iQ: Benny Benassi

We capture a mental fingerprint of some of our musical and cultural heroes and preserve it in cyber-amber for the wonderment of future generations. This is the Insomniac Questionnaire.

What was your favorite toy as a child, and when and why did you stop playing with it?
One of those record players for 7-inch singles. I stopped when I broke it by stuffing all my singles in at the same time.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten? Did you take it?
To study hard at school and get a job in a bank. No.

What part of your day do you look forward to most?
Six in the morning, when we prepare our homemade bread that’s been baking all night.

What’s the best time you’ve ever had without spending money?
Riding my bike, of course.

What is your most treasured possession?
My old Porsche Carrera from the 1980s.

What is your favorite word?
Love.

Do you owe an apology to anyone?
My classmates, for driving them mad by saying I wanted to be a DJ when all they were interested in was the electric guitar.

When is the last time you were really scared?
Two Rottweilers chasing me when I was running in the country.

What is the last thing you googled?
A house to rent in Ibiza.

What’s the last sound you would want to hear before you die?
Bells.

Do you have any recurring dreams or nightmares? If not, what’s the last dream you remember having?
I was playing an instrumental to Bono, and he said he wanted to feature on it. Then I woke up.

How do you measure success?
Free time to dedicate to my passions.

If you could have one magical/super power, what would you want, and why?
I’d like to be able to fly; I’d save money and hassle getting to gigs.

Have you ever had a brush with the paranormal or supernatural?
No, thank you.

What do you remember about your first kiss?
It was in a cinema at school, but can’t remember the film. Wonder why?

What four words best describe you?
I’ll leave that for others to decide.

Do you have a pet?
Two dachshunds—they’re great!

What is your strongest personality trait?
I’m strong-willed.

Do you believe in any conspiracy theories or urban legends?
Yes, I do.

Catch Benny Benassi at EDC New York.

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