With an immense cultural heritage, Argentina has always been a thriving ground for artists that have influenced a wide musical spectrum around the world. The electronic music undeground makes no exception and it’s where we meet Federico Molinari. A bass player trained in jazz, Federico discovered electronic music in his early teenage years and developed a strong apettite for stripped-back, playful house music, an apettite translated into Oslo, the record label launched in 2007 together with Nekes, and also Hold On Catalina, together with DFUNKLUB. Rio Bravo is the third release on Hold On Catalina, so keep an eye on your favourite record shop starting with the 10th of September.
Jazz, ambient, progressive rock, synth pop: all these genres have served as a source of inspiration for Federico Molinari, so it went without saying that we had to challenge him for a quick session of digging through his personal record collection, to reaveal a tiny bit of his musical universe! 👇
A Second-Hand Dig I’m Most Proud Of
B.B.E – Seven Days and One Week
There was always this trance hit in the 90s that I used to listen to at raves, but of course, I never asked for the name. A few years ago, while buying some records from a private collection, I found it for just a few dollars. Naturally, I bought it. It was a big surprise to find it, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to own that record. It triggers a lot of memories from my first raves. I can proudly say I’m very happy to have it on vinyl now, even if it’s something I’d never actually play.
The Record I’d Love to See Repressed
Jaco Pastorius – Jaco Pastorius
As a bass player, it’s impossible not to be a fan of Jaco. When I started learning the instrument in the mid-90s, I got this CD as a gift from my father, and ever since, I’ve wanted to buy the vinyl version. I would love to see this record repressed.
The Label I’d Buy All Their Releases Without Even Listening To
Playhouse, without a doubt! It’s definitely one of my favorite record labels. I think their entire catalog is worth having. Although I don’t own every record, I probably have more Playhouse records than any other label (even more than my own record label).
The Record Artwork That Blows My Mind Every Time I Look at It
Lakeman – Inner Rhythms on Hold On Catalina
This is actually my record label, but I really love the artwork
The Record That Triggers Childhood Memories
Irresistible Force – Global Chillage
This is the first electronic record I ever bought. Not only is it a masterpiece, but it also brings back all my earliest memories of listening to electronic music. I think this record is a must-have in every collection.
The Record Shop I’d Spend My Whole Savings In
At the moment, I would say Sound Metaphors.
First of all, it’s very close to where I live, so I can go there without much planning. I also really like their selection, their own labels, and above all, there are many records I would buy just to listen to, without any intention of playing them. These records are mostly albums, so they’re the most expensive ones.
One Record from My Early DJ Career That I Still Play Today
Move D – Flashback on the Hotze compilation.
As far as I can remember, I bought it during my first years after moving to Germany (a long time ago). Since then, I wouldn’t say it never leaves my record bag, but it’s always an option when I’m preparing for a gig, and I still play it.
The Record That Never Leaves My DJ Bag
Space Clique – Celestial Blues EP
Since I bought this record, it rarely leaves my bag. I always find the perfect moment for it—whether it’s at the beginning, middle, or even better, at the end of my set. Tip!
The Last Record I Checked the Price Of on Discogs
Chris & Cosey – Synaesthesia (12″)
I’ve wanted to get this one for a long time, and I finally checked the price last week and bought it for only 20 euros. Considering Discogs prices nowadays, it was a good deal.
One Record That Sounded Way Ahead of Its Time When It Was Released
Mr. Bungle – Disco Volante
I got this one when I was a teenager, and I still listen to it today. It amazes me just as much as it did the first time I heard it. It’s a masterpiece and totally ahead of its time. I love every Mike Patton project, but this one is particularly special to me.
The Last Record I Bought for My Home Listening Pleasure
I’ll mention two. The last record I bought purely for listening is Gerry Mulligan – Little Big Horn. I found it for 2 USD while doing some record shopping in a second-hand shop in New York, so I had to buy it.
But the last record I received for home listening pleasure was actually a gift: Astor Piazzolla – Momentos. Piazzolla is one of my biggest heroes, and I’ve always wanted a vinyl of his. This record is a live concert recording.
The Record Closest to My Heart from My Entire Collection
Ufff, this is a really hard question, and there’s probably not just one record I could or should mention. But to answer, I’ll say Pub – Summer Pt.1. It’s been in my collection for almost 25 years, and I still love it just as much as the day I got it. That said, there are many records close to my heart, so it’s difficult to choose just one.
