DJ Spotlight: Benny Benassi

When one thinks of Italy, in terms of music, the great works of Puccini, Vivaldi, and Verdi come to mind. Other styles of Music come to mind as well, most specifically Italo-disco/dance. Italo dance is unique, in that it is one of the first forms of electronic music to ever evolve. This also means, it is one of the first forms of Dance music to inspire as well. One such person, who more than likely was inspired by this was International DJ, Benny Benassi.

Born originally as Marco Benassi on July 13th, 1967, in Milan, Italy, the DJ began his career by working alongside his cousin, Alle in the late 1980s. In the mid 1990’s the duo found themselves creating music for acts in the ‘Off Limits production Studio’. It was not until the new millennium, that Benassi would create his own project that would bring him mainstream success.

In 2001, he released the single, ‘I Feel So Fine’, with vocals provided by Italian singer Dhany. However, he released the song under the name ‘KMC’. The song would eventually become #1 in Italy, and also a #1 hit abroad in the United Kingdom. This would then mark the start of Benassi moving from that Italo dance style to simply Electro dance.


With the release of his Solo album, ’Hypnotica’, its main track, ‘Satisfaction’, would launch the DJ into International superstardom. The song itself would gain critical acclaim from other Djs, musical artists, and the press.

Satisfaction By Benny Benassi - Free videos are just a click away

It would go onto become a certified Gold single in 3 countries, as well as a dance floor anthem across the world. It would also impact the mainstream media, in that the song would be used in commercials. The song would also be sampled and used for other musicians as well, to show just how deep on an impact it has had so far.

Aside from the single, the album, ‘Hypnotica’, became a hit as well. It would become one of the first albums to ever be a best seller outside of Italy. It would also be a success within his country as well.

In 2004, Benny & his cousin Alle collaborated again. It was at this time, they decided to create the group Benassi Bros. It was a group that included, two other vocalists, Paul French & Violeta. It was then their 1st album was released, ‘Pumphonia’. From this album, the song ‘I Love My Sex’ was released, and became a club hit as well…


One year later, Benassi Bros. would release the album ‘…Phobia’. From this album, the track ‘Make Me Feel’, featuring Dhany, would become a hit from this release as well…


In 2008, Benny Benassi would release his next solo album, ‘Rock n’ Rave’. From this album, the tracks ‘I Am Not Drunk‘, ‘Come Fly Away’, ‘Bring The Noise’ (Remix), & ‘Who’s Your Daddy?’ would become club anthems for the DJ, further solidifying his stellar reputation…


Since his introduction to the International stage, Benassi has collaborated and done remixes for today’s most famous artists, such as Madonna, Britney Spears, Goldfrapp, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tiesto, and Flo Rida…


He is ranked 39th in the world by DJ Magazine, and has his own show, ‘The Benny Benassi Show’ on Sirius XM Radio…

Catch him if you can... You'll be happy that you did…