Italian-born, Berlin-based DJ and producer Pancratio brings a decade-plus career of finely honed releases and international dancefloor experience to his Phonica mix. With standout records such as the Automatic House LP on Ryan Elliott’s Faith Beat and Love Letters on PARAMIDA’s Love On The Rocks, he’s built a reputation for productions that fuse analog warmth with driving, modern club energy. Alongside this, his wider discography and long-running studio practice have helped shape a sound that’s both functional and emotionally tuned. As a DJ, Pancratio has played across Europe and beyond, appearing at respected clubs and festivals and sharing line-ups with influential selectors including Craig Richards, James Zabiela, Simone de Kunovich and Edward, while also hosting and curating his own nights. This Phonica mix captures him at full strength: big-room, tech-leaning anthems designed for impact, underpinned by clear nods to Chicago’s jacking rhythms and Detroit’s timeless, soulful machine funk.
Hey Pancratio, thanks for joining us! Can you tell us about your mix and what the idea behind it was?
When it was time to put this mix together, I had a very simple idea in mind: I wanted something warm, cozy, and energetic to listen to, right in the middle of winter. This mix reflects where my sound stands right now: deep, rounded, and I’d like to think grounded. A DJ mix for the dancefloor, focused on the music I love to play… Relaxed, unforced and meant to make you feel at ease.
What are your preferred methods for finding new music?
Record shops are always my first instinct, preferably the big, dusty and chaotic ones because that’s where surprises still happen! That said, online tools are impossible to ignore: promos from friends, browsing online, late-night rabbit holes: I like to keep it flexible. Sometimes it’s all about crates and conversations, other times it’s just quiet moments with headphones and a screen. Different moods, same curiosity.
What are five records you couldn’t live without?
Five records I couldn’t live without? This is basically me trying not to overthink it in public lol But, here they are:
1. Nimbus Quartet – Hold On To It
Pure euphoria. For me, the definition of a belter. Nimbus Quartet’s catalogue speaks for itself, so there’s not much to explain, just an uplifting razor that cuts straight through the room the moment the bass hits the system. No escape.
Straight from the mix. A killer groove for heads who need their information delivered directly from the Land Of Grooves. Pure 90s DNA: classic organ stabs, bouncy step, zero compromise. Yes, it’s the cheesy one but who said cheesy is wrong if it’s done with class?
3. Amfibian – Pa Relax (Jark & Prongo Remix)
Elegant tech house in its purest form. Hard to believe this record came out in 1995. The structure and mindset were way ahead of their time. And that mid-track groove density that comes in at some point? When it drops, there’s only one possible reaction: ciao.
4. Brian Harden – It Is All From My Baby
Substance, groove, and pure house spirituality. Sir Harden is a cult figure, delivering a deep, hypnotic, raw sound rooted in the club’s deepest hours. Count it down 3, 2, 1: Chicago mode fully activated. This one stays with you.
5. Mike Delgado – Subtle Hardness
Also featured in the mix. Deep house by definition: elegant, surgical, and rock solid. A groove where refinement and tension coexist in perfect balance. Subtle on the surface, devastating when it locks into the dancefloor. Tip!
What has been one of your most memorable sets over your career?
You must believe me when i say that it’s hard to pick just one. This year has been full of incredible experiences and I wouldn’t even know where to start. But if I had to name a standout moment: the all night long b2b with Ryan Elliott at Robert Johnson definitely sits at the top of the list!
What do you have up your sleeve for 2026?
There’s a lot new music on the way but I can’t really give too much away just yet. I’ll be back playing those iconic venues that many people know as well as standout festivals this summer. I’m incredibly grateful for the chances that all the promoters are giving me! Thank you so much, truly. 2026, i see you…
