Carola Curates a Sonic Love Letter to Brazil’s Queer Frequencies
Carola
About a month ago, I released my EP Hear Yourself on HE.SHE.THEY. RECORDS, a project that represents far more than just music to me. Across its three tracks, I challenged myself to explore new sounds, lyrics that carry deeply personal stories and emotions, and to collaborate with two incredible friends who brought even more life into the work. Every detail, from the concept to the production, from the melodies to the vocals, was carefully shaped as an act of expression and resilience.
Creating Hear Yourself was also an act of self-care and resistance. At a time when both my mind and creativity were being tested, working on this EP gave me strength, focus, and renewed confidence. It became a kind of musical diary, a record of experiences, lessons, and emotions during an intense chapter of my life.
Sharing this process with Curol (Hear Yourself) and Bruna Strait (Beautiful Time) showed me how music can create true connections through lived experiences and stories. These collaborations reaffirmed for me that even when the journey feels lonely, I am never alone, I have friends walking by my side, in both difficult moments and in amazing collaborations like these. Beyond the music itself, we also share the challenge and the beauty of being who we are: three Black women, openly lesbian, in a world that is not always welcoming to our existence.
The release also brought us meaningful achievements on Beatport:
- Hype House: #4 – Hear Yourself | #20 – Beautiful Time
- Hype Overall: #40 – Hear Yourself
- House (General): #43 – Hear Yourself
While celebrating these results is truly special, what feels even more important is amplifying the voices of other artists who, like us, speak openly about their truths and help make the Brazilian electronic scene more plural, equitable, and representative every day.
I’m deeply grateful to Beatportal for the opportunity not only to share this EP and my collaborations with Bruna and Curol, but also to highlight nine other projects and tracks that inspire me and pave the way for future generations to feel confident in who they are, and fearless in expressing their art with authenticity.
Curol is a powerful reminder that dedication truly pays off. Once celebrated as one of Brazil’s leading Afro house artists, she has since expanded her artistry far beyond the boundaries of any single genre. With her versatility and refined musical taste, she continues to prove herself as an artist without limits. I’m genuinely thrilled to feature her on my new EP with the track "Hear Yourself," it’s an honor to share this journey with her.
Bruna has been part of my journey for so long that it feels impossible to measure in years. Her unique style and exceptional technique keep driving her forward, leaving a powerful impression and reaffirming her place in the music scene. I’m truly excited to feature her on my new EP Hear Yourself, where she shines on the track "Beautiful Time."
Pedro Gariani is the creative force behind one of the most exciting projects in Brazilian electronic music: Cardume Records. More than just an event producer or record label, this collective plays a key role in fostering electronic culture while providing a platform for emerging artists to grow. With "Everybody," he dives into house music with its signature vocals, but what really captures my attention is the meticulous way the FX are crafted throughout the track. Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorites on this list.
Ella De Vuono is a DJ/producer, performance artist, and without a doubt, one of my favorite artists from Brazil. Beyond her own craft, she has spent years teaching the art of DJing with mastery, shaping new generations while staying true to her voice. Authenticity has always been her hallmark, both on and off stage. Her track "Cansei de Ser Sé́ria" features on the Lady of the House: Brazil Winners EP, a five-track compilation of Brazilian women and non-binary artists released on September 5, 2025, following a demo contest by the Lady of the House platform, where I am proudly one of the Godmothers. The track radiates the essence of an artist with purpose, fearless, boundary-breaking, and impossible to confine to labels.
I’ll break protocol here to highlight two artists in the same entry, as their collaboration delivers such a spectacular groove that leaving them out would be impossible. Kenya20hz and IDILIBRA are distinct projects with singular journeys, yet both bring nearly a decade of experience to the table. Together on "Absolut Vanilia," they show us that while time may not be the most crucial factor in building a career, it certainly makes all the difference when the aim is to create music that dares to go beyond the box.
Ranging from House to Disco, the duo Livia and Bruna embody a unique style and a refined musical sensibility. Each performance feels like a true masterclass, which is why I see them as one of the most significant acts within and beyond Brazil today. "Gonna Get Over" captivates with its striking melody, and the way they weave elements into the break transforms the track into a singular, unforgettable journey on the dance floor.
One of the most exciting and promising projects to emerge from Brazil. BadSista leads a long-standing movement of Brazilian artists shaping the international scene outside the mainstream circuit, a space that commands deep respect and authenticity. I may be biased as a true fan, but "Silver Plate" is pure magnetism: a hypnotic soundscape that feels like an eccentric, immersive journey. Both the artist, for their cultural significance, and the music, for its sheer quality, are undeniable essentials on this list.
DJ Mau Mau stands as one of the pioneers of Brazil’s electronic music scene. If Brazilian artists are making their mark on the global stage today, it’s largely thanks to trailblazers like him who laid the groundwork and pushed boundaries from the very beginning. His track “Feel The Music” is a vibrant slice of tech house, driven by groovy percussion and a hooky vocal line. It’s the kind of record that instantly lights up the dance floor, making it the perfect opener to set the mood and guide the night forward with style and energy.
Sheldon is truly one of the most remarkable DJs I’ve ever witnessed live. His sets are a masterclass in curation and flow, carried by both his undeniable charisma and the depth of his musical research. My selection, “Everybody” (released on D-Edge Records), captures the essence of his artistic maturity. It’s a house track with a timeless, classic feel, the kind of record that elevates the energy of a dance floor and defines the high points of a set with elegance and power.
Priscila Diaz represents the new wave of Brazilian producers reshaping the electronic scene. Her music leans into minimalism with a strong emphasis on groove, delivering tracks that are both hypnotic and deeply rhythmic. One of the best examples of her originality is “Vou Apaixonar” – a track with Portuguese vocals that speaks about love while steering away from the obvious. By blending Brazilian influences with the authenticity of an innovative creative mind, she crafts a sound that feels refreshing, distinctive, and unmistakably her own.
Bruna Val stands out as one of the most inventive producers I know, fearlessly venturing into new sonic territories and unconventional structures. Every track she creates unfolds as an unexpected delight. With "Okay," she embodies the essence of an artist who, though deeply rooted in house music, transcends genre boundaries and defies the conventional labels of today’s musical landscape.
