With a storied history in DJing and producing, starting in Rio de Janeiro as a DânâB selector before settling into Londonâs technosphere, the Brazilian producer Vinicius Honorio weaves dark and dubby textures into his signature sound. Read more
Born in Brazil, Camila Soares, A.K.A CAMZ, has from a very young age showed a great interest in arts, playing several instruments and taking singing, dancing and theatre classes. Her teenage aunt was the one who introduced her to dance music, funk and rock ânâ roll. Back in 1995, her family gifted her first vinyl, a compilation featuring her new favorite song: The Bucketheads (Kenny Dope) – The Bomb, which the 7-year-old became obsessed about.
Combining the sounds of techno, acid, breaks, and house music, SĂŁo Paulo DJ, producer, curator, and label/agency boss Amanda Mussi works hard to bring something fresh and new to the dancefloor. Amanda is known as a strong presence in the Queer underground music scene in SĂŁo Paulo where she held her monthly party DĂ»sk for 5 years and now she is a resident at some of the best events in Brazil: Mamba Negra â where she debuted at her first Boiler Room, Dando, and Kode (Rio); she often appears as a guest at events like DGTL festival, Photon, and many others.
Allma Skneian is the project of DJ, audio designer and producer Djalma, a Brazilian artist increasingly recognized for his far-fetched dark ambient, techno and dub techno sound. The artist has just released his latest hypnotic masterpiece, Obsession EP, which comes with four brand new tracks: “Intro Darkness”, “Dively”, “Obsession” and “La Porte”. Allma Skneian produced all the tracks while living in Berlin and studying Sound Design at HDPK University, an experience that added striking references in his work.
Since his first album debuted in 2013 with Romer-Records, Allma Skneian has had numerous releases and collaborated with fashion designers and photographers for runway shows and editorials. He’s performed at Berlin Fashion Week at Arena Club, and played at many other clubs in the world’s techno capitol. The techno dub and dark ambient don now shares how his unique experiences in Berlin have shaped his latest creative work, Obsession EP.
Hey Djalma, weâre looking forward to learning more about you and your work. When did you become interested in electronic music?Â
I became interested in electronic music as a teenager. My brother used to buy tapes and CDs of electronic music to listen to at home. When I saw my sister playing the organ, I always tried to sync the kicks with the sounds.
Brazil to Germany is quite a transition. In what ways have both countries inspired your creative process?
I started a DJ course called Dub music at an academy. Some of the DJs told me that I had a good feeling for music. Later on, I mixed progressive house and minimal house when I arrived in Berlin. Some friends gave the softwares and plugins to begin producing my first tracks full time.
You practiced Sound Design at HDPK in Berlin. If you could choose one technique that you learned, which one has had the most impact on your work?Â
Many subjects were amazing, but the one that I use in my productions is dynamic processing. When a sound engineer uses the term dynamics, he usually does not mean the tonal strength in musical performance practice, but the so-called technical microdynamics of a signal. Even if compression is the best known, it is only one aspect of dynamics processing. In addition, one should always be aware of which tools are available for which tasks. I can make more effective kicks in my tracks nowadays using the compressor.
What is it like to design sounds for fashion editorials and exhibitions?Â
Itâs a hard job, but at the same time I love it because the final result is always amazing. There is the process of talking to the costumer, finding out what is requested and the scenario. There’s also the model transactions and learning the topic of the editorial. After all those materials are in my hands, I produce three samples. Then I show the best of them and make adjustments so that there can be a perfect match.
Can you share more about your project Allma Skneian? What is the background behind this particular name?
Allma was created in the studio by DJs. When I started my DJ course, they connected my real name Djalma, separated ‘Dj’ from ‘alma’ and said: “You have DJ in your own name, letâs do it.” Skneian is a unique family name of a friend from Sweden. I told them I was looking for a unique artist name, so they allowed me to use Skneian.Â
Talk to us about your new Obsession EP. What inspired you to create an album featuring dark ambient, techno and dub techno?Â
When I lived in Berlin I used to be in studio all weekend with Tobias W., a Berlin-based label manager. During the winter I started producing music non-stop at my home. I was obsessed with making music. After that I used to get my bike and visit another friend named Patrick, a sound engineer who would listen and work on specific elements in my tracks.
