In Berlin’s Neukölln district, Cafe Futuro operated as both venue and laboratory, a space where Italian melodic tradition fused with Berlin’s experimental electronic underground. Now, that intersection has been channeled into a Franz Scala´s album of the same name, one that positions Italo Disco’s warmth within a decidedly contemporary production framework. Armed with an arsenal of vintage synthesizers, including the legendary Italian Bit99 and a roster of collaborators from Furotica to Local Suicide.
In this interview we talked with Franz Scala about the evolution from ‘Mondo Della Notte’ to this deeply personal new release, the role of community in creative development, and why AI will never replicate the magic of real human connection on a dancefloor.
1. Your new album ‘Cafe Futuro’ is described as a homage to the influential Neukölln bar – can you tell us about your personal connection to this place and how it shaped the album’s sonic direction?
Cafe Futuro was the bar I ran in Berlin, and over time it became a meeting point for artists, DJs, and music lovers. Nights there were full of shared ideas, music discoveries, and spontaneous collaborations. The album draws from that energy and sense of community. I wanted the tracks to feel alive and inviting like the soundtrack to those nights at the bar.
2. The album features an impressive roster of collaborators from Furotica to Local Suicide to Acid Gymnastics. How did you approach selecting these artists, and what did each bring to your vision?
I decided to work for the first time with vocals and it felt natural to choose a collaborator I already had a good connection with, who could bring their own voice to the project without losing the album’s identity. Together, they helped the music feel dynamic and connected, reflecting the atmosphere of the whole album.
3. You have “an arsenal of carefully collected vintage synthesizers” at your fingertips, including the legendary Italian Bit99. Can you walk us through your current production setup and how these vintage pieces influence your sound?
I work with a random mix of vintage synths like Bit99, Ob-X, Six Trak, E-MU Vintage Keys and Matrix 1000 alongside digital soft synths and effects. The older gear adds warmth, personality and small imperfections that give the tracks character. Using these synths helps me bridge retro and modern sounds, and it allows me to capture some of the spontaneous, lively energy that Cafe Futuro had in its rooms.
4. ‘Cafe Futuro’ follows your acclaimed debut ‘Mondo Della Notte’ – how has your approach to production and songwriting evolved between these two releases?
Mondo Della Notte was more focused on dancefloor music, tracks designed to move people and create energy in a club setting. With Cafe Futuro, I wanted to keep that danceable drive but also explore storytelling and atmosphere. Each track is meant to take the listener on a journey, with layers of mood, texture, and subtle details. I also experimented more with arrangements and collaborations, allowing the music to breathe while still maintaining the club energy. It’s about combining movement with emotion, creating something that works both on the dancefloor and as a listening experience.
5. With AI becoming increasingly prevalent in music production, what’s your stance on artificial intelligence as a creative tool? Do you see it as a threat or an opportunity for artists like yourself?
I see AI as a tool rather than a replacement. It can help generate ideas, explore or speed up some processes, but it doesn’t bring the emotions, instincts, or experiences that an artist can provide for his music. The energy of Cafe Futuro came from real people interacting, discovering and experiencing together something AI can’t replicate. I see it as an opportunity for inspiration, not a substitute for taste and creativity.
6. You’ve become synonymous with Berlin’s electronic scene – how has the city’s musical landscape changed since you first arrived, and where do you see it heading?
When I arrived, Berlin felt raw, open, and full of DIY spaces where anything could happen. Over time, the city became somehow more structured but still small, creative venues and communities continue to thrive. Spaces like Cafe Futuro show that community and energy are the heart of the scene. I see Berlin continuing to evolve and keeping balancing its underground spirit with the inexorable city growth and new experimentation.
7. Despite being based in Berlin, your Italian heritage seems central to your identity as an artist. How do you balance honoring your roots with pushing the genre forward?
Italian music gave me melody and sensibility, while Berlin taught me to experiment, take risks, and new ideas. Cafe Futuro became a space where these influences could meet and interact. In the album, I try to blend warmth and melodic sense with exploratory energy, creating music that feels both familiar and fresh.
8. The Berlin scene has always been about community and collaboration. How important is this network of artists and venues to your creative process and career development?
Community has been essential to my work. Bars like Cafe Futuro, venues like Sameheads, the network of artists I’ve connected with all helped me develop my sound. The album grew from that energy from exchanging ideas, chatting and collaborating with people who inspired me. Without that support and creative exchange, the music wouldn’t have the same life.
9. You’ve managed to stay relevant and innovative throughout your career. What advice would you give to emerging electronic artists trying to build lasting careers in today’s saturated market?
My advice is to stay true to your own sound and vision, and not chase trends. Learn from music history, experiment, and build a community around your work. Cafe Futuro started as a small hub for creative exchange, and personal interaction was more important than any algorithm or social metric. Passion, consistency, and collaboration will always help music feel authentic and lasting.
10. What else do you have planned for this year and beyond? How do you see the Italo Disco movement evolving?
There are new releases and remixes coming out in the near future plus helping my label partner Fabrizio Mammarella to continue building Slow Motion and Wrong Era catalogue. I think Italo Disco is evolving in exciting ways younger producers are mixing it with house, techno and other genres. I find amazing new music every time I dig but nevertheless not all the new Italo-ish releases are made for me. The movement is playful and constantly moving forward. I hope it will still keep a sense of emotion at its core.