Gui Boratto interview

Gui Boratto interview

6 September, 2007 | 1.00PM

• Written by: Vivian Aguiar
• Filed under: Music News : gui boratto

Born in São Paulo Brazil, Gui Boratto, architect, musician, composer and producer began a career in advertising in 1993. But, lucky for us in 2005 he began to dedicate himself exclusively to music. Since then he has released his work on respected labels, such as Kompakt, K2, Audiomatique, Harthouse, Plastic City, BMG, and EMI amongst others [listen to his tracks in the player below]. 

Together with his brother Tchorta, he also runs his own independent record label called Mega Music.

His tracks have topped the charts and playlists of many of the world’s leading DJs and producers around the globe and his international profile blew up massively with the release of his excellent debut album ‘Chromophobia’ in April 2007.

We caught up with Gui in Brazil to find out more about his past, present and future.

You majored in architecture and worked in advertising for several years. How did you get into electronic music?

“My first contact with electronic music was back in 1987 when my father gave me my first sequencer, a Roland MC-500, and I soon started making music with it.

“Before that I was a young guitarist, and was in some bands. 

“I never actually worked in the architecture field in fact. When I graduated, I had already been working in the music market for almost 10 years.

“I simply didn’t follow the architecture thing through.”

What were your influences back then and what are they now?

“My influences remain the same, there’s many, many guys. Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Echo & The Bunnymen, New Order, Kiss, the Smiths - it’s difficult to say. I like so many different styles.”

Most people know you for your productions. Do you play DJ sets as well?

“I have two Technics MKIIs in my living room but I play only for fun, when I get together with some friends. I don’t play DJ sets professionally, only live sets.”

You own the Brazilian label Mega Music alongside your brother Tchorta. How did the label begin?

“We created it as a platform for most of our projects but after some years we began to licensing our music to other major record companies.

“Back in the days we used to do everything for the artist - the creation, composition, production, manufacturing and marketing.

“Now we create, produce and leave the rest to the major companies, like Universal and Sony-BMG.

“Actually I’m getting out of the label little by little.”

How did your relationship with Kompakt records begin?

“Super cliche, I just sent them a CD containing two tracks, ‘Arquipélago’ and ‘Simetria’, that was it. Our story began there.

And it continued with the release of your debut album ‘Chromophobia’, which really brought you international recognition.

“I think the recognition is a consequence of good and honest work and this status opens many doors.

“It is great and the most important thing is that people have access to your work on a much larger scale.”

How important is it for you to be the only producer of your project?

“For me, I find it hard to work with others because I’ve been alone in my studio for many, many years. Actually I prefer to work alone really.”

Your music has a distinct sound - how would you describe your style?

“I actually don’t know and I don’t think that these titles are important.

“Some people used to say my music is emo-techno or slow-experimental-melodic-techno, or maybe neo-trance.

“I believe that each type of music has its own qualities, independent of style or genre.”

Do you have any projects with other artists?

“Yes, but not projects, collaborations.

“I’ve released an EP along with Martin Eyerer, under the name of Eyerer & Atto.

“Now I’m releasing another EP with Marc Romboy, from Systematic.

“It will be Romboy vs. Boratto. I’ve also done some tracks with my friend Anderson Noise, but again, I feel more comfortable working alone. 

What do you think about the Brazilian electronic scene?

“Here the scene is really growing and we receive top DJs and producers from all over the globe.

“Now I can say that Brazil is part of the worldwide circuit, in importance I mean.

“Our best season is from December till February, which is our summer.”

And what do you think about the artistic work of Brazilian producers and DJs?

“There are only a few producers in Brazil. For me, a producer is not a guy that programs in Ableton or Logic, but the one who can solve all needs of electronic music, like the recording of drums, strings, vocals, and mixing down.

“And we don’t have many guys like that here.

“Dudu Marote aka Prztz, Meme (Marcelo Mansur) are some of them.

“On the other hand we have many amazing DJs.

“Marky, Patife, Anderson Noise, Mau Mau, Renato Lopes and Murphy are just a few from a vast universe of talented DJs that we have here in Brazil.”

Finally, do you have any exciting projects coming up in 2008?

“I will continue producing. For sure I plan on making another album.”

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• Check out Gui Boratto on Beatport