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Following two bold releases that explored territories between experimental ambient, folktronica, and atmospheric lo-fi rhythms, Tiella Sound now confidently steps into the deeper and more authentic side of club culture. For its third chapter, it warmly welcomes Nasty Boy, an Italian DJ and producer whose analog-driven aesthetic and melodic sensibility naturally resonate with the deep-house history.
‘Don’t Leave’ is a six-track EP where Nasty Boy guides us through a dense, cohesive journey filled with subtle yet rich nuances. Rooted in the musical traditions of Chicago and Detroit, it draws inspiration from artists like Larry Heard, Carl Craig, and Kirk Degiorgio, as well as the best of Detroit and UK technological house. However, the outcome isn’t just a stylistic showcase or a nostalgic tribute. Instead, it shows a mature production vision, transforming these influences and references into a personal, unique, elegant, and unpredictable language that refreshes the deep-house narrative while staying true to its core.
A key element of the record is the prominent use of analog hardware, such as the Roland Super JX-10 and Korg Poly800 MKII, skillfully blended with digital synthesizers like the Elka EK44, Korg M1, and Yamaha DX7, as well as samplers such as the Akai MPC 2000XL and MPC One. This approach emphasizes a direct, tactile connection with the instruments, highlighting their unique quirks, timbres and personalities.
Much like a photographer who views their equipment as a vital part of their artistic identity, Nasty Boy embraces the physicality of his tools. And you can hear it clearly: the grooves breathe, the pads shift with micro-variations, and the drum patterns carry a physicality and gritty texture that are impossible to fully replicate.
The EP opens with the title track ‘Don’t Leave,’ which stands out as its brightest and most immediate track, a sun-soaked deep house piece built on melancholic pads that beautifully evoke the golden era, all while adding its own unique touch.
‘Slide Down’ moves on a deep, circular acid bassline with a Heard-like touch, evoking the hypnotic and urban mood of A Guy Called Gerald’s Trip City period. Here, Nasty Boy smoothly blends acid and deep atmospheres, as if creating a dialogue between Chicago and a futuristic Mancunian vision.
With ‘Can See This, the EP starts exploring more ethereal and rarefied territories: suspended pads, breezy rhythms and a punchy drum machine driving the track with a percussive, emotionally charged proto-techno energy.
The remaining tracks, including ‘Stay With Us’, a poetic and beautifully crafted deep-acid cut, and ‘Sensory Element’, whose rhythmic approach nods to classic NY deep house, round out a sonic palette that oscillates between introspection, groove, timbral exploration, and analog warmth, always crafted with a rare sense of balance and detail.
Don’t Leave is more than just an EP; it’s a heartfelt tribute to deep house, celebrating its roots, emotional essence and ongoing significance today. Nasty Boy doesn’t imitate or pay tribute: he reflects, absorbs, and transforms. In doing so, he delivers one of the most personal and mature works of his career.
(words by Francesco Stella)
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All tracks written and produced by Nicola Penna
Recorded between 2015 and 2024 at Dus Studio (Vibo Valentia, Italy)
Instruments: Yamana Dx7, Roland Super JX-10, Elka Ek44, Korg M1, Korg Poly800 MK2, Akai MPC 2000 XL, Akai MPC One, X0XB0X
Mastering: SR Audio Mastering Studio
Cover artwork: Renata Pugliese
Design: Alessandro Burelli
A&R: Luca Bigote
Tiella Sound © 2025
info@tiellasound.com
https://tiellasound.bandcamp.com
