Cristian Viviano, a self-taught musician, DJ, and producer born in Palermo in 1987, is an artist renowned for his versatility and passionate performances. He has a strong connection with his audience, which is evident in his engaging sets infused with positive energy.
Photo credit: Reepik
His musical journey began on the streets and was largely influenced by funky and hip-hop culture. His personal exploration of musical technology steered him towards a tribal-influenced techno and house rhythm, created using sequencers, synthesizers, and drum machines.
Throughout his career, Cristian has made his mark on the global stage, performing in renowned clubs and parties worldwide. He has released music on prestigious labels, with his work earning the support of top artists globally. Currently, Cristian is focusing on his label, Descending Order, and his new live band project, Cristian Viviano and the Dvmmies. His latest EP, ‘As It Was’, is a testament to his continuous musical evolution.
In a recent sit-down with EG, Cristian delved deeper into his latest release, projects, and future aspirations, providing a unique insight into his creative process, his vision for his label, and his thoughts on the use of AI in music. This in-depth interview paints a comprehensive picture of Cristian as an artist dedicated to his craft, constantly pushing the boundaries of his musical expression.
EG: Hi, Cristian! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? What have you been up to?
Cristian Viviano: Hi everyone, everything is going well on my side. I have spent the last 2 years creating music, sharing good moments, and, of course, as a father, I have been taking care of my lovely family.
EG: First of all, congratulations on releasing your latest album, ‘As It Was’! You must be very excited to share this one with everybody. What has the initial reception/promo campaign been like? Do you remember the first time you played these cuts live? When do you feel like you’ve got the tune 100% right?
Cristian Viviano: I’ve been working on this for almost a year and a half, ‘As It Was’ is the result of a mix of great moments and emotions we experienced together, and you can feel the good energy in it. We actually sent the tracks out to DJs once finished, and the reaction from the scene was unbelievable, we received very strong support. I remember when I played ‘Senses’ for the first time, people were enjoying it and they asked for the title because Shazam didn’t recognize it. This project means a lot to me because I can express myself more. The songs inside the mini-album are pieces of my heart and we put a lot of energy into them. On Sunday, June 30th, there will be a release party at the beautiful setting of the Segesta Temple in Sicily, where we will be performing a live act. The event will be hosted by Mare Festival and Deset.
EG: So, what can your fans and followers expect to find on ‘As It Was’? Is there a concept or an emotional trigger to these tracks?
Cristian Viviano: As with all the music I’ve been making, there is always a reason or a message behind every track. In ‘As It Was,’ we can hear something different that reflects my musical background. I am outside of the rules of the moment, I always follow my feelings, in life and music, and I hope people can open their hearts and take the message from the music, which is very important to communicate through the power of music.
EG: And ‘As It Was’ is out now via your own Descending Order. What’s your vision for the label in 2024? Is there anything you can anticipate on that front?
Cristian Viviano: This year we will be introducing new talented artists and very good music. We have strong support from Solomun, Vintage Culture, Mochakk, Chloe Caillet, Marco Carola, Jamie Jones, Adam Ten, Mita Gami, Classmatic, and many more. I am so happy that the style I am feeling is reaching the people. This is the best.
“The songs inside the mini-album are pieces of my heart and we put a lot of energy into them”
EG: How would you describe the experience of running a label in 2024? What things would you say have changed compared to the last 5 years?
Cristian Viviano: Everything I do for the label, I put love and passion into it. Our first goal, which was to be played globally and see people enjoying our sound, we have already achieved. Running a label takes time and sacrifice sometimes. I’ve been working also during the night when my children are deeply sleeping. It’s not like it was back in the day, but we keep doing it because we believe in the power of music. Please follow Descending Order on Instagram and check out our website.
EG: You’re also behind your own Dvmmies project. Can you explain to us how Dvmmies came to be? Does it enable a different form of expression that you wouldn’t achieve otherwise?
Cristian Viviano: DVMMIES is a live project with the aim of bringing value back to music. The band stands out for its contagious energy on stage and the fusion of different genres, ranging from indie dance, funk, and nu-disco, to electronic music. The DVMMIES are composed of talented musicians with different backgrounds, who together create a unique and engaging sound. Each live performance is a unique and immersive experience, conveying emotions and leaving the audience breathless.
EG: Now, stepping outside of the studio for a bit…the use of AI in music has become quite common after its initial introduction, which raised many eyebrows. What’s your stance on this? Have you contemplated its possibilities? Has any form of AI been implemented on ‘As It Was’?
Cristian Viviano: I know something about AI in music, but I am still a gear lover who spends money on machines and synthesizers. I come from another era and I’ll keep what I’ve learned working in studios with real producers and music lovers. I think technological progress can do whatever, everyone is free to decide what they want, but my suggestion is to always keep a foot on the real side. Feelings and emotions that we put into music will never be the same with artificial intelligence, because we use music as an expression of the oversoul.
EG: On a lighter note, outside of music, what are some of your hobbies or interests that help you find balance and inspiration in your life?
Cristian Viviano: I am a creative person, I also do graphic design and it makes me happy and inspired, but the first inspiration above all is life itself.
“There is always a reason or a message behind every track”
EG: Finally, can you provide some insights into what’s next for Cristian Viviano? Where can your fans catch you next? Can we expect to see you on tour?
Cristian Viviano: 2024 started very well with some of my music released on Paradise by Jamie Jones, Mood Child by Manda and Sirius, then ‘Triplexx’ released on my own label Descending Order, but the best is yet to come. Recently, I received some big news, Adam Ten and Mita Gami confirmed me on their well-known label Maccabi House, which I love the music. They are such a great team of producers and musicians from Tel Aviv, and I am so proud to be on it soon. You can catch me this summer around as a DJ but also performing live with DVMMIES. My manager is working on my first Asian tour that we will announce soon.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Cristian. We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Cristian Viviano: Thanks for having me guys and keep up the good work!
Cristian Viviano and the Dvmmies ‘As It Was’ is now available on Descending Order. Stream and download here.
Follow Cristian Viviano: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook
