Vintage Culture is an artist who lives and breathes the culture of dance music. The Brazilian artist has more than 1.5B streams online, gathers 8M across his social media platforms, and currently ranks at #17 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs. Vintage Culture has graced the cover of Rolling Stone (Brazil), was nominated as one of the most influential “30 Under 30” industry leaders by Forbes, and premiered his very-first Essential Mix for Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1. With collaborations alongside Tiesto, David Guetta, Meduza, Robin Schulz, and more, Vintage Culture has become one of the hottest dance music artists in the world We had the pleasure of speaking with him before his sold-out show in Dublin, Ireland!
Kicking things off, let’s speak about your show in Dublin. How does it feel to be bringing your sound back to the people of Ireland?
It’s great to be back in Ireland. Irish audiences are among the most enthusiastic and energetic in the world. Ireland was one of the first countries that welcomed me in Europe. And I’m always surprised how many Brazilians live in Dublin. Even when I’m thousands of miles away from Sao Paulo, I feel very comfortable and at home in this country.
During the pandemic you released a massive amount of music, do you feel the cancellation of shows had a part to play in your productivity in the studio and frequency with releases?
During the pandemic I threw myself into songwriting and production. It was one of the most creative times of my life– it was a struggle, but yet very creative. In 2020 for example, the total number of releases was approximately 40 tracks. I wanted to keep touch with my fans when tours and all performances were cancelled. The pandemic was a challenge the world hasn’t seen for a hundred years. To stay connected with my audience, I would do weekly shows on Youtube from home and interact with fans online. There’s nothing positive to say about a pandemic, but I used this time to be a better producer, musician and songwriter.
Did releasing music without playing it in front of a crowd change your strategy towards your tracks and releases?
During this time I really focused on melody and lyrics. It brought this essential part of my songs to the forefront. During the pandemic fans were hearing this music at home or in their car. It was important that the songs had an emotional impact and a positive message.
How has it been to finally see the reaction to your tunes now that you’re back touring and performing?
It has been nothing short of joyful to see the reaction from the fans to the songs I’ve been working on in the studio. Finally after so much time alone in the studio, to receive such a positive response is very satisfying. It is so welcoming to play a city for the first time and have the audience singing along with your songs.
What did you miss most about being on stage and touring?
The positive energy from fans during live shows is irreplaceable. There is nothing like it in the world. To go from this joyful sense of community to being alone in a dark recording studio for an extended period of time was a shock to the system. Music transcends language and cultures. Music brings people together from entirely different backgrounds and gives them something in common, even if it’s just for a few hours. This positivity and sense of community is what I missed the most. Now I’m ready to make up for lost time.
Although you’ve started to perform and tour again, your release schedule doesn’t seem to have slowed down. What is your secret ingredient for churning out hit after hit no matter where you may be in the world?
Keep in mind, for 18 months I did nothing but write, produce and record music. So there are a lot of tracks awaiting release. Plus, between shows on my tour this is what I do- I continue to write and produce music. Gradually I’m returning to a more traditional release schedule, but there are still so many great tracks that should be heard. Touring worldwide I’m exposed to great music from different cultures everyday.
Over the years you’ve perfected your own signature sound that blends elements of deep, tech, and progressive. Is there any other style of music that you’d love to experiment with that you haven’t already?
I’m hearing instruments and rhythms from different ethnicities- melodies and chord progressions that are totally unique to a specific country. I can’t help but be influenced by all of these new sound textures. It goes beyond electronic dance music. Even subconsciously I think these new influences will find their way into my new music.
– Thanks for taking the time to speak with us! Is there anything you’d like to announce with our readers?
I’m thrilled to be back. I can’t wait to see the friends I’ve made over the years and make new friends along the way. We’re creating new memories and making up for the time we’ve lost. After what the world has been through, it’s more important than ever to spread positivity and good energy – Through music, that is my plan. Dublin, I’ll see you soon – Erin Go Braugh !
