One of the shining lights on the globally renowned Brazilian drum & bass scene, standing alongside the likes of DJ Marky and XRS, Patife is set to return to the Australia for a national tour in June. Having last toured Australia in early 2005 on the bill of the Good Vibrations Festival nationally, for his impending tour he’ll be bringing along famed vocalist Cleveland Watkiss to take care of duties on the mic. ITM caught up to find out a bit about his past, present, and plans for the future.
When did you first realise that music was something you wanted to dedicate your life to? Were there familial influences or was it something you arrived at by yourself?
I never thought I could survive working with music, only in 1998 did I decide to quit my daytime job and dedicate my time to music. It was hard in the beginning for my mum and dad to understand that, especially as nobody in my family dealt with music. It was me, very young going to clubs and all that.
Your career was born at a young age as the DJ for the popular Brazilian hip-hop group, Fatos Reais, in the early 90s. What was it about hip-hop that attracted you as a boy growing up in Sao Paulo?
Back then, it was the only ting that I was fascinated in. Rock was the big thing but that whole hip hop scene was the biggest influence for me. I also used to break dance as well. I think the fat beats and breaks got me into it.
You’ve always had a really close relationship with Marky; how did you meet? I understand that he used to work at the record store where you shopped?
Yes, that’s how we met, then I was having relationship with a girl who use to live close to his house, so from the shop we also were seeing each other a lot at his area.
You got into jungle when it was still relatively new to the Brazilian dance scene. Can you remember the tune, or tunes, that initially attracted you to the sound?
Of course. Rebel MC – The Wickedest Sound, SL 2 – On Ragga Tip, DJ Hype – Dub Plate Fever, DJ Taktix – The Way, and so many others!
How daunting was your first journey to the UK in ‘97? A lot of positive things came out of it for both you and Marky, were you confident that the trip would be a success?
That ‘97 trip it was a tourist trip to be honest, but at the same time, one of the biggest dream came true which was to be in London. When I came by myself in 1998, it was amazing, I never thought I could do so much in one trip. I met Hype, GQ, Bryan, Ray Keith, Goldie, Nookie and a lot of guys in the scene.
Your first release was the “Sounds of Drum and Bass” mix CD in ‘99, but what really put you on the DnB map was the Brasil EP that came out on V in 2001. How important have Bryan Gee and his label been to your career?
Wow… without Bryan, I don’t think that so many things would have happened in such a short space of time. Definitely the Brasil EP put me on the world map. We had a great team working together at the same time back then
The Drum & Bass Fiesta compilation you did with Suv is something I always pull out to “convert” people to DnB; particularly your amazing remix of Fernanda Porto’s ‘Tinha De Ser Com Voc’. What do you think it is about the Brazilian flavour that’s so universally appealing?
It’s a mixture of tings you know, the Brazilian and Latin flavour, the jazz, a lot of things.
What other types of music affect and influence you and who are some of your favourite artists?
I love so many kind of music, from reggae to jazz, from samba to R&B. I love Alicia Keys, Bebel Gilberto, John Legend, Jill Scott, Angie Stone, 4 Hero, Djavan, Sergio Mendes, Marisa Monte… I can fill in 100 pages with names!
I love the fact that drum and bass is coming closer and closer to mainstream popularity with “crossover” albums such as Pendulum’s Hold Your Colour, Jenna G’s For Lost Friends and DJ Fresh’s Escape from Planet Monday. Is this something you’re trying to encourage with your output or do you enjoy the somewhat underground status of the scene?
I don’t believe in underground anymore, the whole D&B thing is everywhere now. Of course it isn’t been played on TV and radio as it should, but everyone knows D&B today. And if I can do something to bring out even more, I will.
There is so much amazing talent out there at the moment; behind the decks as well as in the studio. Whose work do you currently most admire both as a DJ and a producer?
Alix Perez, DJ Red Eyes, David WS and Tikko (both In Brazil), Klasick (In Slovenia).
You’ve travelled the globe pretty extensively; what has been your favourite DJ experience so far and does any one city have a special place in your heart?
What a hard question! I’ve had so many amazing experiences, just in Brazil. I can tell you about many unforgettable times, especially the carnival in Bahia last February with Marky and Fatboy Slim. I really love Tokyo, Perth, Singapore, Slovenia, Portugal, Chile. So many.
Your upcoming tour with Cleveland Watkiss will mark the third time you’ve been to Australia. What do you like about the country and what’s your opinion of the DnB vibe down under?
In my opinion, Australia has the biggest scene I have seen in the world. I like the vibe in the clubs, the way people dance, they know the tunes, especially in Perth. I will never forget my first time at Traffic. Also, I love the sun down there, the fruit, the girls, everything!
Patife is Portuguese for “Scoundrel”. I think it’s a pretty apt moniker for the energy and excitement you bring to the scene; was it a random or planned choice?
No at all, I was 10 years old when my friends started to call me that. I didn’t like it and that’s why they kept calling me it!
Finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Are there any professional accomplishments you’re particularly working towards?
Uhh… I don’t know really! I’m a hard person to talk to about the future, because only God knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, and if He lets me I want to be still working with music. I want to travel around and make people happy.
Patife tours with Cleveland Watkiss this month, you can catch them at the following venues:
Sun 4th Jun – Perth, Heat Nightclub
Wed 7th Jun – Hobart, Halo
Fri 9th Jun – Sydney, Break Inn
Sat 10th Jun – Melbourne, The Espy
Sun 11th Jun – Adelaide, We Love Sounds ( BUY TICKETS )
