MICA aka Rachel Pellarini-Blum, is an Italian-Venezuelan Dj, music journalist and vinyl collector who considers herself as a “Biblioteca Ambulante” and conveys her passion to the world. Known for being a strong supporter of DIY, multiculturalism and alternative music, her taste is wide and her sets unite tradition and innovation. A few years ago, we met her in Rome during one of her shows at Radio Kaos Italy, and got to interview her about Chicks, a DJ duo she had at the time. Now, based in New York City, she comes back to share her impressions about this town and speaks about her new projects with 8 Ball Radio, a monthly residency at Radio Raheem, and the live radio show “Aperitivo” at Hi-Note in the East Village / Alphabet City. MICA on air!

Ciao Rachel, where do you come from?

I was born in Venezuela from Italian parents. I don't belong to an artistic family, although my younger sister is an artist. My only music education was a Dj course I did while I was in college.

Your first approach to Djing?

At the Dj school "Apóstoles del House" in Maracaibo, Venezuela circa 2003-2004.

Who are your main influences?

I don't really know, I would say everything that my eyes have seen.

Why did you move from Roma to New York City? And what do you like in this town?

I moved to NYC because my husband is from here, so I just followed him. What I like about the city is that people are very warm, creative and everybody wants to collaborate in different ways and projects.

Your favorite clubs to play in New York City?

I don't usually play in clubs but more hi-fi and sound bars, so I’d say any place that has a good sound and good turntables.

What about your residency at Radio Raheem?

It's a monthly residency that happens the last Monday of the month (16 - 17 CET)  and I promote borderless music and the sounds of the world, sometimes with guests, retrospectives about a historic period in music, new releases and a little bit of a personal diary and soundtrack of the city.

if I tell you “Aperitivo”, what do you say?

Food and maybe a Martini, just kidding! Aperitivo is my monthly live radio show that happens every second Friday of the Month (6 - 8 pm ET) at Hi-Note, a radio bar and café in the East Village in Manhattan and is an all vinyl selection with the records that will warm up your weekend .

How many vinyls do you have in your private collection and when did you start to collect them?

I have a little over 4 thousand vinyl records and I started collecting them while I was in college studying journalism, eventually I became a music journalist, specializing in radio broadcasting, but I have to say I started buying CD’s and Cassettes since I was a kid and if you ask my old friends they’ll tell you I’ll bring my records to all the high school parties.

Your first vinyl you got?

A live album by Joy Division - "Preston 28 February 1980"

Your last vinyl you bought?

Earthtones "We Can Live Together"

Your best find?

Cymande “Cymande”

Is there any particular vinyl record that you have not found yet and would like to get?

"Per Un Pugno Di Samba" by Chico Buarque De Hollanda & Ennio Morricone.

Where do you usually dig?

Anyplace that inspires me.

When you're digging for vinyl, what are you obsessed with?

I'm not really obsessed while digging but most likely I end up getting classical and world music.

If I tell you “re-edition”, what do you say?

Remastered? Repress?

Your favorite record stores?

I don't have a favorite, everytown I visit always have great findings.

Your favorite festivals?

I don't really go to festivals anymore

Best places to have a rest in New York City?

Central Park and of course my home.

And if I mention “DIY”?

Always Do It Yourself!!!

Any ritual before a gig?

Have a good sleep

The 3 qualities of a good Dj?

Clean your records, bring your needles and pay attention to the levels!!!

Do you miss Roma and why?

Toujours! I miss my friends and the beauty of the city

If you could transport yourself for 1 hour…

I'm not sure about time travelling…

Your Top 5 new releases?

Not a top 5 but latest new releases albums I found, all published in 2025:

. Sumac Dub "Lyrae"

. Lagartijeando "7 Caminos"

. Baba Lou "Hatari"

. Novalima "La Danza" (Deluxe Edition) 

. Maria Teriaeva "Sayan - Savoie"

Your Top 5 oldies?

I don't have a top 5 or a favorite artist, I just love music.

Without music, life would be…

I'm curious to know, can't miss what you've never had.

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi