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It’s late night in Portugal and for some reason my fucked up brain decided it was a good time to write again. So here I am, back to the blog! And the good news is 🥁🥁

… the new album is coming!

But first things first. As you know, on September 13th I released my EP Cherophobia, which includes two tracks – “Cherophobia” and “Was It Worth It?” – and they were the first two songs of my long-awaited album Psychological Issues. If you’re a big fan of my music, you heard these two tracks firsthand in my DJ Mix 04, released in May 2024 and available on my YouTube channel.

If you attended any of my shows so far this year, you also had the chance to listen to the tracks from this new EP, especially “Cherophobia”, which has been one of the highlights of my recent sets.

I chose these two tracks as the first release of Psychological Issues because they were perhaps the most meaningful to me during my 4-month break at the beginning of this year. After an intense 2023 with almost 100 shows all over the world, I felt it was time to take a break, for the sake of my body and mind.

Frame from DJ Mix 04
Frame from DJ Mix 04

The 4-month break and the inspiration behind Cherophobia

When I started my 4-month break, my intention was to take that time off to finish some pending projects and record my DJ Mix 04, so that by the time I returned to the tour, the album would be ready and released. I really had a plan!

“I’m gonna hit the gym 5 times per week, dedicate 4 hours of my day in the studio, eat healthy, no smokes, no alcohol.”

January, nothing really happened…

February, same…

It’s amazing how physically exhausting it can be to do nothing. During this time off I was supposed to revitalize me, improve my sound, and enhance my physical and mental health. And yet, by March, I started feeling stressed, kind of burned out, feeling lost, and thinking that probably I wouldn’t manage to reach my goals.

“I’m going to go back on tour and have nothing new to show. This break was pointless…”

Being a producer is going from “I suck, my music is garbage” to “I’m the best producer in the world!”… in 17 minutes. And that’s the story behind Cherophobia. After some time where ideas just didn’t develop, suddenly I started a new project, and everything started to fall into the right place.

Until then, it felt like I was avoiding everything that made me feel good and happy: making music, hitting the gym, walks on the beach, spending time with family and friends… and that was the mood that inspired the name of this track and EP. In short, “Cherophobia” can be understood as the fear of happiness. Weird, right? How can someone be afraid of being happy?

But the truth is, there was no external reason for me to feel that way. So I started writing the lyrics for the main break of that track:

The world didn’t push me into the depths of darkness
I did
I rejected my right to be happy
And now there’s no turning back

And in that moment of despair, I turned to one of my favorite writers – Charles Bukowski – and I remembered one of his quotes, which inspired me to write the rest of the lyrics.

Charles Bukowski Quote

I finished “Cherophobia” and I feel that, so far, it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever produced in terms of composition and storytelling.

“Was It Worth It?” followed the same vibe, an equally depressive mood that reflected everything I was feeling at the time. There’s a mobile game I used to play a few years ago called Duet, where during the game, a female voice says some quotes, and at one specific part of the game, she says:

Why are you doing this to yourself?
What exactly are you trying to prove?
You will not win.
All that pain and misery…
Was it worth it?

And those were the lines I used for this song. They fitted perfectly! A curious fact about “Was It Worth It?” is that the track was produced in just two days. This is because the date for the recording of my DJ Mix 04 was already scheduled and I couldn’t delay it.

Only two days left to the recording and I still needed one track ⏳

I literally didn’t sleep those last two days before the recording to get the DJ Mix ready. That’s why “Was It Worth It?” is a bit repetitive. I didn’t put much effort in terms of mixing and mastering. But in the end, it’s catchy and has an interesting message. Obviously, for the release of the EP, this track was remastered with a better mix.

The New Album – Psychological Issues

The exact release date of Psychological Issues is still to be decided, but it will include around 15 tracks (tracklist still undecided too).

This is an album I’ve been planning to release since the pandemic, which not only affected the world due to the disease itself but also through its impact on mental health. It’s a conceptual album, which means the order of the tracks matters when you listen to the entire album.

In the studio with Pulse
In the studio with Pulse

Melodark is here to stay

This album reinforces even more the Melodark. If you’re new to my music, know that Melodark is more than just a musical genre. It’s a journey that can take you through emotional and introspective soundscapes while still maintaining the rhythmic and danceable elements of electronic music. I designed it to evoke both light and dark emotions at the same time, which is exactly what I aim to do with Psychological Issues, resulting in a powerful and immersive listening experience.

This album will exemplify Melodark by incorporating melodic elements with dark, dramatic undertones, creating a distinct and captivating musical narrative.

My intention with this album is to break the stigma about mental health. This album is for those going through dark times and inner battles, to show that no matter how bad the situation is, everything passes, everything is temporary.

Stay strong. Be patient.

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Let’s go back to 2018. More specifically to June 21st. Yes, that was the day I released my last EP – Be The Best & Fuck The Rest.

It’s hard to believe that more than 4 years have passed! It’s true that in between I released an album – Yin Yang – and a few singles, including Singles Collection Vol. 1. But to be honest, I already missed releasing an EP, something more complex. I know I repeat myself but I say it anyway: for me music is not just music. It’s a story! And in this case, the story I wanted to tell wouldn’t be possible to tell in just one song.

I’m perfectly aware that I’m not the type of artist who is constantly releasing new music every month. I’d like to work that way but I’ve already made my peace with it. It’s just that my creative side takes time to create something, to make sure that each song has a meaning, arouses an emotion and that it’s not empty content. Obviously, I want to create music that makes people dance, but more important to me is to make people think, to relive a moment from the past or to help support a situation in the present.

So, in this post, I will explain the story behind my new EP called Troubles In Paradise.

WHY ‘TROUBLES IN PARADISE’?

In fact, I created the project in FL Studio maybe more than a year ago, but it was one of those projects that I felt inspired by, I created the basis of the song (first loop with the main instruments) but then it got lost in the middle of the 27 unfinished projects that I have in FL Studio.

A curious fact about my creative process is that usually before creating a song, I already have the track ID in mind and that helps me to have a direction when I’m developing it in terms of mood and rhythm – darker or more melodic.

I came up with the title ‘Troubles In Paradise’ because it’s a paradox, just like the basis of Melodark – the light in the darkness, the melodies in the gloom. But as I said, the project got lost because I’m kind of addicted in starting new projects before finishing the old ones. Not a good addiction…

Anyway, earlier this year I was listening to all my unfinished projects and I realized that ‘Troubles In Paradise’ had a huge potential. I liked the bassline. And so, I decided to finish the track, already with a vision in my mind to an EP that could portray a life situation.

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE EP

One would think that now that I have gigs all over the world, tracks with millions of views and streams on digital platforms, that everything is fine and that I live a good life. But it’s not always like that. We all have everyday problems.

This EP focuses on the problems of a romantic relationship and that’s the main message. I wanted to take the listeners to live the emotions associated with the dark side of love, through beats and melodies.

I created it with the intention of portraying a ‘less good’ life situation, which can lead listeners to think that, in general, it is a depressing EP. But the truth is… it’s a common life situation in people’s lives, even though they think that they are the only ones who are suffering. And I think that ‘Hey, don’t worry, I’m going through the same thing too’ kind of solidarity is, somehow, uplifting.

A STORY TOLD IN 3 PARTS

Each track of the EP represents a different stage at the end of a relationship. When everything seems to be going well, problems start to arise (Troubles In Paradise). Then comes the grudge and consequent hurt and damage to the significant other (Paradise Circus). Finally, the realization that no matter how hard we try, the end is inevitable (Wrong).

As many of you know, the single Troubles In Paradise came out on August 12, while the full EP only came out on September 16. Thus, Paradise Circus and Wrong could be considered as a sequel to Troubles In Paradise.

Musically speaking, the second track of the EP – Paradise Circus – follows a similar record as the first track. This is a song inspired by the original track of Massive Attack that I absolutely love!

The third and last track of the EP – Wrong – is different in all aspects. It’s a more experimental track, with piano sounds, orchestral elements, and the amazing vocals of Odarka, a talented singer from Ukraine. It’s a song inspired by movie soundtracks – something I’ve always loved and that I wanted to try on this track. There’s a beat in the second part of the song, something that could be more related to my usual musical style but still… different!

THE DISTURBING ARTWORK

The artwork of this EP – originally called Spaggy – was painted by the Danish artist Laust Højgaard.

To be honest, I didn’t know Laust or his work. The label for which I released the EP presented the idea of using his painting as an artwork. Initially I was reticent about using a cover art that wasn’t my idea, because for me the artwork is a continuation of the song and I like to have control over its artistic process.

But the truth is that I found Laust’s work interesting and confusing, maybe a bit disturbing, specifically this painting. And I thought that what can be confusing and disturbing for me can also be for my fans and listeners, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because it leaves the artwork open to different interpretations. And that’s what art is all about – not to be obvious, to let everyone have their own interpretation.

'Spaggy' by Laust Højgaard

WHAT’S COMING NEXT

I consider this EP a preparation for the ‘big thing’ to come, like a “get in the mood for what’s coming” kind of feeling. Because if Troubles In Paradise EP doesn’t arouse the best positive emotions (open to interpretation of course), the album will be even heavier and more dramatic. Not everything in life is sunshine and rainbow, and when producing the album I’m just being myself and letting my emotions out. And that’s all I have to say for now.

Before the year ends, I will release a track in collaboration with Droplex, a track that has been the intro to my sets and that has been well received by the public. The track is called Sitting In This Cage.

Finally, I hope to release my fourth DJ Mix later this year. The bar is high after the huge success of DJ Mix 03 at Jardins Efémeros (Viseu) but I believe that this will be even better, a more thought out and quality set. But as I said at the beginning of this post, my creative side takes time to create something, to make sure that each song has a meaning. That’s why it’s taking a while to be released.

Troubles In Paradise EP is available on all major streaming platforms. Choose your favourite in the button below!

Stream / buy

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“One track. Two different vibes. The symbiotic contrast between the beautiful melodies and the darkness surrounding the synths and basslines. Mesmerizing vocals. Countless sensations.”

This is what defines my brand new single Honey Trap. With this track, my goal is to reinforce my artistic identity, in an attempt to enter another orbit of creativity and to break the rules that existed before, in order to elevate even more the Melodark – that many of you already know as my musical style.

Let’s dig into it so you can have a better understanding about the backgrounds of this song.

WHERE DOES THE TITLE AND ARTWORK COME FROM?

Inspiration can come literally from anywhere. I remember that the day before I started producing this track, I was watching a documentary series – Spycraft – that talked about a spy stratagem in which an attractive person entices another person into revealing information or doing something unwise, called “honey trap”. I guess I liked the term and said to myself that one day I would produce a track with that name, inspired by this spy technique. At some point, I say in the song “I surrendered to your beauty, in my naïveté. And I fell, on the honey trap”. That sentence is the literal explanation of this song’s artwork, where someone seduce me to get something from me. In this case, something very important like my mask. Therefore, I fell into the honey trap.

