A good megamix is usually a pretty hard thing to find. The majority of mixes longer than half an hour usually tend to be failures in my books, as I lose interest and change songs part way through. Many artists have managed to create large mixes that obviously have their peak moments and weak moments, but not many have made ones that never let up the entire way through. I was fortunate enough to get a chance to ask a few questions to a DJ talented enough to pull it off.
Pedro Amaral, better known as Ugly Disco, is an up and coming producer based out of São Paolo; the largest city in not only Brazil, but the entire Southern Hemisphere. His style can’t really be limited to one genre as it’s easy to see after listening to his various remixes and original work. If it were to be labeled, the majority of his reworks are more on the Electro House side, whereas his original work is a more relaxed, Progressive House style.
The one thing that really made me take notice of this artist, was his ability to keep a forty five minute long mix incredible the whole way through. The majority of DJ’s will put together a set of songs, and then focus on the transitions more than anything else. Where Pedro stands above the rest, is that he adds his own personal touch to each and every one of the tracks, as well as providing smooth transitions between tracks. On top of all of this, his English is pretty good too.
SSOM: Firstly, I’ve gotta ask, what’s the story behind the name Ugly Disco?
That’s actually an interesting story! I was working on my first EDM production and when I finished I did not feel my real name, Pedro Amaral, was as a cool sounding name. In that moment I was inspired by guys like Lucky Date, Lazy Rich, and Dirtyloud. All of those projects have catchy names that I like but no real names! I decided to create something in that mood, but different I would say Ugly Disco sounds like the Rock & Roll of the digital world! Ugly, Dirty, Filthy can be cool and beautiful as well, but I let people take their own thoughts about it!
SSOM: How long have you been producing and mixing?
I’ve been drumming and working with bands since I was twelve years old. I decided to create my own home studio when I was sixteen. Got tired of bands and their problems and decided to go at it alone making my own music when I was eighteen. I’m twenty now, so I’ve been producing music for two years.
SSOM: I had no idea you’ve only been doing this for a couple years! Props for standing up to standards that DJs far older than you have set. What first got you into the scene?
Even when I was working just with musicians and bands, I always loved the night clubs. Three years ago I was working with a professional audio company that rented audio and lighting equipment for many kinds of parties and events. Every night of work I ended up DJing at the party. When I realized I was giving away my phone number as a DJ for various types of events, it all started there.
SSOM: What words would you use to classify your style?
In the World of the Electronic people will call it Electro House, Progressive House, and sometimes Dubstep, but I think it’s far from just that! As I said, I’ve been a musician for several years and brought to my music along a variety of influences from progressive rock to Rock & Roll incorporating this to my dance music influences and you got my style!
SSOM: Any major influences or House heroes?
Of course I have some favorites! Dirtyloud, Calvertron, LazyRich, LuckyDate, Zedd, Skrillex, Deadmau5 and a lot others. I will always love the classic ones as well like Kraftwerk, Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk.
SSOM: I know that the night scene in São Paulo is huge; do you believe the scene itself and it’s popular electronic artists have influenced your style?
Yes! The scene here is great and incredibly diverse! Certainly many Brazilian artists have influenced me. I could mention two names, Felguk and Dirtyloud, as the principals. Even though both are not from São Paulo, they really are making some noise internationally and bringing the reputation of Brazilian producers to a level that did not exist a few years ago.
SSOM: Have you performed in other cities around Brazil or South America?
In Brazil, yes. A lot of cities here in São Paulo and other states, but I am still looking forward to my first international gig!
SSOM: How do the other states compare to your native city?
In Brazil is very easy to see the diversity of cultures. For example in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais had a warm reaction; people are open for new stuff! There the scene is still under development, so you’re not just on the scene, you’re part of what it might become, while in other states, since the scene is set, people are already conditioned to some specific genres. It’s actually really easy to notice.
SSOM: What is the biggest show you’ve done before?
It’s a funny story actually! My biggest show was not planned. I got a call from a former bandmate telling me that his band would play at a graduation party. The fee was good and I needed the money. And while playing at a graduation party may be the most boring thing, I accepted the proposal. Already disheartened with the night I waited; I took only a few things of my equipment. I took no headphones though. When I arrived, the party had more than 4000 people, certainly the largest crowd I had ever played. The shock was HUGE! Fortunately I had more time to get my full equipment and it was an amazing night!
SSOM: Any plans in the future to take your music elsewhere around the world? I know that we need more producers like you up in Canada. I’m sick of hearing top 50’s remixes by terrible so-called DJ’s.
Yes! There are many plans. I had some problems and had to leave my former booking agency so I’m looking for a new one. I intend to do many gigs soon so hopefully I can book some in Canada! I would love to visit that beautiful country.
At the time, bookings made can only be made by direct e-mail to djpedroamaral@hotmail.com
SSOM: Let’s talk about your massive mixes, because let’s face it, they’re phenomenal. How do you go about choosing which songs go into each mix?
First of all, thanks a lot! Everything flows naturally to me when I mix. The choice of song is intuitive and spontaneous. I use a lot of “Hot Cues” since I use specific parts of a song and within them, anything can happen. When I record or play live sets at the studio, the concept is the same, but live on stage, anything can happen since I really try to feel the dance floor and what it needs at that moment.
SSOM: How long does it usually take you to create a set of that caliber?
When I record a set in the studio, is much like how I would live, I ride my equipment. In my case I use:
- MacBook Pro
- Kontrol X-1 controller,
- Behringer Nox Midi Mixer
- And a Traktor Scracht Pro 2.
The secret of the Mix’s hugeness is because I use all the tracks in WAV format and it really makes the difference in the outcome. After it’s mixed, I do a little mastering on it. Then I try to listen to it in different places; in the car, in my IPod etc. After that, all I need is to decide whether it’s good enough .The whole process takes me about two weeks.
SSOM: On your SoundCloud there are a few previews of original mixes. Does this mean there’s a chance of an original album in the near future?
Yes! I have an upcoming EP of original tracks coming soon! It’s going to be available on ITunes, so keep your eyes open on my FaceBook Artist page for the latest releases.
SSOM: Speaking of the future, where would you like to see yourself in five years?
Producing lots of albums and EPs, touring all around the world, meeting new people, meeting my idols, sharing my experiences, teaching to those who want to learn. Way too many things I dream to do, but I am working so hard to make it true.
SSOM: Is producing more of a pastime or is it slowly becoming a full time hobby/career?
Surely, in fact I can not imagine doing anything else in my life, if producing music is what life intended for me, I will follow this enjoyable destiny. No matter what, my life always will be directly related to music.
SSOM: Amen to that.
Keep your ears turned to this guy over the next few years as his talent can only increase as he gains more experience and exposure.
Happy Friday the 13th,
Grant.
Ugly Disco – Fuck Dance (Set)
4 Strings & Dave Darrel – Take Me Away
Ugly Disco – City Love (Preview/Work In Progress)
Dave Matthews Band – American Baby (Ugly Disco Remix)
Ugly Disco – Friends And Lovers
Ugly Disco – A Reason To Live
Ugly Disco – I Found Love In A Disco
Enya – Orinoco Flow (Ugly Disco Remix)
Bonus
For the record, 7:30 – 10:00 is so full of win.
somesortofmusic. 