On Scene: Pheelo On Bergamo, Bolgia And The Atmosphere Behind His ‘All Night’ EP
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Italy’s electronic underground continues to produce artists with a deep connection to their local scenes, and Bergamo’s Pheelo is a clear example of that lineage. With his ‘All Night’ EP now out on Joseph Capriati’s Metamorfosi Records, the Italian DJ and producer steps onto one of techno’s most respected modern imprints with a four-track release built on minimal tension, warped textures and late-night groove pressure.
Yet long before studio releases and label support, Pheelo’s relationship with club culture began in the city where he still lives today.
“We’re in Bergamo, my home. It’s the city where I grew up, where I still live, and where the people who support me every day are. The ones who have seen me evolve both as a person and as an artist. For me, Bergamo isn’t just a place. It’s where everything started.”
Bergamo’s nightlife may not shout as loudly as Milan or Rome, but its club circuit has long been a training ground for DJs pushing darker, more focused sounds. For Pheelo, one venue played a defining role in shaping his understanding of the craft.
“I’ve played in different clubs in my city, but the one that helped me grow the most is definitely Bolgia DJ’s From The World. It’s the venue that gave me real opportunities as a DJ, allowing me to listen to and share the booth with top international artists. Being next to them taught me a lot and made me truly understand what it means to be part of the nightlife world in a professional way.”
While major clubs build reputations, smaller spaces often carry the soul of a scene. In Bergamo, Pheelo points to one venue that continues to preserve the spirit of underground dance music.
“Without a doubt, Vibe Music Zone. It’s the club where I’ve always been able to express myself at my best. It’s just steps away from my home, and maybe that makes it even more special. It’s the true underground spot in my city.”
“It has a strong identity, a crowd that genuinely comes to listen to the music, and an atmosphere that feels real and authentic, far from passing trends. It’s one of those places where club culture is still at the center of everything.”
Life as a touring DJ often means constant movement between cities and airports, but for Pheelo, resetting is intentionally simple.
“I travel a lot, both in Italy and abroad, so when I need to recharge, my place is simply home. Being in my own space, away from noise, helps me reset my focus and energy for what comes next. That’s how I stay grounded and centered.”
Local rituals matter too, and in Bergamo they often revolve around food and community. One place in particular has become a long-running staple.
“Pizzeria Da Nasti is definitely the place I’ve visited the most over the years. Their strength is pizza, and they offer different types of dough, so there’s something for everyone.”
“I usually go there with friends and by now it feels like home. The atmosphere is simple and genuine, and that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s one of those places you always go back to with pleasure.”
Bergamo’s Quiet Energy And The Architecture Of Sound
To understand Bergamo’s deeper character, Pheelo says you have to look beyond the modern city and climb towards its historic core.
“Città Alta is the real heart of Bergamo, the historic part of the city. Bergamo is divided between upper and lower town, and from up there you see everything from a completely different perspective.”
“Most of the historical landmarks are there, but what people often don’t notice is the silence, the suspended atmosphere, the way time seems to move differently. It’s a subtle energy, but it’s powerful.”
That relationship with space, architecture and stillness has quietly shaped his musical perspective.
“Living in Bergamo taught me the value of space and silence. The architecture of Città Alta, the stones of the Venetian Walls, the narrow streets that suddenly open into bright squares.”
“My music comes from those sensations too. From repetition in shapes, from structures that seem simple but are actually layered, from the way sound seems to bounce between ancient walls. Bergamo isn’t a city that shouts. It resonates. And I try to do the same with my sound.”
Outside observers sometimes misunderstand the city’s quieter personality, but Pheelo sees that restraint as one of its greatest strengths.
“They often think Bergamo is too quiet or closed off. In reality, it’s reserved but very alive. It doesn’t show off, but it has a strong and authentic cultural and music scene. You just need to go a little deeper to truly understand it.”
Within that ecosystem, he highlights one collective currently pushing the scene forward.
“I would say the Offline collective. They fully represent my vision of clubbing. They take care of every detail before, during, and after the party, offering unique hospitality to artists and creating a complete experience for the audience.”
“They bring both established international artists and emerging talents, building a diverse and high quality lineup. I personally know the whole team and I can say they are like a real family. I’ve played for them several times and the vibes are always unique. The crowd knows how to listen and how to truly live the music.”
If Bergamo had a soundtrack in the middle of the night, Pheelo already has the answer.
“Midnight City by M83. It has that suspended energy, a mix of melancholy and electronic sound, that perfectly matches Bergamo at night.”
After the music fades and the lights come up, his ideal ending to a night out remains refreshingly uncomplicated.
“Bergamo is a simple city, and my perfect night is simple too. It ends with friends, maybe sitting somewhere talking and replaying the moments and emotions of the night we just lived.”
“It’s in that sharing that you realize how special it really was.”
For visitors arriving with no plan, his advice reflects the same patience and attention to atmosphere that shapes both his city and his music.
“I would tell them to do something simple. Wake up early and go up to Città Alta while it’s still almost empty.”
“Walk without a destination through the narrow streets, stop in Piazza Vecchia in the silence of the morning, then reach the Venetian Walls at sunset.”
“Bergamo is a city you listen to more than you visit. It doesn’t impose itself, but if you give it time, it gives you space, silence, and details in return.”
That same philosophy runs through Pheelo’s ‘All Night’ EP on Metamorfosi Records, where minimal grooves, warped textures and hypnotic low end rhythms unfold patiently across four tightly constructed club cuts. Like the city that shaped it, the record does not rush to reveal everything at once, instead building slowly and drawing listeners deeper into its atmosphere the longer they stay with it.
Pheelo’s ‘All Night’ EP is out now on Joseph Capriati’s Metamorfosi Records.
Pheelo
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