The Brazillian super-producer lands in Los Angeles with an array of new releases
Interview by Dan Prince
Felipe welcome back to DMCWORLD, where on planet earth are you today?
“Hello!!! It’s a pleasure to talk to you guys again! Today is a special day! We just moved to L.A. – it is our first day here and we are organizing all the things for our new home! ”
What was the first piece of music you heard this morning when rolling out of bed?
“This morning I didn’t have time to listen to anything due to the busy schedule of moving, but the first thing I heard today was a great demo from Alpharock, he is doing really good lately. .”
A really exciting start to 2015 for you with the release of your brand new single ‘Troy’ – please talk us the history and sound of this giant of a track swinging our way on Revealed…
“My good friends from Brazil, WAO, are always meeting me on gigs around the country and we always wanted to do a track together, we finally found time to do it and “Troy” was the result of it. I am really happy that we are releasing it with Hardwell’s label, the response is being very positive so far.”
Also creating chaos on the world’s dancefloors is your awesome remix of ‘Gold Skies’ by Sander van Doorn, DVBBS and Martin Garrix. What a track and what a trio! How did you approach that rework?
“I love this track and the vocals are killer!!! I really wanted to do a melody that people can sing along and it worked really well…I’ve been playing it on all my gigs and the crowd reaction is being amazing!! ”
What are the 3 big tunes in your box this weekend…
“I’m in love with these three…
Jauz – Feel The Volume
I really love this song. Play it every set.
FTampa, WAO – Troy
My new track and I’m listening to it a lot.
FTampa – ID
I have a new one that I’m really into it and I can’t say the name yet but I will preset it very soon.”
You love festivals! What are the 3 festivals this year you cannot wait for? I would imagine Tomorrowland Brazil must be on the list?
“I really do love festivals!! There are some that I still can’t talk about, I wish I could! But for sure Tomorrowland Brazil is something that I am looking forward to! Really happy that Tomorrowland is going to my home country, it is going to be a great achievement for the Brazilian industry. ”
Your best ever festival experience…
“ To play at Lollapalooza in Brazil. Unfortunately all Brazilian producers always play early at Brazilian festivals and I have no idea why. I’ve played early and there was lot of people waiting for me! Was a big moment.”
Tell us about the Rio Music Conference that happened a few weeks back…what did you learn from it…
“I have attended the last two editions of the RMC, it is an important event to network with people that are interested in the Brazilian electronic dance music market. I had great times on a panel with my buddy Alok and also produced a track during a workshop so upcoming producers could see how it works. I really like to be involved in the industry, always learning and teaching.”
You started 2015 of course with your track ‘Slap’ with your bro’s Felguk – you must have been happy with the reception the tune got all around the world?
“Yes, for sure! I am really happy with all the tracks I’ve been putting out. It was really cool to do this track with Felguk and I am looking forward to the next releases! By the way, a HUGE thanks to everyone that is supporting and buying the tracks!”
What are 3 bucket list adventures you wanna do in your lifetime?
“Still trying to figure that one out Dan!!”
Cool little tour with the world’s number 1 DJ Hardwell back in January, you admit the dude helped you a lot earlier in your career. In what way?
“ For sure he did and he continues to do! When he played my track “Kick It Hard” at Tomorrowland in 2013 a lot of people start following me and get to know my work. Since then, we’ve been working together via his record label Revealed. He is a really good guy and it was a pleasure to have him in Brazil. ”
An up and coming producer to watch out for in 2015…
“Paniek!”
Okay let’s rewind for a moment. You have music running through your veins it seems, you learnt the keyboard when you were 13 and soon started playing in rock bands, the most famous being Rezet. Can you remember the age when you suddenly started listening to electronic music?
“Yes, I started playing music with 13 and then learned other instruments, on the Rezet band I only did guitars and backing vocals. I started listening to electronic music in the end of 2010, a lot of electro house!!
How did the whole rock band one day, producer DJ transformation happen?
“When I saw that a DJ/producer could do the whole thing alone, music production and performance I felt in love for electronic music! At that point I decided this is what I wanted for my life!”
What did your friends who were into rock music think of your change of allegiance?
“I have made really good friends in the rock scene and they supported me a lot. My friends outside the music business thought it wouldn’t work out! Guess they were wrong hahaha…”
What has been the proudest moment of your career to date?
“Achieving my main goals such as playing with the best DJs in the world and releasing with great record labels such as Spinnin and Revealed!”
You were once asked what would you be doing if you weren’t DJing and producing, you said marketing. How much of an input do you have in the marketing of the FTampa brand?
“Great question. Having a background in marketing for sure helped me a lot in my music career. I am very aware of how important is to have a good brand reputation and good social media activity. I consider that is essential for the artist to also be aware of the project responsibilities in other areas besides the music production and touring.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“There are a lot of collabs to be done, unfortunately I can’t mention them yet! I am now building my new studio in L.A. and will be working at full speed soon!! Cant wait to share with you guys!”
