Influences: Massi Rocket On Five Records That Shaped His Musical Journey
- Undrtone Blog
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Music has shaped every chapter of Massi Rocket's career. Long before becoming one of the key figures in Milan's electronic music scene, he was discovering records with his grandmother, playing guitar in indie bands and working at a local radio station. Those early experiences laid the foundations for the producer, DJ and club curator he would eventually become.
Today, alongside running the iconic Rocket Club and his Motel Calypso events and label, Massi Rocket continues to champion groove-led house music rooted in authenticity and feeling. His latest collaboration with Alfrenk, 'Tribal Vibes', reflects that philosophy, combining hypnotic percussion, minimal grooves and instinctive creativity into a record designed to connect people through rhythm.
For this edition of Influences, Massi Rocket looks back at five records that helped define both his musical tastes and his creative identity.
Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)
"This record means a lot to me because it was the very first vinyl I ever owned. Back then, you could even buy records in supermarkets, and every time I went shopping with my grandmother, I would convince her to buy me one.
Looking back, those moments feel incredibly special. Thriller wasn't just the beginning of my record collection, it was the start of a lifelong obsession with music."
Duran Duran – Notorious (1986)
"When this album came out, I was working at a local radio station. I still remember the excitement when the postman arrived with the record while we were live on air.
We couldn't wait, so we broke every rule and played the entire album from start to finish, even though radio stations were supposed to stick to strict rotations because of sponsors. It was one of those unforgettable moments where the passion for music was stronger than anything else."
Nirvana – About A Girl (1989)
"At the time, I wasn't DJing yet, I was playing guitar in an Italian indie rock band. Hearing Nirvana completely changed the way we thought about music.
It felt like everything we had been doing suddenly belonged to the past, and we had to start over from scratch. Their raw energy and songwriting completely reshaped my perspective and influenced the way I approached music from that point on."
Modjo – Lady (Hear Me Tonight) (2000)
"This track takes me straight back to the moment I started DJing in clubs. My productions came later, but around that time Milan had completely fallen in love with the French Touch movement.
Every club was playing it, and it had a huge influence on Italian producers too, including artists like Crookers. Lady perfectly captures that era for me. It represents the soundtrack of my first years behind the decks."
Ninetoes – Finder (Carl Cox Remix) (2018)
"There's no particular story behind this one. Some tracks simply have a timeless magic, and this is one of them.
Every time I hear it in a club, it reminds me why I fell in love with dance music in the first place. For me, this track is the definition of what a club should feel like: pure energy, connection and unforgettable moments on the dancefloor."
From childhood record shopping and rule-breaking moments in radio to discovering house music behind the decks, Massi Rocket's influences span decades and genres. Together they paint a picture of an artist whose approach has always been guided by emotion, groove and memorable musical moments. Those same qualities define 'Tribal Vibes', his latest collaboration with Alfrenk, where instinctive creativity and infectious rhythm come together in a warm, groove-driven club record.