Interviews | Slowboy Talks Virality, Success, & The Future After ‘Brazilian Funk Mano’ [Interview]
Posted by VMan on August 7, 2023
With the fury of a revolutionary, Slowboy has etched his mark in the Phonk universe. The hard-hitting Norwegian maestro has defied expectations and birthed a new sound with “Brazilian Phonk Mano.” The track resonates with the very heart of the genre, imbuing it with a raw, untamed vibrancy.
The Phonk genre, much like rock ‘n’ roll in its early days, has been a bastion for experimentation and audaciousness. Slowboy, Crazy Mano, and lucaf. have taken this malleable form and poured their unique personas into it. The resulting sonic concoction is as electrifying as the raucous punk anthems of yore.
Slowboy’s rapid rise has been marked by serendipity and hard work. His sound emerged just as the world began to recognize the allure of Brazilian Phonk. From Brazil’s clubs to worldwide streams, Slowboy’s take on the genre arrived at the perfect time.
One can draw parallels between Slowboy’s approach and that of the legendary Bob Dylan. Dylan pushed folk beyond its boundaries, and Slowboy, with his dynamic collaborators, is doing the same with Phonk. He’s not only creating music, he’s creating culture.
“Brazilian Phonk Mano” is more than just a track; it’s a cultural shift, an emblem of an era. It’s the sound of a genre that refuses to be pinned down, the soundtrack to a million TikTok videos, and a testament to the power of collaboration. Like Dylan’s anthems, Slowboy’s “Brazilian Phonk Mano” captures the zeitgeist, reflecting the world back to us in a form we’ve never heard before.
We couldn’t help but want to get inside Slowboy’s head, see the interview below where we discuss the sound of Phonk, TikTok virality, label releases, and more.
Exclusive Interview
As a pioneer of the Brazilian Phonk sound, what inspired you to explore this genre?
What inspired me was the general sound and feeling it gave me. It had this really rough, raw and bouncy sound to it which I liked. I love exploring new genres and sounds, which made me try fuse elements of Phonk with Brazilian Funk.
Do you prefer making music with others or on your own?
At the moment I am doing a lot of collaborations which I enjoy, but personally I prefer working on my own from time to time so I can focus on my own personal projects.
Do you prefer being in the studio or on stage?
I’m not really used to being on stage much, so I would say I’m more of a studio type of person. But this may change in the future.
Could you discuss your involvement with labels such as Aurorian Records, Void of Phonk, Black 17 Media, and B1 Recordings?
I witnessed the creation of Aurorian Records and they were the first label team believe in my sound as I was friends with the owner, the same too with Void of Phonk. Other than production, I’m involved with doing some A&R work for them. With the success of Brazilian Phonk Mano came the ability to work more with artists that frequently release under Black 17 Media, so I have released through there a few times too. As for B1 Recordings, they’re a popular label under Sony and got given the opportunity to remix two viral songs under them including ‘Push Up’ by Creeds so it was great working with them for that!
How has your music resonated with audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube?
Scrolling through TikTok with my music showing up a lot of the time, with tracks like ‘Brazilian Phonk Mano’, ‘Life in Rio’ and my recently viral track ‘Oppa’, I like to look at the comments sometimes and people seem to love the songs. The amount of video usage with my tracks and the views across YouTube, TikTok and the dm’s I get on instagram has been incredible. It’s overwhelming the amount of messages and support, but I love it and hope it continues.
How much can your success be attributed to being at the ‘right place at the right time’ in your opinion?
It depends. I think with ‘Brazilian Phonk Mano’, that was a track that was at the right place at the right time. Putting out a track like that which became popular amongst edits and gym-goers before anyone else really shaped its success. That to me was a major ‘right place at the right time’ moment and ultimately kicked things off a lot for me.
What can listeners expect from Slowboy beyond “Brazilian Phonk Mano” in terms of his contribution to the Phonk genre?
I’m still making a lot of Brazilian Phonk/Funk music but also experimenting with other sub-genres of Phonk and EDM as always. I began in the bass music scene and creating other EDM styles, so I’ve got upcoming music with some talented artists mixing these styles with Phonk.
Hip-Hop, Rap | Black Zheep DZ – Mr. Slick
Posted by admin on June 20, 2014
Today I wanted to present to you the newest young emcee earning his keep in the DMV, Black Zheep DZ. He has performed alongside GoldLink, as well as starred in the “When I Die” music video. However, he is far more than a supporting role.
