Gianfranco Bortolotti
One of dance music's most colourful ambassadors, Bortolotti is the name behind many ‘Italo-house’ classics as manager of Media Records. Bortolotti had originally found himself in the DJ world to supplement his university days. He was initially influenced by DJ Pierre (not the US version), learning his craft from him, and when the latter's career began, actually helped in distributing records. His involvement grew until he too recouped the rewards of a couple of minor hit singles, reinvesting the money in a home-studio and founding the Media label. Since then he has never looked back—indeed he now owns no less than ten studios. His main complex in Brescia, North Italy, is built on the Motown/SAW principle, churning out hits at a rate other factories ship beans. Capella's breakthrough hit, Heylom Halib, introduced the formula of insistent rhythm, zany samples, tinkling piano and memorable choruses/catchphrases. This in turn predicted the wave of Italo-house hits (Black Box's Ride On Time, Starlight's Numero Uno, Mixmaster's Grand Piano) that dominated the 1989 dance scene. The rollercoaster has continued unabated ever since. Whatever the names employed: 49ers (Touch Me), Fargetta (The Music Is Movin'), East Side Beat, Clubhouse, Clock, DJ Professor, RAF—the hits have followed with unremitting haste. Just as Berry Gordy might have envisioned had he enjoyed access to the technology, the Media set-up is strictly business-like, with three main producers (DJ Pierre, DJ Professor or RAF) working on their own floor. Each record is mixed between 15 and 20 times to suit individual territories. It is an astoundingly efficient and economic approach to making music.