Various Artists - Kapote presents Italomania Vol. 3 (2LP) [Toy Tonics]

Format: 2x12".
CAT: TOYT185

Toy Tonics ITALOMANIA Vol. 3 is a compilation dedicated to NEW ITALIAN DISCO. (Not to be confused with Italo Disco).

14 young contemporary Italian producers have created new organic disco, indie dance, and pop house tracks with Italian vocals.

All material was produced in 2024. Fresh dancefloor music by Italian artists such as Paul Older, Riva Starr, Valentino Vivace, Sam Ruffillo & Fimiani, Kymono, Mille Punti, Mind Enterprises, Bruno Belissimo, and the legendary cosmic disco pioneer Daniele Baldelli, plus French-Italo hitmakers Dov’e Liana.

The ITALOMANIA compilation was spearheaded by Kapote, an Italo-German producer, DJ, and keyboardist, and head of the Toy Tonics and Gomma labels.

ITALOMANIA is a MANIFESTO showcasing the current state of Italian disco.

Kapote invited the most relevant Italian producers to create new songs with Italian lyrics, reflecting different styles of modern disco made in Italy.

Italian disco is not Italo Disco.

In recent years, 80s pop music known as Italo Disco (with English lyrics) has seen a big revival.

But this compilation takes a different path: it's about Italian disco now, because the popularity of good Italian pop is growing worldwide.

And Toy Tonics wants to show a new way of combining Italian identity with club culture.

It's interesting that new artists in France, Switzerland, and Germany are also singing in Italian.

Let's not forget: party culture, dance, show business, and pop music would be unimaginable without the legacy and creativity that Italians have contributed.

Italy is not only the country of good food, beaches, and fashion; it is also the original birthplace of dance music.

Since ancient Rome, Italians have been the kings of entertainment.

And as for music: the 70s disco wave and 80s pop were co-created by Italians (and Italian-Americans in New York).

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The artists of ITALOMANIA Vol. 3

Kymono

Jazz-funk band from Bologna. They are just starting, but can already be compared to groups like Nu Genea or Il Mago Del Gelato. They are 5 incredible musicians, influenced by great 70s soul bands like Kool & The Gang, Jamiroquai, or Roy Ayers. They combine that with a deep love for Italian singer-songwriters like Battisti or Lucio Dalla. They have everything to become huge.

Mille Punti

Indie dance band from Milan. They come from a love for 80s post-punk guitars, and now they mix that vibe with disco. And it's fun! Very catchy and very indie.

Bruno Bellissimo

Also comes from the rock and indie scene. He plays bass, sings, and tours Italy as part of Fra Quintale's band and other artists. Now he produces dance music and runs the fabulous POLYAMORE label from Bologna.

Dov’e Liana

They are from Paris, but sing in Italian. Their raw and ironic electro-pop has been very popular in the last 2 years. They fill huge venues in Italy, with thousands of fans singing along to their songs. A phenomenon!

Riva Starr

From Naples, lives in London. One of Italy's most successful house producers since the 90s. He has worked with Defected and many other labels. A regular in Ibiza's top clubs. He made the pop house hit “Allora Amore” for Toy Tonics with Dario Bassolino, also from Naples.

Paul Older

Northern Italian. Known in the scene for his funky and new school disco tracks, played by DJs like Folamour, Jamie Jones, and DJ Tennis. His track “Che Disco Vuoi” has a strong seventies influence. Deep and soulful.

Sam Ruffillo

Rising DJ and producer, one of Toy Tonics' main artists (alongside Coeo, Kapote, and Cody Currie). He has had several underground hits combining alternative disco and lofi house with Italian lyrics, creating a new genre that is growing rapidly. His song “Chiamami Subito” is played on Italy's M20 radio. On Instagram, you can see his sets with crowds singing his tracks at Toy Tonics parties.

Fimiani aka BPlan

DJ and producer from Naples. Part of the new and vibrant Neapolitan disco scene (Nu Genea, Mystik Jungle, Manny Whodamanny).

Valentino Vivace

Italian raised in Switzerland. One of the most promising artists on this compilation. He mixes 80s Italo Disco vibes with modern house and very catchy compositions. His live show with a 6-person band is one of the most exciting in the new Italian dance scene, touring all over Europe.

Mind Enterprises

Dedicated to the 80s pop-trash sound. Ironic, fun, addictive. They regularly play in Ibiza with their live hybrid. Their track “Americano” is poised to be a radio hit.

Daniele Baldelli and DJ Rocca

Not new. Baldelli was already a legend in the 90s for having started the Cosmic Music movement alongside DJs like Loda or Mozart. He is one of the pillars of the Italian dance scene and the only veteran on this compilation.

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Although the music of Munk and Kapote has always been an underground phenomenon, it has been a favorite of big names in the scene:

DJ Harvey, Chromeo, Moodymann, Jennifer Cardini, Gerd Janson, MYD, Andrew Weatherall, The Blessed Madonna, Justice, and Laurent Garnier, to name just a few.