Hozho - Honey Trap GIF

PRODUCTION PROCESS

Honey Trap was one of those tracks that I didn’t need to think too much to put the idea into the DAW. It flowed very naturally. If I remember correctly, I was producing another track when I decided to take a break and I started playing some notes on the piano I had in my old apartment. Something sounded right in my head and I went to the studio to develop the melody. I felt the muse. Then I remembered the documentary I saw the night before and came up with the idea for the vocals. From there, I think it took me about a week to finish the song. Usually when I spend a long time producing one track, I start having doubts and second thoughts about whether the track is really good or not. For a perfectionist like me, finishing Honey Trap was one of those rare moments where I actually felt really happy with what I had created.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Despite Honey Trap only being released on February 25th, it’s been almost a year since I produced this track. To be honest, there’s no reason why it took so long to release it. Somehow, it was good because during this whole time, a huge hype was created around this song, since I first performed it on my Quarantine Mix 3 recorded in April of 2021. For that reason, I know that many of you already know the song very well. Now you will finally be able to listen to the full version on streaming platforms. I leave you the link below. Hear it, feel it, share it with your friends and on social media. In these times of chaos, pandemic and war that we are experiencing around the world, these small gestures of support, gratitude and love are more important than ever. Be the best & fuck help the rest!

listen honey trap

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A few days have passed since the release of my latest single Something Else and it has been a good feeling to see your reaction. I’m very happy that the big majority of you like this track, despite being a little different from my usual stuff.

Some of you believe that I have gone out of my style too much and I understand why and respect your opinion. So let me explain a little bit about the origin of this track.

THE NEW SINGLE: SOMETHING ELSE

You know, when you create a music style that defines you and you grow that style and you start influencing other artists, you start to feel that you are now a prisoner of that genre, because if you no longer produce the kind of music for which you have gained recognition, you are no longer the artist that your fans once admired.

Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. There’s nothing in the world that makes me more fulfilled than producing this style that I called Melodark. But at the same time I don’t want to be a prisoner, my creativity cannot be limited within a genre. Otherwise I go crazy.

That’s why I decided to explore other sounds but trying to keep the genre that always defined me at the same time. And yes, it will be perfectly normal that from time to time you will hear different sounds from my music because I’m curious, that’s who I am, I like to try things.

Now, some people will like it and others won’t. That’s life. One thing that I learned is that we cannot please everyone. So do what you wanna do and have fun doing that. That’s why this song has this name because it is in fact “Something Else”.

But you can be sure that Melodark is here to stay and you can keep expecting those introspective and traveling melodies in my upcoming tracks.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

I admit that in 2020 I was a little bit “dead”. The fact that I only released two songs (Time To Move On and Full Measures) proves how much I could have done.

The truth is… I didn’t react in the best way to what happened in the world, with the COVID situation. I went into a negative spiral, frustration, anxiety. And that blocked my motivation to make music.

But I like to think that everything happens for a reason and I believe that all the negative things that happened to me last year gave me the necessary inspiration for the projects that are coming.

If 2020 was a year of stagnation in my career, 2021 is a new beginning. I can tell you that, if you see me out from social media for a while, it means that I’m focused on the studio and making music. I like to disconnect from the world, take a detox from the digital world when I’m in a creative mood.

Many songs are being produced, not only to be released but also to be able to play them in my future sets, starting with my Quarantine Mix 3 that will be recorded very soon. It will be my last Quarantine Mix because I want to believe that things will return to normal little by little and “quarantine” is something I never want to hear again in my life.

And yes, something that you have been waiting for will also be released soon: my DJ Mix 04. Right now, we are studying the place where it will be recorded. I want it to be something big, better than DJ Mix 03, which already has more than 10 million views. 10 MILLION! That’s crazy.

In addition to these projects that I just mentioned, you can count on the usual singles (or maybe EP’s) that will be released from time to time.

I have many more ideas for the future but I don’t want to write too much on this post, I know your time is precious. I guess some things will be a surprise.

Once again I wanna thank you for all the support you have given me, not only in this last single but throughout my career. Today I can say that I live only on music but it wasn’t always like this. With persistence, faith and hard work, anything is possible. So if you are a producer, DJ or you want to be an artist, whatever your craft is, never give up. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Music projects take time to be recognized but it’s a journey worth taking.

Be the best and fuck the rest!

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