Alex Gaudino & Jerma
Alex Gaudino & Jerma: The Italian House Music Powerhouse
Alex Gaudino is an Italian DJ and producer who, in collaboration with vocalist Jerma, achieved massive international success in the late 2000s house music scene. Hailing from Salerno, Italy, Gaudino's career is defined by the global chart-topping single Destination Calabria, a track that became a dance floor anthem and achieved platinum certifications in multiple countries.
Early career
Alex Gaudino began his journey in the 1990s, establishing himself as a DJ in Italian clubs before moving into production. His early work involved remixes and collaborations, gradually building a reputation within the European house circuit. He founded his own label, Rise Records, in the early 2000s, which became a platform for his own productions and a hub for his evolving sound.
Breakthrough
The definitive breakthrough came in 2007 with the release of Destination Calabria. The track, featuring the powerful vocals of American singer Jerma and built around a famous saxophone riff from Rune's 1999 track Calabria, became an instant phenomenon. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2008 and charted highly across Europe, Australia, and Canada, earning gold and platinum statuses worldwide and solidifying the Alex Gaudino & Jerma partnership.
Key tracks
Destination Calabria — This global smash defined the act's career, topping charts internationally and becoming a staple of mainstream and dance radio.
I'm In Love (I Wanna Do It) — Released in 2011, this track continued their chart success, reaching the Top 10 in the UK and across Europe.
What A Feeling — A 2013 collaboration with Kelly Rowland, this single blended Gaudino's house production with mainstream pop appeal.
Watch Out — Featuring vocals by Shena, this 2008 track capitalized on the momentum of their breakthrough with another strong club offering.
Following the peak of Destination Calabria, Alex Gaudino & Jerma continued to release music, including the 2010 album My Destination. Gaudino has remained active as a DJ and producer, collaborating with artists like Crystal Waters and operating his labels, Rise Records and later Magnificent Music. Jerma has continued her career as a vocalist, featuring on numerous dance tracks. Their signature sound, characterized by uplifting piano chords, saxophone hooks, and soulful vocals, left a lasting mark on the commercial house genre of the era. For fans of this energetic Italian house style, similar artists include Bob Sinclar, who shares a flair for catchy, sample-driven disco-house anthems. Another parallel can be drawn with Benny Benassi, another Italian producer known for crossover electronic hits. The pop-dance fusion is also evident in the work of Eiffel 65, known for their distinctive Italian electronic sound.
The music of Alex Gaudino & Jerma maintains a strong presence on dance and pop-focused FM radio stations, particularly on weekend club mixes and throwback playlists. Online electronic music radio streams frequently feature their hits, ensuring their anthems continue to reach new generations of house music fans.
Listeners can discover the iconic tracks of Alex Gaudino & Jerma on the dance and pop radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to our curated electronic music channels to hear Destination Calabria and other defining house music anthems from this Italian production powerhouse.