Black Pomade is a DJ and producer originally from Milan (Italy), now calling New York home after leaving his mark in Lisbon’s growing scene. He’s the mastermind behind the Ruínas collective and the Whoopee party series.
Heavily inspired by the NY Disco scene and the Chicago House pioneers, he’s made a name for himself with a melting pot of analog synths, groovy basslines, and syncopated beats. His sets are a proper journey through House, Disco, and Acid records, always leaving the dance floor buzzing with energy and big grins all around.
From 2021 to 2023, he held a residency at MusicBox Lisbon, bridging the gap between the Italian and Portuguese scenes. Regularly gracing the decks in Lisbon and Milan, he’s also taken his sound across Europe and Asia, playing in cities like Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Vienna, and Sofia, and sharing the stage with legends like Emmanuelle, Kamma&Masalo, Hunee, Don Carlos, Josey Rebelle, and the iconic Nicky Siano. He’s contributed to top podcast series like SlothBoogie, Discoteca, and Histoires de Piscines, and appeared on radio shows from Melbourne to Pittsburgh, Skopje, São Paulo, and Ibiza.
Black Pomade released music on Last Forever Records, Rollover Milano Anything Goes, Stereo Ferment, Modmotif, Dig This Way Records, Youngbloods, and on vinyl for Martino Edits and Windmill Re-Edits. In 2023 his remix for Sontag Shogun was featured on the Apple TV show “Platonic”, meanwhile he launched the vinyl-only edit series Manzo Edits and he has upcoming releases scheduled on Whopee Rec and Wilson Records.
As he’s been on the HMWL radar for some time now we thought we’d take this opportunity to sit down with rising Italian artist and talk through a few of his highlights of a busy 2024… Check it out!!!
Favourite Gig
It’s tough to choose, as this year has brought many standout moments, but the set that holds the most vivid memories for me is La Terrrazza in Barcelona, during the Drop Dance Society party. It was a b2b set with Anya, right before Hunee. The open-air setting, at the end of May, gave us that sweet spot of summer anticipation without the oppressive heat. The organisation was impeccable, and the energy from the crowd was unmatched.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the journey there with Anya and Erica, who’s not only my booking manager but also my business partner at Succo Agency. Keep an eye on us!
Top Dancefloor Filler
Dam Swindle – Allright (Just A Tribute)
Technically from 2023 (released in December), but I gave it most of its spins in 2024. This track consistently sets the dancefloor alight, thanks to its strong, tense build-up that bursts into a jubilant drop not once, but twice. The second drop is a carnival of colours, smoke, bubbles, and smiling faces. I get chills just remembering the incredible reception it got every single time I played it. Massive shout-out to Dam Swindle for this gem
Favourite Record Shop
I’m notoriously indecisive and had the good fortune of visiting some amazing record shops during my Asia tour: Sputnik Rekords in Kuala Lumpur, More Rice in Bangkok, and Lighthouse in Tokyo. But the one that truly stole my heart is Rare Groove in Osaka. Norio, the owner, is a top bloke – incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about every single record in his shop. The selection is sublime, whether you’re hunting for a classic or a rare gem.
Best Record Shop Digg
This track served me well throughout the year, with a solid groove and ethereal stabs perfect for afterparty vibes. I stumbled upon it at Junction Forest in Seoul (a brilliant spot for second-hand records). Initially, it seemed just like a decent tool at a good price, but a few days later, when I played it at Arga around 5 AM, it blew me away. It’s now one of my go-to tracks for that hypnotic after party mood.
Favourite Artist
For me, the one person who deeply understands dance music is KiNK. I had the pleasure of dancing to his live show at H0L0 in New York and danced non-stop from start to finish. The intimate setting, with decks in the middle of the room and the crowd dancing all around, made it unforgettable. Beyond his musical brilliance, Strahil is a genuinely kind person. We had a chat after the show, and his thoughtful insights into electronic music and the scene are never trivial. I could spend hours talking with him.
Best DJ Set
Big-name acts can sometimes disappoint (not everyone, for example Barbara Boesing delivered a fantastic set at La Terrrazza), but I have to give this one to a local DJ. Local DJs are the soul of the scene, often more passionate and certainly underappreciated.
A standout set this year was by David Moreira at Ministerium’s upstairs room in June. It was an intimate affair, maybe 50 people on the dancefloor, all deeply absorbed in the rhythm. David served up banger after banger: early 2000s house and tech house, minimal yet groovy. An absolute pleasure to dance to!
Best Mix
This pick is more of a shout-out to a project by some friends who are working hard to connect both established and emerging artists, all bonded by their love for pizza. And let’s face it – who doesn’t love pizza?
My favourite from the series is Tucan Discos, whose dedication to unearthing obscure B-sides is something I truly admire. We met in Korea, and I introduced him to the Pizza Club crew. One of those moments when the world feels delightfully small.
Best Festival
Credits: Inês Machado
I had the pleasure of playing at Moga Festival this year, a Moroccan-born festival now firmly rooted in Caparica, Portugal. Three stages packed with quality artists, all set against a beach backdrop. It’s hard to beat that.
The programming is on point, from the off-events to the main days. Playing on the main stage was quite the experience, even if the blazing sun started warping my records (ouch!). If you’re thinking of a dance-fuelled holiday in Lisbon, Moga is absolutely worth it!
Favourite Club
Imagine a mid-sized, intimate club with flawless sound, minimalist décor, and dark orange lighting. Now add two gorgeous plants flanking the DJ booth, a spacious backstage for mingling, and plenty of room to dance. That’s Mitsuki in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Talented DJs spin underground house and techno, nothing too heavy, nothing too cheesy. Playing there was a joy, and if I ever open my own place, Mitsuki will be my inspiration.
Best City
Of all the places I’ve visited this year, Seoul is the one where I could most imagine myself living. I felt a deep connection with the city and it’s incredibly welcoming people. I had some unforgettable nights, spent a small fortune shopping, and devoured the amazing food. With Korean culture booming internationally – K-pop, K-beauty, and more – Seoul still feels surprisingly local-oriented compared to other places like Tokyo. That gave my experience a relaxed and unique vibe. The party scene is brilliant too, with a constellation of small clubs, each specialising in a particular sound, letting you hop between vibes along the night.
Follow Black Pomade HERE