[INTERVIEW] Gianni Petrarca Talks ‘This Feeling’ & Shaping Miami’s House Music Scene

Gianni Petrarca has quickly become one of Miami’s most influential rising names in electronic music, blending his Italo-Brazilian heritage with Afro, organic, and melodic house.

Following a year filled with festival appearances, sold-out shows, and a standout debut at Brazil’s world-renowned D-EDGE club, Gianni has just released his highly anticipated single “This Feeling” on Sirup Music. The track, created alongside producer Ziv and powerhouse vocalist ARIA, captures a global perspective through its soulful percussion, Afro-infused bassline, and emotive storytelling.

Beyond the studio, Gianni’s weekly Boho House party has grown into a cornerstone of Miami nightlife, while his long-running Rescue Radio show continues to spotlight international and underground talent alike. We recently chatted with Gianni, who opened up about the creative process behind “This Feeling,” the cultural inspirations shaping his sound, and the balance between cultivating community in Miami and performing on some of the world’s biggest stages.

Check out our exclusive interview with Gianni below.

“This Feeling” is your new collaboration with Ziv and ARIA. How did this track come together, and what made the three of you a natural fit?

Ziv and I started producing the track here in Miami, and during some studio sessions we discovered ARIA, a fantastic singer. After hearing the first instrumental version, she immediately connected with it and brought a beautiful touch to the song. We made some adjustments, and everything came together really quickly. I believe we were all perfectly aligned in the same direction for the track, and that synergy added so much to the whole process.

ARIA’s vocals really drive the emotion of the track. What was it like working with her, and how did her voice shape the final production?

She has a powerful voice and is also an amazing songwriter. During our calls, we discussed ideas and the mood we wanted to capture in the song. The result is full of emotional melodies that bring out a very deep feeling. I’d especially highlight how her voice builds the tension before the drop – it’s truly stunning.

The percussion and Afro-infused bassline stand out on “This Feeling.” Can you walk us through your creative process for building those organic rhythms?

From the start, we envisioned a song with smooth percussive elements often found in genres like Afro house and organic house, combined with instruments like piano and guitar. The track developed an interesting groove that blends beautifully with the vocals, creating a dynamic flow. I think we managed to give each moment its own space to shine.

This track feels equally at home on a beach or in a club. Where do you personally envision “This Feeling” being played most?

Honestly, I see “This Feeling” working in all of those settings. We’ve played it in clubs, and the crowd’s reaction has been incredible. Of course, it needs to be mixed in at the right moment to get the best impact. Some DJs may see the long break as an advantage. A chance to build tension, release the pressure on the dancefloor, and re-energize the vibe.

What do you hope listeners take away emotionally when they hear “This Feeling” for the first time?

I hope it gives people a deep, uplifting feeling, something that inspires confidence and strength. The song expresses love and desire, and while it is a personal experience for each listener, I believe it ultimately helps bring out an inner power.

Your Rescue Radio show on Revolution 93.5 FM has become a staple in Miami. How has hosting this platform shaped you as an artist and tastemaker?

Building ‘Rescue’ has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my career. I have been doing it for more than four years, and it is given me the chance to develop my own way of communicating through music, using both tracks and my voice as a host. We have done countless interviews, featured more than 84 guest artists, and even broadcast live from an iconic rooftop party during Miami Music Week. It really opened my mind to a whole new world.

You’ve interviewed major names like Alok alongside underground talent. How do you balance showcasing global stars while also giving a spotlight to rising artists?

That balance has always been the main concept of ‘Rescue’: to be a platform for every talented artist. Alok is one of Brazil’s biggest stars and a huge inspiration for many young DJs and producers, so it was amazing to have him on the show. But I also believe upcoming artists can bring fresh visions and unique sounds. Radio is such a powerful tool to share that with a wider audience.

Your weekly Boho House party has turned into one of Miami’s go-to spots for organic and Afro house. What’s the secret behind creating such a loyal community there?

We started the project Nativos (BR) at Boho, hosting it every Thursday for over two years now. The secret, I think, is consistency and constantly finding ways to keep things fresh. We love the community that has grown around it, and it has become something very special for us.

How do you approach curating those sets differently compared to playing big international stages?

Whenever I play in a different club around the world, I prepare something unique for that night, whether it is a special bootleg, mashup, or a blend I’ve created just for the set. Sometimes those ideas even spark new tracks. At Boho or in venues where I play more frequently around Miami, I update my sets more quickly to keep them fresh for the crowd.

Being Italo-Brazilian, your music naturally blends diverse cultural sounds. How do those roots influence your productions and live performances?

In my productions, I always try to bring elements of the music I love. My Italian side connects with emotional tracks, lyrics, and melodies that touch both the mind and the heart. From Brazil, I draw inspiration from percussion, rhythm, and even the chords of bossa nova. Both cultures are so rich and expansive, and I love channeling that energy to connect with people during my sets.

Afro and melodic elements run through your sets. Which global music traditions or artists inspire you most right now?

I am always listening to new artists and being plural during my research and inspirations. Certainly there are some artists like Maz, Sebastien Léger, and Rbør that I have been listening to a lot lately. Nowadays, there is a huge blend and mix of musical genres, and that constant evolution is very inspiring.

You’ve recently played everywhere from Miami Music Week to Brazil’s iconic D-EDGE. Which of those performances felt most special, and why?

Miami Music Week this year was very special, especially performing at NoXcuses by EDX at Mynt, that was an incredible night. D-EDGE was also unforgettable. It is one of the world’s top clubs and truly a temple of electronic music. Playing there in such an important city for the industry in South America felt amazing.

Miami Music Week has been a recurring part of your journey. How do you see the city’s role in shaping your career and your sound?

Miami is such a multicultural city, and over the past few years it has become a major hub for the industry. Many artists touring in America make a stop here, which creates a beautiful environment for music and events. During Miami Music Week, that energy multiplies. I personally feel the city breathes music, inspiring me and opening doors for new projects.

Between Boho House, Rescue Radio, upcoming releases, and touring, what are your biggest goals for the rest of 2025 and beyond?

Each of these projects holds a special place in my life. Rescue will be going through a complete rebranding by the end of the year, with exciting new features. I also have three upcoming releases and a South American tour planned for late 2025 into early 2026.

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