Mauro Picotto is an Italian legend when it comes to music. After parting with the BXR record label in 2002 he devoted all his time to DJing around the world playing to literally hundreds of thousands of clubbers. Picotto is one of the leading techno infused DJs on the planet - constantly ranking in the worlds top 20 and rocking dancefloors like few others.

He just finished mixing a Compilation for Meganite (with Chris Liebing) to help promote the huge Meganite Ibiza residency this year (more about this following the interview) and is current working on his third artist album, the follow up from 'The Others' in 2002. He is of course also famous for his production work including the four massive tunes Lizard, Pulsar, Iguana and Komodo (released around 1999-2000) that not only ripped up dance floors the world over but broke various charts and sold like wildfire.

For those of yet to experience or read about Meganite, can you give us a rundown on what to expect musically and where it will be featured?
Meganite is electronic in its style and its music. There is absolutely no music policy, DJs can play what they like when they like! Of course, the crowd decides who gets re-booked he-he.

You are playing with Chris Liebing each weekend over the summer this year in Ibiza, can you tell us a bit more about how you formed this relationship with Chris?
Well we've played at various events together at various global destinations... we're a good team together musically and I have a lot of respect for him as a DJ and an artist. I approached him to play at some our festival arenas and we got talking from there.

Your DJ relationship with Liebing is obviously quite strong. What is he like to play with back-to-back and do you guys do some preparation before you play?
We've done a bit of back to back before but it wasn't planned. Back to Backs are ok but it's really difficult to create something special as DJs have different paths. We're better with our sets separated.

Do your sets in Ibiza vary due to the different crowds and atmosphere of the island?
Yes, Ibiza is an international crowd, with an international musical taste. Ibiza... when it's on form is one of the best place to play in the world.

The sound of techno has changed and split in various directions in recent times. As your style could be defined as a combination of techno and trance how have your influences changed in reaction to this?
My reaction is to keep doing exactly what I have been doing in the past. Techno is changing - music is changing - but I do what I enjoy and hope other people enjoy it too. I think you should change your style or music because you feel it's right in your heart.

Who is exciting you behind the decks at the moment?
Me ; ) ...too many to mention, Liebing, Sven Vath, etc.

Do you find yourself mixing with more with CD now that technology and hardware available is getting closer to the sound vinyl produces?
Definitely, I remember years ago I was using a Pioneer CDJ 100. People couldn't understand. There was even a debate on message boards on how I was ripping people of by playing pre-mixed CDs on a "secret" CD player ...LOL. Now you look stupid if you don't use CDs.

What music do you find yourself listening to when you need a break from the hard sound that you play?
Anything chill out, but I also like a lot of the bands coming out at the moment.

Are you finding it hard to juggle the music and the family, and do you miss home and all the Italian food?
It's impossible! I know everybody thinks it's a glamorous lifestyle and it is. But the time away from my family is really hard! There's nothing on this earth that can replace time with my daughter.

What are you currently working on in the studio?
I've just finished my first Meganite compilation and we've nearly completed the next artist album, as you can imagine most of the focus has been on Ibiza... if only there was more than 24 hours in a day huh!

The industry has been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride in the past few years. What are your thoughts on its current state?
Every industry has ups and downs although but I feel more should be done for the kids to get into dance music. Bands are enjoying a renaissance period and to be fair there's a lot of good music coming from them, but I feel the differences between a concerts and all night dance party are huge!! Both should be appreciated but for different reasons...

Mauro and Chris Liebing have teamed up to give the Ibiza crowds something to cheer about this season as they play each Wednesday from the beginning of July the end of September. The music policy steers away from 'cheese' and will push a combination of progressive, house, techno and electro. Some great guests are also lined up for the events, the details are below.

Meganite in The Theatre of Sound at Privilege Ibiza 2004
07.07.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Lucca - Riccardo Ferri live
14.07.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Steve Rachmad - Athos
21.07.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Cari Lekebush - Gabry Fasano
28.07.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Misstress Barbara
04.08.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Gaetano Parisio - Riccardo Ferri live
11.08.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Ben Sims - Danilo Vigorito
18.08.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Fergie
25.08.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Christian Smith - Gabry Fasano
01.09.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Henrik B - Massimo Cominotto
08.09.04 Mauro Picotto & Chris Liebing - Ben Sims - Riccardo Ferri live

Full details can be found on the Meganite website.