Lend your ear to Michaelangelo L'Acqua because he is keeping his ear to the ground for us. Runway Reverb and Tracks for Trailers keep him busy between fashion and advertising projects. His talent lies in finding the perfect tempo and timbre for that pair of shoes or the precise series of songs that embodies the environment of a new W Hotel. (He recently celebrated his CD "Symmetry" a compilation CD for W hotels, at a release party at the W Hoboken.) Michaelangelo creates a backdrop outside "the box" for all of his clients and because of this he is highly sought after by everyone from Chanel to IKEA.
Over the years in your line of work has it been your wardrobe that's improved or your music education and knowledge?
A little bit of both - Thank God I'm sample size though!
If you had to make a mixed tape that expressed Tom Ford as a man and designer what tracks would be on the A side?
It's been a while since I've danced the tango with Tom. He's always evolving and I'd need to sit with him again and talk shop before I'd feel comfortable creating a mix tape for this new phase of his career.
IKEA to Gucci and back around again to Old Navy, it seems like you can produce for both pedestrian and posh products. Are there certain songs or genres of music that lend themselves to the nature of the brand?
Once a brand has created its own identity, it's much easier to score what needs to be translated behind its messaging. When no identity really exists, then the music must speak volumes above the brand to create a response from the viewer. This can be much harder because the brand usually is just chasing someone else they think is cool at the moment.
Can Music make a movie like it does a runway and if so what is your favorite movie soundtrack?
Absolutely, I've been part of a few awful collections but the music helped people power through the horror. My favorite movie soundtrack is Bladder Runner by Vangelis.
What is the "never fail song" that could sell anything from high end garb to a paper bag, is there one?
“Clubbed to Death” by Rob Dougan.
Is there an area of music you would like to tap into that you haven't?
Bossa Nova, Samba and Bollywood Musicals.
You ever walk into a store at the mall and think, "No! Don't play that song because there is no way I am buying those jeans with that song playing!"?
All the time! Music is so bad in most stores that I have to run, but when it's really good, I want to hang and shop longer.
If you weren't doing this - What would you be doing?
I would have loved to direct films or design modular homes.
What are some of your future projects you're excited about?
My new record label L'Acqua Records and developing the screen play I'm writing, "Bay Ridge to Bombay and Back"
Tell me about this Opera you are penning?
"Tommy Shine Box and The Mirrors" is a rock opera about two brothers Tommy and Michael. They're hit men and are trying to get out of the mob to pursue their dreams of being Vegas night club singers. It's my homage to Martin Scorsese mafia films and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
