Looking back at my formative years, there were two defining elements in music that shaped not only my taste but also the way I experienced sound itself. These were not just influences; they were a love affair for my ears that began decades ago and continues to resonate with me today.

The first was Hi-NRG disco, a genre that pulsed with life and commanded the dance floor. It was impossible not to feel its infectious rhythm. Growing up in a time when disco ruled the airwaves, the beats, the basslines, and the soaring vocals created a world that felt alive, dynamic, and filled with endless possibilities. Disco was more than music; it was an attitude, a movement, and for me, an electrifying introduction to what music could do—not just to the body but to the soul.

Then came the Fairlight CMI, and that was love at first sound. For those who may not know, the Fairlight was one of the first digital sampling synthesizers, and it revolutionized how music was created. Its unique timbre, its ability to shape and reshape sounds into something utterly futuristic, was nothing short of magical. Hearing it for the first time was like stepping into a new dimension. Those crystalline tones and atmospheric textures spoke directly to my imagination. It wasn’t just about listening anymore—it was about exploring a sonic universe.

What made these two influences so significant wasn’t just their individual brilliance but how they complemented each other. High-energy disco taught me about rhythm, movement, and emotion, while the Fairlight opened up a world of experimentation and endless creativity. Together, they became the foundation of my lifelong passion for music.

Even now, when I hear a disco classic or a track that uses the Fairlight’s signature sound, I’m instantly transported back to that initial spark of inspiration.