Interviews | Slowboy Talks Virality, Success, & The Future After ‘Brazilian Funk Mano’ [Interview]

Posted by 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.

Chill, Electronic, Interviews | Vivran Discusses Career Moves, Starting A Label, & More

Posted by on April 2, 2021

A label owner, a DJ/producer, and an all-around devoted musician begins to describe the type of artist Vivran is. Based in Mexico, the diverse and strong network this artist has at his disposal plays to his advantage accordingly. Having started MOTIVANT on his own and momentum being grown both in his own career and his music business ventures, FNT had a chat with him on many subjects including, career stories, advice, and more.

Can you recall key moments that led you on an electronic music career pathway?

Vivran: When I was very little I wanted to be a rockstar. I learned Guitar and Piano which I eventually stopped in my highschool years. By the time I had to go to college I didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I decided to learn how to make electronic music and that’s how I ended up in Barcelona, the city that made me who I am today. I think for me, it was always music.

Was there a moment that you remember which triggered you to start pursuing the creation of imprint MOTIVANT?

Vivran: Going back to Mexico after living in Spain came hard on me, that’s when I really became an introvert and began producing for real. It was at that point, when I met a lot of young upcoming producers that I found had amazing sound, the problem was that they didn’t really do much with such awesome songs, even when signing with labels. MOTIVANT for me became a need in order to take my project and the projects of those around me to the next level. In the end, there is not a big focus for this in Mexico, I intent to change this.

What ‘genres’ do you aim to feature on the label itself?

Vivran: Emotive Electronic is a term I use to define any electronic sound that encircles progressive house & Melodic Techno, but more important than this, I seek tracks that actually deliver an emotion. An emotion besides euphoria and wanting to dance. I seek depth in music.

What advice would you give to artists considering a career in dance music?

Vivran: Stay true to your own path, don’t copy others. Hours in the studio. A lot. Keep talented people close to you, always seek to create community and remember hate doesn’t help your project at all. Supporting other artist does a lot more.

Do you plan to release more tracks this year?

Vivran: Be hopeful for summer, thats all I’m going to say.

What are you most excited about in regards to the label in 2021?

Vivran: I think I’m most excited in all the new music we are receiving, there really is a lot of talent and true emotion out there. I am most exciting in continuing to discover amazing sounds both in Mexico and abroad.

Chill, Interviews | Trove Shares About Tastes, Dreams, And The Year So Far[Exclusive]

Posted by on June 20, 2019

Trove has experience some riveting moments in his young career, with over 20 million streams to his name already and a heavy reputation in the songwriting community as a guy who’s got “It.” Singles like “Revelry” and “GTFO” put Trove’s color’s on full display for all to judge. Needless to say, his sound and collaboration partners always impress as the soloist continues to add new fans to his base.

Trove took the time out to chat with us about life, end of the year, and much more. Check out the interview in full below:

What EDM music school stands out to you the most?

Trove: I have some friends that have attended Icon Collective in LA and have spoken really highly of the education and training there

For young producers out there, when would you say is the right time to quit the day job?

Trove:I tend to jump the gun on this kind of thing. It definitely wasn’t the right time for me but it drove me to really try and make it work. I would recommend honing your sound and skill until you feel like the music you’re making is creating enough opportunity to keep you busy and learning throughout the week. Save up some money in the bank so you’re a little supported and go hard full time to make it work.

Who would be your dream collaborator?

Trove:Would love to work with Rufus Du Sol or Flume.

How do you do get the creative process flowing?

Trove:Usually I’ll scroll through sample packs or presets until I find something that pricks my ear and then I’ll play some chords I like. Once I have something I can built off, I completely change and tweak the sound so it sounds unique to me. Lyrically, I’m always scribbling notes and often times they’re terrible ideas but sometimes you get a good one to build off of too.

What music platforms or general music apps do you find most relevant right now?

Trove:Spotify and Apple Music I think are at the forefront while platforms like YouTube music and TikTok are on the come up. Being able to see your stats and influence throughout different regions as an artist is a big win!

What are you most excited about this year?

Trove:All the traveling I’ve done and continue to do! I’ve visited 7 countries this year already and will be doing 3-4 more this year for songwriting.

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Interviews | Henry Land Hits Us With ‘I Don’t Care’ & An Exclusive Interview

Posted by on June 11, 2018

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Meet up and coming DJ/producer Henry Land from Norway, hot off the release of ‘I Don’t Care,’ who’s been accumulating the streams with his melodic dance pop ditties. You may remember his track ‘Tainted’ which we covered, a personal favorite of mine. We had a chance to speak with Henry on what he has going on, to give you all inside look in the the Nordic producers’ life, and how he’s come to live out his passion for production and music. Give him a follow on Spotify , and click on the jump for more!

