Michaelangelo L’Acqua

WHAT DO YOU DO AND HOW DID YOU GET HERE?

I’m the global music director for W Hotels Worldwide and I’ve held this position for going on 5 years now. Music has always been a part of who I am since birth. At 6 I started playing violin and attended The Manhattan School of Music for most of my childhood. I eventually graduated college with a degree in Jazz Performance from the New School. I transitioned into becoming a music producer creating works for fashion runway shows in Milan, Paris & New York, major record labels and TV. After 15 years of scoring and performing music I acquired a unique set of skills that has allowed me to create through music an unconscious emotional connection between the individual and their environment. This is what has led me to a hotel life.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

A musician. As far back as my first memories.

WHO HAVE YOU MOST ENJOYED COLLABORATING WITH?

I’ve been blessed to have so many stages in my career. In fashion it would have to be Tom Ford, Diane Von Furstenberg and Carine Roitfeld. In records it would have to be Nat King Cole and his family when I executive produced Nat’s remix record and in the hotel world W. My time with W has been an unbelievable journey that has blown my mind repeatedly and tested my creative boundaries often.

WHAT'S YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?

I guess human engagement. I’ve been blessed to travel a lot these past several years and to be inspired by so many individuals who are extremely passionate about what they love to do. Each culture is different but the passion to challenge yourself, overcome and express to the word your voice remains constant. It’s these moments and people that make me want to grow and be better in everything that I love to do in life.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE HOTEL IN THE WORLD AND WHY?

I haven’t found it yet. So many I want to experience still.

WHAT'S THE NEXT BIG IDEA? WHAT ARE HOTELS MISSING?

I think right now, more than ever before, the hotel experience is being taken to new heights in every aspect. Since we live in a time where there are no boundaries to acquiring information, a new blend of traditional luxury is being married with those who are pushing the boundaries of this interpretation. It’s an exciting time.

IF YOU HAD THE DAY OFF TODAY WHERE WOULD YOU BE?

On a culture play date with one of the unexplored cities I’ve longed to visit.

DO YOU HAVE A CAREER ANECDOTE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

My first few years in fashion were like learning Chinese. Learning to interpret what designers were trying to say when they contradicted themselves in almost every sentence was a challenge for me. Designer: “I want dark ominous music that is very bright and happy” or “this show has to be like no other this season, very original and the music has to reflect this so can we please open with Lady Gaga?” Eventually I learned how to make a square peg fit into a round hole.

IF YOU COULD THROW A DREAM PARTY FOR ANYONE DEAD OR ALIVE WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD THE PARTY LOOK LIKE?

I’d love to throw a party hosted by Miles Davis and Antônio Carlos Jobim in a favela in Rio.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING 10 YEARS FROM NOW AND WHERE?

Ten years from now I will have moved my career into philanthropic endeavors. I want to give back and help those who currently may not have the opportunities or resources that I was given in life. Like education, food, clean water and loving parents.