Hot off the back of his return to Vegas as he takes over the Zouk stage for his latest residency, and with new music in the works, DAMANTE sat down with us to talk influences in style and taking his limitless energy worldwide…
1.Your residency at Zouk Las Vegas puts you on one of the biggest stages in the world. How does performing there compare to your sets in Europe, and how do you tailor your sound for a Vegas crowd?
Las Vegas is definitely a huge stage, but it doesn’t massively influence my vision of music or my style. I’m always searching for my own sound while keeping an eye on the underground scene. Lately, all the records I’ve been producing lean towards Tech House, and I see that it’s appreciated both in Europe and the U.S. So, there’s no real ‘tailoring’ to a specific audience. Having been in Vegas for two years now, I focus on delivering a set where people come to experience Damante and his art.
2.Your tracks blend melodic house with high-energy drops. How would you define your signature sound, and how has it evolved over the years?
I’ve been making music for over 20 years now. Early on, I was really tuned into whatever was the trend at the time, so my first tracks were influenced by the “hits of the moment.” Over time, I found my own sound and started focusing more on what truly represents me rather than just following trends. That said, I still keep an ear on what’s on top and draw inspiration from it—especially in a fast-moving industry where people’s tastes shift so quickly. But my biggest inspiration comes from my surroundings and, most of all, from collaborating with other artists and producers. There’s something special about the energy in a session that sparks creativity in ways nothing else can.
3.Has the vibrant nightlife and energy of Las Vegas influenced the kind of music you produce or the way you structure your sets?
Absolutely! Inspiration comes from everything around me: Las Vegas with its lights and one-of-a-kind vibes, Miami and its sun, the massive stages I play on, Europe and its history but just as much from the crowd, the fans, and the artists I collaborate with in sessions. In those moments, all my experiences blend together and turn into music.
4.When you’re producing a new track, do you visualize how it will play out live—especially for a venue as dynamic as Zouk—or do you let the creative process flow more naturally?
When I create a new track, it comes naturally, I listen to the flow and follow the creative vibes that are present and strong during a studio session. Sometimes, I end up with projects that feel better suited for certain placements rather than others, but that’s a later step. The first instinct is always artistic inspiration, then comes the reflection on where the track fits best, where it sounds right, and what its context and audience are.
5.You’ve played all over the world. Do you find that certain styles or genres resonate differently with audiences depending on where you’re performing?
Traveling a lot has taught me how different cultures react uniquely to various genres and styles. Every culture, every crowd has its own identity and preference and that’s the real challenge for me and what makes every international set truly one of a kind: it’s about understanding the audience in front of me, tuning into their vibes and moods and shaping my music so that my art and their culture connect. In the end the real goal is when they have an unforgettable time, and I get to express my uniqueness.
6.As a Zouk resident, you’re performing for a crowd that’s used to world-class acts. How do you keep each set fresh and memorable for returning fans?
The research I do and the tailoring I focus on before every set are key. I dive into the hottest hits of the moment, try to understand what the crowd at that venue is vibing to, and blend it with my own art bringing these two worlds together. So, if I had to sum it up: research and tailoring.
7.What’s one element of your live sets or productions that you’re constantly trying to refine or push to the next level?
I always try to create a musical journey that takes the listener by the hand and flows from start to finish. I want the music to pull you in and stay with you, making the whole experience feel seamless and immersive.
8.You’ve collaborated with some big names in the industry. Is there anyone on your radar that you’d love to team up with next?
I’d love to play back-to-back with the legends of the tech-house / EDM world. Dom Dolla, Mau P, and John Summit are the artists who inspire me the most, and working with them would be a dream, because their projects truly resonate and inspire with me
9.When you’re on stage in Vegas, what’s the moment that gives you the biggest adrenaline rush? Is it a particular drop, a crowd chant, or something else?
As soon as I land in Las Vegas, I can feel the adrenaline. Seeing the towering hotels, the lights, the energy is everywhere, it’s a rush from the moment I arrive. The pre-show buzz is a dose of adrenaline and then stepping into Zouk feel always unreal. The sound, the lights, the crowd dancing at full power. That’s where the magic happens. It feels like a dream.
10.With a successful residency and growing global recognition, what’s next for DAMANTE? Are there any exciting new projects or sounds you’re exploring?
The U.S.A is giving me so much energy and inspiration. I’ve been working hard on my brand and my music, and I really hope these months in the studio will lead to a turning point for even bigger growth. This summer, there might be a little sneak peek of what’s coming, but that won’t stop me from creating and evolving. My energy is limitless and I’m ready to take it worldwide.
