The DJ Sessions host Darran Bruce connects with legendary producer and label owner Massimo Vivona, joined by Seborn (Sebastian), in an insightful Virtual Sessions episode that bridges history, innovation, and the future of electronic music. From Sedona to Phoenix, the conversation explores how Massimo continues to champion creativity through his work on Headzone Records while developing collaborative projects that blend ambient, electronic, and jazz-inspired elements.

Massimo reflects on decades of experience in the music industry, from the golden days of vinyl to today’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. He discusses challenges like the high cost of vinyl distribution, the influence of major labels, and the importance of maintaining artistic integrity in an era where commercial pressures often overshadow creativity. Drawing from his extensive catalog of over 65 releases, six albums, and numerous global compilations, Massimo emphasizes the enduring value of analog processes and live mixing to create tracks that remain timeless.

Seborn brings a fresh perspective as an emerging talent, working closely with Massimo on experimental projects that merge guitar, trumpet, and electronic textures. Their collaboration highlights the importance of mentoring the next generation while pushing boundaries beyond traditional genres.

Together, they discuss the realities of modern festivals, the financial pressures on artists, and the “gatekeeping” that can limit exposure for talented newcomers. Despite these challenges, Massimo remains passionate about building platforms that honor quality, experimentation, and longevity.

This captivating discussion offers fans and industry insiders alike a rare look into the philosophies of a true pioneer, while spotlighting Seborn as a rising name to watch.

Host: Darran Bruce

Guests: Massimo Vivona & Seborn

Location: Virtual Studios, Seattle WA & Phoenix, AZ

Topics Covered:

• Massimo’s journey from Sedona to Phoenix and his pioneering legacy in electronic music
  
  
  
  


• Reflections on Headzone Records, six albums, and 65+ singles
  
  
  
  


• Challenges of vinyl production and international distribution costs
  
  
  
  


• Philosophies on timeless music vs. commercial, short-lived trends
  
  
  
  


• Analog vs. digital production approaches and why analog maintains a unique value
  
  
  
  


• Collaboration with Seborn: blending jazz-inspired elements with electronic music
  
  
  
  


• Mentorship and supporting emerging artists in the industry
  
  
  
  


• Festival culture, artist pay, and economic realities for performers
  
  
  
  


• Industry gatekeeping and its impact on new talent
  
  
  
  


• Technology and production tools: Cubase, Studio One, and the role of AI
  
  
  
  


• Streaming platforms, Bandcamp, and the modern landscape for music distribution
  
  
  
  


• Closing thoughts on authenticity, creativity, and innovation in electronic music
  
  
  
  

Call to Action:

Explore Massimo Vivona’s catalog on major platforms and discover Seborn’s collaborative projects. massimovivona.com

Find more exclusive interviews and live sessions at thedjsessions.com

About Massimo Vivona -

Massimo Vivona was born in Sicily, Italy. He was young and impressionable during the explosion of electronic influence in music and was absolutely captivated by the 'other worldly' sounds that were able to be achieved through experimentation of electronic instrumentation. Groups such as Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk, Rockets and Mike Oldfield were all a huge inspiration for Massimo to go deeper into his passion for music production. Also influenced by funk, Massimo cites tremendous inspiration was sparked by artists such as Johnny Guitar Watson and James Brown.

Massimo began Dj'ing at age 11 at events in Sicily and these events kept growing larger. Upon coming of age, Massimo moved to Germany to pursue music production further. When his first production "De Largo' was complete, he gave it to Pete Namlook of FAX RECORDS label in Frankfurt. Torsten Fenslau, the manager of club DORIAN GRAY in Frankfurt got a hold of the single and it was soon after placed at #1 on the club charts in Germany. This began Massimo's international DJ career.

Massimo has over 65 releases, including 6 albums and has been featured on over 85 successful electronic dance compilations worldwide. His repertoire includes works published by Sony Music, BMG Ariola and has collaborated with Warner Chappell Music and Universal Music for licensing.

Massimo Vivona founded Headzone Records in 1995 along with Andy Howard founder of Intergroove Distribution UK. Their focus was the worldwide distribution of vinyl and CD's of some of the most cutting edge electronic music artists. Massimo continues to have a deep appreciation for vinyl and to this day prefers playing his sets on vinyl. "Digital sounds sort of synthetic compared to vinyl, it does not have the sound quality that vinyl does; Vinyl has a much more warm sound and is the grandfather of digital music and should be respected." "Vinyl gives life to the music."

Headzone Records is currently operating out of the U.S with the same mission of the distribution of exceptional electronic music on vinyl worldwide.

"Special thanks to Pete Namlook for believing in my music RiP, and my brother Andy Howard and All Family of Intergroove for also believing in my creativity."

Massimo Vivona. A.K.A

• Kulprit
  
  •Oj Project
  
  •Kinetico
  
  •Gamma
  
  •Gorn
  
  •Yaka Suky
  
  •Luke Cage...

massimovivona.com

About The DJ Sessions -

“The DJ Sessions” is a Twitch/Mixcloud "Featured Partner” live streaming/podcast series featuring electronic music DJ’s/Producers via live mixes/interviews and streamed/distributed to a global audience. TheDJSessions.com

The series constantly places in the “Top Ten” on Twitch Music and the “Top Five” in the “Electronic Music", “DJ", "Dance Music" categories. TDJS is rated in the Top 0.11% of live streaming shows on Twitch out of millions of live streamers.

"The DJ Sessions" is listed in the Feedspot directory as one of the Top 60 EDM Podcasts.

It has also been recognized by Apple twice as a "New and Noteworthy” podcast and featured three times in the Apple Music Store video podcast section. UStream and Livestream have also listed the series as a "Featured" stream on their platforms since its inception.

The series is also streamed live to multiple other platforms and hosted on several podcast sites. It has a combined live streaming/podcast audience is over 125,000 viewers per week.

With over 2,600 episodes produced over the last 16 years "The DJ Sessions" has featured international artists such as:

Matt Staffanina, BT, Plastik Funk, Redman, Youngr, Dr. Fresch, Ferry Corsten, Robert Owens, Darude, Herbert Holler, YORK, Martin Jensen, Sevenn, Amber D</a