Berlin is mostly dark in the winter. It’s a great scenario, and where I produced Obsession EP.
Anything else youâd like to share?Â
My years in Berlin were the best experiences and gigs that I had in my life. I could visit all the clubs, especially Berghain and Tresor, and play at Arena Club. I lived the scene to the fullest. I played in clubs and bars every weekend, and I was resident of Bar23 and Zur Fetten Ecke. These were places where people used to drink and listen to music before attending Watergate and other remarkable clubs.
Brazilian electronic talents Slow Motion and Victor Lou recently joined forces on the new single âIâm Flyingâ, released via Capitol Records Astralwerks imprint. The latest track is Slow Motionâs sophomore appearance on the label, following his remix of Joyiaâs record âCome Down.” Directly succeeding his remixes of âForbiddenâ by dwson and âNaiveâ by Asha Gold, âIâm Flyingâ with Victor Lou is a marriage of atmospheric synths, slick vocal fragments, and infectious tech house grooves, with all of the essential elements of an irresistibly refined club jam.
Brazil is unveiling a long-awaiting new club: Surreal. It’ll be located on the coast of Santa Catarina in the city of CamboriĂș. This is Renato Ratier’s next creation after leaving Warung Beach Club after more than a decade. It’ll be promoted by D-Edge, the same company responsible for clubs and parties all around Rio De Janerio. The official opening event is scheduled for December 26 loaded with the local and global talent of house and techno.
Stefano ‘TT’ Cachiello is part of a generation that witnessed great changes in the Brazilian electronic music scene in the 2000s, a period that was greatly influenced in many aspects of positioning by old school artists from London, Berlin and Brazil. Read more
The BPM Festival has posted a new statement following the deaths at Blue Parrot in Playa del Carmen on the last night of the festival earlier in January of this year.
“Our hearts are broken by the loss of six wonderful lives that were cruelly cut short,” begins the statement, naming all six victims killed during the shooting at the club that was hosting The BPM’s closing Elrow party. “The dance floor is where people come together to share joy, be with friends, create memories, and celebrate life. While our festival and dance community have experienced a tragedy, weâd also like to remember the magical moments, new friendships, and beautiful landscape of Mexico that weâve all shared over the last 10 years.”
As part of the statement, The BPM Festival has announced that it will be canceling its plans for the inaugural Brazil edition of the event, plans that were announced during last month’s BPM Festival in Mexico and originally scheduled for April of 2017. The Portugal expansion plans, announced at the same time as those for Brazil but taking place in September of 2017, will continue.
The BPM Festival is not likely to return to Playa, as local Mexican officials there have banned the festival from taking place after 10 years of operation.
The victims of the tragedy were Rafael Penaloza Vega, Giovanni Arturo Amparan Saragossa (both of Mexico), Daniel Pessina (Italy), Alejandra Villanueva (USA) and two security staff, Kirk Wilson from Canada and Geovanni Francisco Ruiz Murillo (Mexico). Kirk Wilson was a well-known member of the Canadian nightlife scene as a respected doorman that had worked in the industry for years. A GoFundMe has been organized to support his family.
Read the full statement below:
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The Rio Music Conference announces its dates to take place January 27th through February 9th to start 2016 off right with impressive new venues to set the vibe for the array of key figure hosts and guests. Like previous years since its inception in 2009, the festival will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, home to many iconic artists, museums and clubs.
Insomniac has revealed a massive lineup for its first ever edition of EDC Brazil 2015 which will take place on December 4th and 5th. The lineup includes the usual fare of Insomniac DJs, as well as some highly notable names from the underground like Route 94, Luciano, Jamie Jones, and Dubfire. EDC Brazil will be a colorful blend of trance, bass, and techno, a festival that is sure to be a hit for the summer season south of the equator.
This year has been a successful year for Insomniac’s expansion into the international festival market following a large turnout at EDC UK in Europe last month, and an announcement for the upcoming edition of EDC Japan 2016 in Asia.
For tickets and more information, check out the official EDC Brazil 2015 site on Insomniac.
EDC Brazil 2015 Lineup
EDC Brazil 2015Â Teaser Video
