Hugo Samba on Emotion, Storytelling, and Finding the Right Moment with "Kairos"
With his new EP Kairos, Paris-based producer Hugo Samba delivers a rich and emotive journey through organic house, Afro rhythms, and melodic storytelling.
Rooted in personal experiences and shaped by collaborations with musicians from around the world, the release is as intimate as it is expansive. We caught up with Hugo to talk about his creative process, the meaning behind Kairos, and how he’s carving out space for slow BPMs and deep emotions in the heart of Paris.
Your music floats between Afro House, Organic House, and Melodic Techno. How do you see your sound evolving?
Hugo Samba: I tend to avoid labeling the genre I produce, because firstly I listen to my emotions and not categories. That said, they always lead me in the direction of melodic, organic and progressive. In the future I will work harder so my sound feels more “full,” immersive and captivating, but still in the melodic/organic scene.
Which artists, genres, or cultural influences have shaped your identity the most?
Hugo Samba: My main reference is Laurent Garnier for the diversity of his sets and his story. When it comes to the melodic/progressive/organic spectrum, I really enjoy the sound of Sébastien Léger, Guy Gerber, Pachanga Boys, Sainte Vie, NTO, &ME, Tim Green, Teho… What I admire most is their ability to unite people just by their melodies, no weird samples or gimmicky vocals dedicated to make the “buzz.”
What do you hope people feel when they hear your music?
Hugo Samba: Make them forget that a human behind a screen created this music. I really try to leave enough space for listener’s imagination, to make it theirs. And, of course, above all, I want to make people dance.
You co-founded La Miaou Records—can you tell us about the collective and what you’re building there?
Hugo Samba: La Miaou Records is a collective I founded with friends, photographers, artists... to share our passion for electronic music and host events in Paris. Which can be a challenging place for slower BPMs—most people need faster music, like 130/145 bpm. It can be explained because Paris is a high-pressure city, where all your spare time must be maximized. So my idea is to introduce this organic scene to a wider audience.
How different is your DJ set energy compared to what you release on record?
Hugo Samba: It’s a question I ask myself all the time. Producing makes me feel whole, and my inner self drives me to a melodic voyage. When I play, it’s about reading the crowd's energy and their body language. Of course, I try to maintain my melodic and organic identity, but with more techno, tribal, and progressive. But honestly, I’m still looking for the perfect balance. Play for the crowd or suggest to them a deeply personal voyage?
What’s one memorable moment from a gig that stayed with you?
Hugo Samba: One unforgettable moment was during a La Miaou night at Badaboum in Paris. The club was supposed to close at 6 a.m., but the crowd wasn’t ready to leave. So I asked the manager, and they accepted to let me play until 9 a.m. Because it was a bonus set—unexpected and free—I felt completely liberated. I played purely melodic and organic tracks and connected deeply with the audience. It was magic.
What does success look like for you at this stage in your journey?
Hugo Samba: To me, success means being able to travel the world through music. Being booked at festivals on magical islands, next to beaches, with sun and kind of a hippie vibe. I would love to achieve that step where promoters reach out to me because of my music, and not because I sent them 10 mails. Still, hitting #1 on Organic House Beatport is officially my first real success. I really want to thank you for that.
Kairos feels deeply personal and emotive. What was the starting point or inspiration for the EP?
Hugo Samba: Yes. All my tracks are personal. They always represent a moment of my life. It’s always an introspection to understand which emotion I want to hear for a track. If I let all my emotions in, the track will be chaotic. The hardest part for me is to keep things simple.
I finished this EP when my daughter was 3 months old. She would nap against my chest in a baby wrap while I produced. Even if a newborn drains your energy, it fills you with unlimited love and inspiration :)
If you could share a message to your listeners through this EP, what would it be?
Hugo Samba: Truly, thank you for taking the time to listen and connect. ♥️
The title track features a hang drum, and each track has distinct textures. Can you walk us through the creative process behind one or two tracks?
Hugo Samba: I often start with a combination of samples, synths, melodies, and my guitar. I don’t have a studio packed with percussion or instruments, so when I need a specific sound, I begin by searching sample libraries like Splice or sample packs. Then I reach out to real musicians to recreate a similar atmosphere with a human touch.
That was exactly the workflow for Kairos, for example. The hang drum was recorded by a wonderful musician in Argentina. For Wingu, I hired a Brazilian percussionist and Brazilian pianist to bring life to my ideas.
“Blonde de Soleil” is a tribute to your girlfriend—how important is storytelling or personal experience in your production?
Hugo Samba: My girlfriend is one of the prettiest representations of the sun on Earth. It’s been a long time since I wanted to dedicate her a track. After the birth of our daughter, I felt that was the right moment. I’m so grateful that this one resonates with people and found real success!
Overall, I always dig into my personal experience when I produce. Even if it’s not what makes me finish a track, it gives me direction and simplifies the process and structure. As I said, it’s hard for me to focus on just one emotion, so having a story helps me a lot with that.
What does Kairos, the concept of “present time,” mean to you as an artist?
Hugo Samba: I once heard a podcast about the concept of Kairos. In Ancient Greek philosophy, it was defined as the “right moment,” the instant when everything aligns and the decision becomes obvious. The moment when the warrior decides to strike, or when a leader takes a great decision… The feeling.
The parallel to music is amazing—it’s a succession of tiny decisions that lead to a final song. Which compressor? Which synth? Do I use a filter on this part? Should I prioritize DJ sets or streaming platforms? In electronic music, where every option is digital and limitless, I try to find my Kairos in the chaos. If I don’t find the Kairos, I don’t release the song.
What’s next after Kairos? Any upcoming projects, releases, or collaborations?
Hugo Samba: I have an Afro House track coming out on May 22nd on Idris Elba’s new label, Sound International, created with the amazing Tunisian vocalist Sabry Mosbah. I also have an upcoming EP set for release this summer on The Purr, a label I’ve had a great connection with too.
