Crookers is the monicker of DJ/producer and record label owner Phra Barbaglia. You might know him as the purveyor of tweaky beats and hooky riffs responsible for “Ghetto Guetta,” the ubiquitous troll track heard on dancefloors all over the world (sorry, David). Now touring the United States to support his third album, Sixteen Chapel, Crookers acknowledges that music is his life. “When I’m not producing, I’m on the road touring,” he said. His latest single, "I Just Can't" featuring Jeremih, is out on Spotify.

And after working with folks such as Miike Snow, Pitbull and Major Lazer on previous albums, Crookers says he’s ready to focus on himself. Asked who he wants to collaborate with now, he says, “I've replied to this question so many times that now I feel I don't want to collaborate with anyone anymore … I'm done! I'd [just] like to remix a really interesting track!”  

Hometown: A small town in the Italian alps which you probably haven't heard of!

Current residence: Switzerland

How did you discover dance music?

I discovered the art of deejaying at 11 and soon after my best friend showed me how to produce with an old Casio sampler. Everything just fell into place after that.

But what about the  moment you realized you wanted to make music for a living? How did that happen?

I was on a cruise ship with my family and saw my first DJ play. I loved how he could touch and manipulate the music and crowd with his hands. I couldn't sleep that night and hunted him down the next day. Working in music was a no brainer after that.

Why did you choose to call yourself Crookers?

It was a bad "Italian to English" translation for "Stortatori" that worked perfectly.

Did you ever play other instruments?

I studied piano from ages 5 to 12, and soon got bored of playing classic after classic.

You’ve performed all over the world. What's your favorite—and least favorite—city to play in?

I have [none that are] better or worse … or [any gigs] that I regret. I'm in a very good mood and [have] loved pretty much every one [of the cities I’ve played in].

Which artists inspire you?

My old favorites have to be along the lines of J Dilla and Dr. Dre. Right now I love what Madlib is doing at the moment and all the guys on LuckyBeard Recs.

What do you do for fun?

Eat amazing food with my amazing girlfriend.

If you were trapped on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

I would take enough water for five years, enough food for five years, and my girl—we'd figure out how to get back home soon.