POSSO is the creative powerhouse of lifelong friends Marylouise Pels and Vanessa Giovacchini. Jet-setting deejays and designers, they have performed at clubs and festivals across the globe, with appearances at events such as Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Summer Sonic in Japan, Hard’s Holy Ship, and the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas. In 2012 they designed a capsule collection for skate and surf brand Volcom – and their line of accessories boasts a celebrity fan base that includes Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Victoria Beckham. Currently in 2015, POSSO is touring the globe as well as writing and producing original dance records to be part of their live DJ show.
Please tell us a little about yourselves?
We’re nice girls from a small town who wanna change the world.
So how did it all begin?
We met when we were four in ballet class and have been plotting and scheming ever since.
When did you guys start DJing?
2008.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves and your musical background?
Marylouise is a classically trained pianist since age 5 and Vanessa is a published poet. We both sing and write all our music at the piano before we take it to the studio.
What are currently your main challenges as a DJ?
We are focused on writing music that connects with people! That’s why music is the shit! We both come from an english writing background so writing pop music is the most fun and challenging thing we do.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
We don’t party as much as we used to because we’re hustlers. Basically our hobbies include designing our performance outfits and cooking for our friends. Having no money for so long turned us into pretty good cooks.
What makes you decide to play a particular record during one of your sets?
Experience. A lot of kids now that come out w a big record or whatever might be great producers but don’t have a lot of experience djing and you can tell. We’ve been doing this for a while and have gotten to travel all over the world so kinda know now what people wanna hear in different places. Like, a set in Colorado is gonna be way different than your set for Vegas or Toronto.
Where does the name “POSSO” comes from?
It means “I Can” in Italian. Like i said we’re here to make a positive impact and we believe our fans can too.
What do you usually start with when preparing for a set?
Something big and dramatic but unexpected. We don’t like opening with hits – that’s a cheap shot.
What are some of the festivals you’ve played in the past?
Holy Ship, EDC Las Vegas, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Supersonic Music Festival in Japan, Pacific Festival.
Top 3 festivals?
Holy Ship, EDC, and Ultra.
Tell us about your next gig at Avalon for Labor Day weekend?
It’s kind of emotional for us because we used to go there with fake ID’s and study the DJ…now we’re headlining so it’s a big honor. We used to open for people in the side room too.
What we can expect for the event?
We have some surprises in store, let’s just say that.
Who’s your top 3 Dj’s?
As far as technical ability and showmanship? TJR is incredible, our homies The Chainsmokers put on a great show… and Erick Morillo is a fucking legend.
How’s a regular day in your life?
It’s different everyday. The constants when we aren’t touring are warming up vocals, hitting the gym, and doing a writing session at the piano at home either with another writer, dj or producer or just the two of us. We drink a lot of water.
Best and worst thing of your job?
Endless supply of alcohol.
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Nicks, Sam Hunt, Calvin Harris and Wanda Jackson.
Who would be dream to work with?
Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Jimmy Page, Stevie Nicks, Sam Hunt, Calvin Harris.
If you could choose a place to live where would that be?
Besides LA? We love Miami.
Any advice would you give to up and coming DJs?
LEARN HOW TO BE A GOOD OPENER AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve witnessed opening DJ’s banging it out and playing all the hits for 10 people on a floor…that is not going to make you a successful DJ just playing the bangers. Opening is fun and you can craft your set on a giant crescendo to build the energy. Also, don’t give up, ever, if you believe that Djing is what you’re meant to do and you’re going to make the world a better place doing it. You have to be willing to sacrifice and do odd jobs, it’s not glamorous, don’t get caught up in the bullshit.
Where do you see yourselves five years from now?
Touring with our live show, and writing with some of our favorite writers mentioned above. And selling our clothing designs, lots of dope clothing.
On the fashion side, tell us about that?
We love fashion but not like…stuck up expensive designer fashion. We don’t really follow trends we wear whatever we want and we promote sex when we dress for our shows. We don’t wear pants. America is the only place in the world where women can really promote their sexuality and be themselves freely. It still has a long way to go but we believe that sex is power, and owning your sexuality and being free with it is a really important part of commanding your energy. Did you guys see what Amber Rose just wore to the VMA’s? That’s what we’re talking about.
Favorite fashion designers?
Our friends who make us handmade stuff, and VERSACE VERSACE VERSACE. Faux-sace too.
Where we can see your designs?
shoppossouniverse.com/bigcartel
Any celebrities that wear your designs?
In the past Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Victoria and David Beckham to name a few have all worn our designs.
What music we can find in your iPod?
Lately we’ve been listening to country because the songwriting and storytelling is spectacular and it’s completely different than the EDM world and inspires our writing.
What do you guys do in your spare time?
We don’t have any. If you wanna work in this business you gotta live and breathe it. If anyone tells you otherwise they lying to you.
How did you guys stay fit?
Gym everyday.
Best place to party?
Our house 🙂
Where we can follow you?
Instagram @posso / Soundcloud @posso / Snapchat @possouniverse
Book: Think And Grow Rich we are both reading it right now, if you are an entrepreneur it is a must read
Quote: “You can, if you think you can.”
Favorite song: Impossible question! We love pop music tho!
Celebrity Crush: Sam Hunt, he’s a genius song writer too.
Drink: Champagne
Bar or Nightclub: We really like Breakroom 86 in Korea Town in LA.
Holiday Destination: Fuck a vacay we feel better at work 🙂
What is your favorite fashion brand?
Versace because it is overtly sexual in the chicest way…to us Donatella and her designs represent feminine strength, vitality, and hope.
Where do you draw your fashion inspiration from?
Vintage and stripper stores.
