Rising High Above The Sky With Rockets

We're so excited to continue our Brighton Mixtapes Series. Since the success of our beloved Berlin Mixtapes Series, which has featured awesome guests so far, we are on a mission to showcase more of the exciting talent that is right on our doorstep.

Next up we welcome one of Brighton's up and coming Techno stars, Giuseppe Pagliari AKA Rockets. Giuseppe's passion for music started with house music, before discovering his true love of Techno and Progressive House.

At the age of 25 he started with his first productions, which were primarily Melodic Techno. In 2016, Rockets moved to Brighton where in 2019 he released his first 3 singles 'Revolution', 'Elastic' and 'Point Energy' on Brighton label Steam Room Records.

In 2020 he released a stunning and emotive melodic techno track entitled “Dark Space” on Italian label Flymusik Records, a track much loved by the Berlin - Brighton crew.

Not long after that, Rockets started to fill up and entertain dance floors with gigs for long-standing Techno night SIZE, as well as playtime at Berlin-Brighton and support duties across multiple venues in our city.

Most recently, Rockets has released on newly founded local label Red Giant Recordings, headed up by our very own Berlin residents Lola and POoK.

Hi Giuseppe, how are you and what have you been up to this week?

I’m very good thank you. This week I’ve been working hard as well as starting to prepare my DJ set for the next SIZE night, which will be held at the Volks nightclub on Brighton beach.

What inspired you to start DJing?

My passion for the music comes from my brother Massimo. He was always listened to really good house music, so I grew up listening to artists like Frankie Knuckles, Toni Humphries, David Morales and Little Louie Vega.

After house music, one of my favourite DJs is the legendary Timo Maas.

What sort of music can people expect when they come to see you play?

My style of music is somewhere between Melodic Techno, Techno and Acid Techno. I also love a Techno track that has great vocals.

Where was your first gig and how did it go?

My first DJ set in Brighton was at the Waterbear in October 2021 at Techno night SIZE.

I have to thank Matt Pook and Lola who booked me to play for the first time in the UK.

Rockets playing at Berlin at the Waterbear

You moved to Brighton some time ago from sunny Sicily. What made you make the switch?

So my friends and I wanted to try a new experience outside of Italy, so we decided to come to Brighton and give it a go. We all found a job together at the same place right away, after which we decided to stay.

It's now been 8 years in England.

You now have some great releases under your belt. Tell us more about the EPs you've released so far.

I’ve spent so much time working on my EPs. Every night after work I would be sat at the computer and slowly, over time I got there.

I’m very happy because the hard work and late nights have started to repay me, especially after reaching the number one spot on Beatport recently. A big thank you to everyone who has supported my releases.

You have played for us and partied at Berlin-Brighton and hang out with the crew a lot. What is it about the night that is special to you?

When I first came to the UK, Berlin was one of the first parties I used to go to. I'd often be there as a guest and enjoying the music with my friends. Therefore it was a big step for me to play for Berlin after so many years.

Where's your favourite place to just kick back and chill in Brighton?

A chilled place. When I’m off, I usually go with my friends to Monjibello. It's an Italian pub with Sicilian street food and nice drinks.

It's usually full of Italian people and many familiar faces.

And equally, where's your favourite place to let loose?

My favourite place is “IL MURETTO“ at Jesolo lido in Venezia. That was my first ever party, full of great memories.

Which other DJs or producers are you liking right now? Some of my favourites right now are Enrico Sangiuliano, Alex Stein, Layton Giordani, Sisko Electrofanatik, Mozzy Recorder, Lilly Palmer and many more.

What are your go-to labels?

Drumcode, Limbo Records, NINETZERO, Terminal M, Volta Records, Set About. Too many to mention!

You have compiled our latest Brighton Mixtapes Series Episode 021 - Tell us more about your mix.

I started this mixtape with a view to let it grow bigger as it develops, starting from 130 bpm up to 136 bpm. I have also included my track “GRAVITY”, which is out now on Red Giant Recordings.