MALU (BR) is a rapidly rising DJ and producer from São Paulo, Brazil, at the forefront of the new generation of women dominating the country’s electronic scene. Known for her signature blend of House, Tech House, and electrifying Latin-infused vocals, she has cemented herself as one of Brazil’s fastest-rising dance music prospects. This month she makes her debut on Toolroom with ‘Right Here’ in collaboration with Illyus Barrientos. With the single out now, DMCWorld goes Back To Mine with MALU.
Fito Paez – Mariposa Tecknicolor
I grew up in Uruguiana, a small city in southern Brazil on the border with Argentina, and from an early age I was surrounded by a blend of cultures. Fito Páez was part of the soundtrack of that world. “Mariposa Tecknicolor” has always stayed with me because it reminds me of home and of a region where music, language and culture effortlessly crossed borders. Even today, it remains part of a playlist i’ve called “aqui eu me sinto em cansa” (“here i fell at home”) – a collection of songs that have nothing to do with house music, but remind me of my family, roots, and the people and places that shaped who I am.
Djavan – Sina
“Sina” is one of those songs that has stayed with me throughout different stages of my life. I’ve always admired Djavan’s ability to blend groove, emotion and musical sophistication in a way that feels completely natural. As a Brazilian artist, I also appreciate what he represents within our musical culture. Brazil is an incredibly diverse country, with a rich mix of influences, rhythms and identities, and I believe Djavan’s music reflects that beautifully. Long before i found my place in electronic music, records like this shaped my understanding of what make music truly timeless.
Cassiano – Know-how
Before I properly discovered house music, I was already being exposed to many of the elements that helped shape it. Ed Motta was a big part of that. Songs like “ Know-How “ with Cassiano and others introduced me to a world of groove, harmony and musical sophistication that felt completely different from anything else. Looking back, I realise that my connection to house music was never just about the energy ofa dancefloor. It was also about rhythm, feeling. Ed Motta’s music taught me to pay attention to those details, and many of the qualities I love in electronic music today can be traced back to records like this.
Fat Family – Jeito Sexy (Shy Guy)
“Jeito Sexy” is another song that takes me straight back to my teenage years. It’s one of those records I used to listen to with friends and still find myself coming back to today. Fat Family brought something really special to Brazilian music: incredible vocals, groove and a sense of joy that feels timeless. There’s a strong sense of soul and qualities that i’m still drawn to as both a listener and an artist. Some songs stay with you because of a specific moment in your life; this one stayed because it never lost its energy. In fact, i made a bootleg of the track that I still play regularly in my sets today, and it was never about reinventing the original, but much more about playing tribute to a song and group that had such a lasting impact on me and on Brazilian music.
Armand Van Helden – Wings
“Wings” was one of the records that helped open the door to house music for me. More than just this particular track, it was my introduction to Armand Van Helden, who has remained one of my biggest influences ever since.
Ninetoes – Finder (Carl Cox Remix)
“Finder” (Carl Cox Remix) is one of those rare records that has stayed with me throughout every stage of my journey as a DJ. There are plenty of tracks i loved and played heavily for a period of time, but eventually moved on from as my sound evolved. Somehow, “Finder” never left.
Stardust – Music Sounds Better With You
“Music Sound Better With you” represents a really important moment in dance music history. One of the records that helped bring house music to a much wider audience. More than twenty-five years later, this record still captures that feeling perfectly.
![Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You [2019 Remaster]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TuTpa0fJzWA/0.jpg)
Daft Punk – One More Time
Daft Punk are often celebrated for innovation and technology, but what fascinates me most is how timeless their vision feels. Long before technology became as deeply as it is today, they were already exploring ideas, sounds, futurism and the relationship between humans and machines. Beyond the music itself, they showed that electronic artists could build entire worlds around their creative vision and this is amazing.
Bauhouse – I Can Finally Know
What I admire about this record is its authenticity. It doesn’t chase trends or try to be something it’s not. It feels honest and deeply connected to the roots of the genre while still fresh. This track is a recent record by a friend and artist called Bauhouse from a new generation of house producers that I deeply respect. What I admire most is his commitment to his own sound and identity in a time when it can be tempting to chase trends.
Tom Jobin – Garota De Ipanema
Growing up in Brazil, you don’t realise at first how much of impact songs like “Garota de Ipanema” have had around the world. As I began travelling internationally, I started to understand how deeply Brazilian music has influenced global culture. It reminds me that music can cross borders and generation while still remaining true to its roots.
Illyus Barrientos, MALU ‘Right Here’ is out now on Toolroom.