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Electronic, Interviews | Q&A with Up and Coming Producer Duo MEDZ From Down Under

Posted by on March 21, 2017

How did you come up with the artist name MEDZ?

The first time we worked together i’d just had 2 wisdom teeth out and i was off my head on painkiller meds!

How did the “Unforgettable” collaboration come about?

We’ve known Kings for a couple of years and did some production on one of his early house tracks, we wrote this track before his single “Don’t worry about it” blew up. it started off very different at 140bpm and somehow ended up more chilled.

How did you guys connect with Be Rich Records?

I’ve worked with Be Rich as Magik J for years and always had a great A&R relationship with Guy and John, so when we started this new project we went to them first.

What is your dream collaboration & why?

We are loving all Jon Hopkins stuff at the moment, everything he does is unique and production is incredible. Would also love to work with Bjork.

When did you guys start getting into creating music?

I started making music around the late 90’s and ran a label called Shaboom in the UK releasing my own tracks, Jack has been making music for the last 4 years and is already way better than me!

Who are some of your main influences? On your latest single a Flume inspired sound is what came to mind for us.

Yes we love Flume and the sound he’s created. Again Jon Hopkins on the production side of things is a big influence but also older bands like Massive Attack and Portishead, we’re big fans of 90’s trip hop.

What is the music scene like in NZ?

Really strong at the moment there’s loads of great international acts coming over to play and more cool local events popping up all the time.

Favorite musicians outside of the Electronic market?

Been listening to loads of Sigur Rós, it’s really amazing stuff.

What is your favorite release to date and why?

This is only our second release so I guess this one as it’s our latest.

Are you guys working on any new projects?

We have lots of new material lined up and working with different vocalists both here in NZ and overseas. We’re still finding our sound and its great just experimenting with new ideas each day.

What software do you guys produce in?

Both Logic and Ableton live through UAD Apollo. We’re also amassing lots of old analogue gear which our next few releases will feature.

Do you guys prefer to be doing live shows DJing or in the studio creating new music?

We haven’t done too many MEDZ live shoes yet but we can’t wait to get out there. Studio is the main focus for now and then hopefully the touring will follow. We have some cool ideas for the live show and it’d definitely involve some of our analogue gear .

Interviews | Gromo Talks Ultra Europe, Hobbies, And New Single “Give Me” In Exclusive Interview

Posted by on February 16, 2017

Coming from New York, this producer has a storied past unlike most. Gromo burst onto the scene at Ultra Music Festival in Miami at the ripe age of 16, the youngest artist to ever play such event. From there he went onto to international shows including Ultra Japan, Ultra Europe, and Ultra Bali. His unique production style and age have garnered him a reputation that is hard to come by for high school student. Never the less, his new track “Give Me” is a creative and unique record that features a multitude of different elements mashed into one solid piece of production.

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Artists, Deep House, Exclusive, Home, Interviews | INTERVIEW // Nora En Pure is poetry in motion & in music

Posted by on November 23, 2016

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Close your eyes and imagine… Warm air on your skin, soft sand between your toes, the sound of waves gently lapping up on the shore, and the most spectacular assortment of red, pink, orange and violet melting together in a firey, captivating sunset in front of you, framed by the silhouettes of swaying palm trees and hibiscus flowers. This is feeling that South African producer Nora En Pure invokes in her listeners with her melodic, serendipitous and yet surprisingly deep house tracks. A part of the Enormous Tunes and Helvetic Nerds labels alongside artists like EDX, Sons of Maria and Croatia Squad, you’d most likely recognize Nora En Pure for her hits such as “Come With Me,” “Saltwater,” and her most recent release,“Tell My Heart” featuring Dani Senior.

What captivates me about Nora’s music, however, is that from an immediate listen, you get a sense that her music truly goes much deeper than a solid beat and an uplifting melody; not something you find often in the popular music scene. Even more so, her aura is effortlessly cool and her success is unwavering regardless of the “female disadvantage” some attribute to the electronic industry. For these reasons, in addition to a sheer admiration for her jams, I was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to pick Nora’s brain about her and her music in advance of her show at Effex in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For those seeking a getaway ~ be it on the dancefloor, a beach, or even lost in your headphones ~ I recommend purifying your life with Nora En Pure’s beats.

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