If you are a festival seeker, you might already know about Decibel Open Air. This event has quickly become one of the most iconic festivals in Europe, thanks to its idyllic blend of global electronic music, immersive experiences and impressive event production. On September 6th and 7th, Decibel returns to the iconic Parco Delle Cascine, bringing its biggest edition yet!”
In our new NIGHTMAG interview, we sat down with Daniele Ferrazzano, CEO & Founder, and Max Savietto, Partner & Co-Founder, to discuss the festival’s origins, its remarkable growth, and what makes Decibel Open Air 2025 stand out in the crowded festival scene.
What was the original vision when you launched Decibel Open Air? Has the festival grown into what you imagined — or into something completely different?
The original vision was clear from the start: we wanted to create a large-scale electronic music event that could put Italy on the map internationally, something bold, curated, and forward-thinking. But honestly, we didn’t expect it to grow the way it has. Over time, Decibel has become much more than a festival, it’s a cultural landmark and a real community that lives beyond the event itself.
We’ve grown step by step, as a family, facing countless challenges along the way. From logistical obstacles to major turning points, every issue made us stronger. That shared journey is part of what gives Decibel its soul. It’s not just about the music, it’s about the people behind it and the people who believe in it.
Daniele Ferrazzano
Decibel Open Air 2025 is now one of the biggest electronic festivals in Italy and Europe. What do you think sets it apart from other European giants? And what’s uniquely “Italian” about it?
What sets Decibel apart is the emotional intensity; it’s not just about sound, it’s about energy. The crowd, the visuals, the entire environment, it all feels alive. And then there’s the setting: we’re in Florence, arguably the most beautiful city in the world when it comes to art and history. That cultural backdrop gives the festival a unique soul.
What makes it truly Italian is the passion behind every detail. There’s beauty and chaos, elegance and grit. It’s a mix of aesthetics and spontaneity that you don’t find anywhere else. But above all, it’s the vibe, Decibel is about positivity and inclusion. There’s no dark mood, no cold detachment. It’s a celebration, a gathering that feels open, emotional, and real. We design the experience like it’s a piece of art—but with a pulse.
Max Savietto
Which edition of Decibel was the turning point where you thought: “We’re not just a festival anymore—we’re a movement”? What changed after that?
Definitely 2022. Coming back after the pandemic, the energy was indescribable. We saw fans coming from all over Europe, not just to see artists, but to be part of the Decibel experience. That was the moment we understood we were creating more than just a lineup. People weren’t attending the festival, they were identifying with it. That edition changed everything, it gave us the confidence to think on a much larger scale.
Daniele Ferrazzano
The balance is crucial. Headliners are important, but they’re just one part of a broader story.
Max Savietto (Decibel Partner & Co-Founder) for NIGHTMAG (2025)
How do you balance booking top-tier international headliners while giving space to emerging or local artists? Is there pressure to chase hype over identity?
The balance is crucial. Headliners are important, but they’re just one part of a broader story. Over the years, we’ve hosted legends like Carl Cox, Paul Kalkbrenner, Amelie Lens, Peggy Gou, Charlotte De Witte, Fisher and many more, but alongside them, we’ve always given space to emerging talent. It’s not about hype, it’s about coherence, flow, and giving the audience both the artists they love and the ones they didn’t know they needed.
We’re also investing in future talent through DOA Records, our own label, which is becoming a platform to grow and support new artists. Many of them now perform at the festival and are part of the Decibel family. That’s how we build trust and keep our identity strong, by cultivating a lineup that reflects both legacy and future.
Max Savietto
Putting on an event of this size must be a logistical beast. What’s the most insane production challenge you’ve ever pulled off?
There have been a few, but one that really stands out is what happened last year on the second day of the festival. We were hit by a storm, heavy rain, mud everywhere, and we were in a wooded area. It forced us to rethink a big part of the site layout on the spot to guarantee safety for the crowd while making sure artists could still perform under the right conditions.
It was a complex challenge, reworking infrastructure, access points, and crowd flows while everything was already in motion. But the energy from the audience was unbelievable. Despite the weather, the vibe was electric. That kind of resilience, from the team and the fans, is what defines Decibel. It’s the invisible side of festivals that people rarely see, but it’s where the magic really happens.
Daniele Ferrazzano
Do you think the Italian festival culture (or the scene in general) is still evolving? Is it going to explode?
Absolutely. We’re in the middle of a big shift. For a long time, Italy had incredible underground talent but lacked the structural ecosystem to support large-scale events. That’s changing fast. Festivals like Decibel are proving that there’s a strong appetite for high-quality experiences. The scene is maturing, becoming more international. If we keep pushing forward with quality and consistency, I believe Italy is on the edge of a true explosion.
Max Savietto
If you could ban one trend from the European circuit—whether it’s overpriced VIP zones or endless techno black—what would get the axe first?
I’d say the over-commercialization of exclusivity. Festivals should be about connection, not division. At Decibel, we do have a VIP area, but the intention behind it is completely different, it’s designed to offer a more accessible way to experience the festival closer to the artists, without creating barriers. It’s not about status, it’s about enhancing the experience for those who want a different perspective, always keeping the vibe inclusive and unified. That balance is really important to us.
Daniele Ferrazzano
Italy had incredible underground talent but lacked the structural ecosystem to support large-scale events. That’s changing fast.
Max Savietto (Decibel Partner & Co-Founder) for NIGHTMAG (2025)
With production and travel costs rising everywhere, how do you keep Decibel accessible in terms of ticketing without compromising on quality?
Rather than just cutting costs or raising prices, we’re rethinking what a festival can be. We’re shifting toward a more immersive and people-centered experience, something that prioritizes connection, atmosphere, and narrative. By blending the biggest DJs with the most talented emerging names and curating every element of the experience, we create deeper value. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing it better, and making every moment count for the audience.
Max Savietto
Looking ahead 5 years — do you see Decibel growing into something even bigger, or is your goal to go deeper and more refined rather than just “bigger”?
Growth is definitely part of the vision, but not at the expense of what makes Decibel special. We’re focused on scaling with purpose. If we grow, it’ll be in a way that respects our DNA: immersive, passionate, and experience-driven. We want to explore new territories and formats, yes, but always with the same attention to detail, creativity, and audience connection that got us here.
Daniele Ferrazzano