Just yesterday he dropped the newest single off of his forthcoming mixtape, 8th World. The song is called “Mr. Slick” — a self-proclaimed nickname for the 20 year old. Zheep has already made quite an impression in and around Maryland, so it’s only a matter of time before he finds his voice and is able to expand operations nationally.
In addition to “Mr. Slick”, Black Zheep also recently released a music video for his song, “Yesterdays”. A catchy, yet gritty, song that shows the direction Zheep plans to take his music. Accompanying the song is an incredibly well-done video by the fine people at Goodboy Media.
Hip-Hop | Sean Leon – East District and K4M
Posted by BIGLIFE on May 9, 2014
Sean Leon follows up his last release with a pair of superb examples of the talent coming out of Toronto. Both ‘K4M’ and ‘East District’ are a lot more Hip-Hop than his last release which had a stronger rock influence. 2014 is looking promising as he prepares to unveil his next project BLACK SHEEP Nirvana.
Free Download: Sean Leon – East District
Free Download: Sean Leon – K4M
Electro | DJ Dan & WhiteNoize – Engine No. 9
Posted by admin on March 4, 2014
After making some serious noize (pun very much intended) and sneaking its way in to Beatport’s Top 100, I figured it was only right that I share with you all DJ Dan & WhiteNoize’s new material, “Engine No. 9”. The funky house song features samples from Black Sheep and combines them flawlessly with the slaps of a modern dance record.
“Engine No. 9” was released through Instereo Recordings and is available for purchase, here! The WhiteNoize duo is showing no signs of slowing down, so stay tuned for new music coming very soon.
Hip-Hop | Raz Simone – Still Mobbin (Music Video)
Posted by VMan on February 6, 2014
The Black Umbrella Group and Raz Simone hit us with their latest black and white visuals for “Still Mobbin” featuring vocals from Ariana DeBoo, off the MC’s upcoming album Cognitive Dissonance, Part 1, and folks pay attention! I’ve had this track on repeat ever since I played it,, from the production, to the flow, to the vocals, “Still Mobbin” has it all. I’m excited for this project, and I hope you are too! This is by far a must listen!
Electronic, Hip-Hop | Paper Diamond – Black Rose
Posted by Adrego on February 5, 2014
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There is something to be respected about artists that can’t be categorized into a specific genre and Paper Diamond is definitely one of those cats. The genre spanning producer out of Boulder, Colorado is in the midsts of headlining his Cold Crush Tour. If your not able to catch him on the road and you happen to be in Vegas after March 26th you can catch him at club Surrender.
A few days back Hypetrak premiered Paper Diamonds latest offering. “Black Rose” is light, easy-going tune that rides the cusp between a Hip Hop instrumental and a downtempo electronic jawn. After downloading this freebie check out the Diplo & Friends mix that recently dropped for free on Paper Diamond’s Soundcloud. Be sure to check him out on his Cold Crush tour with some very special guests at any one of the dates after the jump.
Events | Event Review: UZ, K Theory, & Vital Riots, 09/NOV/2013
Posted by Nick on November 10, 2013
People have always told me about how mysterious UZ is; how enigmatic the act is that he puts on – and after his performance last night in San Luis Obispo, I’m here to tell you how cool it actually is.
Following two killer sets from Vital Riots and K Theory, the mystery man put on an insane, trap-filled set that lit up the entire venue, keeping the crowd moving track, after track, after track. Throwing down pieces from his “Trap Sh*t” series, all the way to DJ Snake’s “Bird Machine,” UZ had it going on from start to finish. Even with this girl trying (way too hard) to dance in front of him during his set, the new age trap star remained unfazed.
Speaking of “that girl” (who ended up getting kicked off stage about three times), she even tried to grind on/make out with Malcolm of K Theory during their set. Thankfully, he had the sense to say no, and continue with one of the most versatile EDM acts I’ve seen a while (which is especially impressive considering they were missing their third member, Dylan, who fell seriously ill shortly before the show). Regardless of any strange women trying to take the stage that night, the Black & Gold Party at The Graduate was definitely a great experience, and a show you should feel sad about missing if you weren’t there – sucks to suck. S/O to Collective Effort Events for putting together a great lineup.