank canvas, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
WWD: Neither can we! Thanks for the chat, Tommaso 🙂
The ‘Sulla Pista’ EP is available here
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