Today we’d like to introduce you to Tito Mazzetta.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was raised in a super eclectic household that exposed me to art and different cultures from a very early age.
Some of my earliest memories include me tinkering with keyboards and pianos. While I did have some basic piano lessons, I always struggled to follow the rules and found myself the most exciting while I was going off and making things up.
From my Italian dad who enjoyed Old School Ska/Calypso and Classical Opera, to my artist mom listening to Grace Jones, the Gypsy Kings, to early 90s dance music played by Italian cousins, during these formative years I became endlessly curious about the diversity of music in our world, as well as the role music plays in expression and bringing people together.
When I reached the age of 14, I started digging for music and producing my own music. In the beginning, I would spend a lot of time searching for new genres and artists that inspired me and then trying my best to emulate them.
Once I became comfortable with techniques, I eventually started to develop my own creative processes in my workflow / sound design that really made me feel like I had a personal voice.
Over the past several years, I have gone beyond the studio to start connecting with like minded people the city, getting more involved in the nightlife scene in Atlanta. I started playing at super small underground parties to then opening for out of town artists and finally reaching a point where I collaborate with others to put events together. After a lot of patience and persistence, I find myself in a time surrounded by extremely passionate people who push one another to grow.
I have been fortunate enough to release EPs on labels across the globe and also start some local vinyl labels with friends. I’m really excited by the energy and growth that’s happening here in Atlanta.
Has it been a smooth road?
While I am following my passion, it definitely has not been a smooth road. There have been moments of crazy self-doubt, where I have hit creative plateaus or have not felt that I am getting the traction I want. I have watched talented individuals unable to attain the dreams because they give up their voice to what sells or throw the towel in all together. While at times cutting corners has seems tantalizing, especially when you feel the hard work is not paying off, I am happy I have not.
The most important thing I have discovered is that those bumps in the road are part of the experience. I believe when you are in a cocooning phase, when personal insecurities emerge, you just have to stick through it to grow. It is at those moments that I remind myself why I make and play music.
When I create and sketch ideas or dig into the endless abyss of rare records I find myself energised and inspired, and reminded of why I do it all in the first place. The reward of seeing people dance to a song or curated experience I have made or of an artist I look up to asking me for a personal track are little affirmations that keep me going. Surrounding myself with like-minded creative individuals who support me also keeps me going too.
All in all, my work ethic and thirst to constantly evolve as an artist has kept me in the right direction.Of course, the path of any artist is rarely easy. Looking back, it is in all the challenges that I have built my character and identity as an artist. I guess the universe likes to pave the pathway of our dreams in a poetic way.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
One thing that is starting to gain traction outside of my personal musical journey is the event series MELT I started with close friend Paolo Mentonelli.
MELT joins hi fi vintage audio, contemporary dance and an art show into a fully immersive experience. We are super passionate about making these events special, considering every little detail from auditory programming to spatial ebb and flow.
Bringing together a wide range of artists, concepts and communities into a cohesive event is really special, and what I believe sets us apart.
One of the best parts of starting this event has been the moments where I meet people at parties around the city and hear them talking about MELT being one of their highlight experiences. Hearing people’s excitement and thirst for the next event makes us know we are on the right path!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love how our city is full of so many diverse, creative individuals. People are taking the initiative to express themselves in new ways, with concepts starting left and right. We are building an amazing community marked by support and cross-pollination.There is also a beautiful collaboration that is starting to happen between the underground community and the wider city that I feel is making Atlanta a really exciting creative hub in the States right now.
Other than the traffic being my biggest dislike – I think we really have a special thing happening here!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1166 Byrnwyck Court NE, Atlanta, GA 30319
- Website: https://soundcloud.com/titomazzetta
- Phone: 4048245025
- Email: titomazzettaiii@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titomazzetta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TitoMaz/
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