Speedcore Italia and No New Style will join forces once again during SCI vs NNS 2. The ideal combination of the early sounds and speedcore extremes. One of the NNS artists that already fully fulfils this concept is Empi. Let’s have a chat about her journey through the world of hardcore genres.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hello party people! I’m Martina Parodi, Empi in art. An Italian girl with music as my main source of inspiration in life. While I lead a normal daily routine, music is always there to accompany me.
In 2019, I started producing my first tracks (just for fun), using my beloved MilkyTracker. And on February 2023, at the NNS party 'Labyrinth of Fear', I played my first tracker set versus DJ Kobe. To be heard not just on people's headphones, but also through the venue's sound system was so exciting that it instantly becomes an addiction. This was probably the moment my artistic journey truly started.
How did you get involved with hardcore?
I discovered hardcore music in 2011, thanks to my cousin. But at that time I was too young to go to parties (I'm still young, but back then I definitely was tóó young). And so, I had to wait until 2015 to make my first moves. This happens during '100% Area Indoor', a little party in Italy focused on old school hardcore. Starting from that, I immediately realized that this was the kind of place I wanted to be. When I found out about the No New Style concept in 2016, I consolidated my love for old school hardcore and started to explore this kind of music. That being said, the idea of becoming an artist myself didn't exist yet.
How would you describe your style?
My style is very influenced by a mix of hardcore subgenres I enjoy. Starting from old school speedcore (inspired by artists like ANC, iGoA, Disco Cunt, and Nevermind) to slower subgenres, as well as other music styles I listen to, such as rock and metal. I'm for example in love with bands like System of a Down and Children of Bodom.
That being said, I always try to avoid to be repetitive (embracing spontaneous deformation) and I also make a lot of speed variations. I believe the results can be heavy, but rhythmic and melodic (yes I do love melodies). Every track must have its own story and I do my best to achieve that, without being strictly bound to a BPM range of anything else.
How did you join No New Style?
It happened spontaneously. I always attended NNS parties (I only have missed one so far) and I recall when HCM and DJ Kobe used to close the night with their faster rhythms. Later 'the Guys' (OiraD and Ferra) also thought that my music reflected those vibes and deserved to be played live. In my opinion, the power of the No New Style concept comes from early to faster sounds. Besides this, I am also always present at the parties to help and support behind the scenes.
How is it to be a speedcore artist in a more early orientated community?
That's a good question! Since speedcore is not so included in Italy, it can be challenging. But I face it as an opportunity to introduce people to something different. And who knows, in the end this might even appeal to someone. Also, at the 'Underworld invites No New Style' party in the Netherland this summer, the way the audience could feel my set was a mystery. But eventually, as the Guys said, it was a success! It felt as my music was able to reach people who aren't used to appreciate speedcore as well.
In the end, I keep doing what I love, hoping to draw people closer to more extreme styles. Including the young ones who are making their first steps into hardcore.
Are there any big projects you're busy with or coming up?
One of my biggest dreams is to combine my passion for speedcore with the electric guitar. This means creating guitar riffs and melodies to add into my productions, allowing me to bring my guitar on stage during my tracker performances as well. This Saturday, at 'NNS presents: Bunker', I'll experiment with this for the first time.
As following to that, I'll be focusing on my sets for SCI vs NNS 2 and the Berserk vs. S.O.D.O.M. event Trash Massacre II, which will take place in February next year. Playing at these two events thrills me, because many icons from the hardcore scene will also be performing here as well.
Which parties do still have on your wishlist to play at?
Regarding big events, Noisekick's Terrordrang is absolutely on my list. Other examples include Fuckparade, Project Speedcore Dungeon, Rigormortis, and u.core.bar. Of course, perform anywhere in the world and at every occasion to play alongside speedcore legends would make my eyes sparkle.
You already played during the first gathering of Speedcore Italia and No New Style, how did you experienced this?
What an amazing adventure! I can recall all the emotions I felt when I entered the tunnel for the first time and heard Kreislaufstörung’s tracks Auf Die Fresse during the soundcheck. That night was my first time playing at a fully speedcore party and I can happily say that everything went super fine. It was also great to see so many people came for the No New Style crew. I loved all the sets and I even heared Destroy (Only DJ Noisekick Will Survive) live, played by the man himself. What else could I've asked for?
What do you expect from the upcoming versus?
I'm really hyped for this second chapter of SCI vs NNS. The Speedcore Italia crew has once again managed to put together a massive line-up! With incredible Italian artists like The Destroyer (the legend), Danny C, and Ralph Brown, as well as other talented artists from both labels. I can only expect a truly powerful night featuring the best of the hardcore scene. I already know we're in for an amazing time and I can't wait to be part of it!
What do you want to tell the visitors of the event?
Get ready for a rollercoaster of BPM! And be prepared to follow the Empi flow tailor-made for this night!
As a final message I want encourage people to dedicate more time to listening to tracks from the beginning till the end. Even if it's a genre you don't fully enjoy. You can't truly comprehend the intention of a tracks by just listening to it for only a few fragments.
And remember: VIVA LA SPEEDCORE!
Thanks to Empi for doing this interview. Do you want to go on this musical journey with her? Be sure you witness her set during Speedcore Italia vs. No New Style 2, Saturday the 23rd of November in the Mikroport Club, Krefeld (Germany).