KURA, the Portuguese No.1 is ranked 51st in 2016 DJ Mag Top 100 DJs ranking and with his exceptional talent, he’s performed at Ultra Music Festiavl, Pacha’s stage, Tomorrowland and many other shows and gigs all around the world. He also came to Japan couple of times and always leaves after making the crowd go insane. The best Portuguese DJ shared some info with us on his new release and DJ Mag.
Q1. We heard your new track “TORA” is stored on 21st of November. Can you tell us more about your new track?
This new track, “Tora”, is being released on Spinnin’ Records and it reminds me of my beginnings as a DJ, and of a track that I used to play at the time – it was a big hit back then -, and that was an inspiration that lingers up until today, and every year I think about doing an edit of that track. So this is “Tora” ‘s inspiration. It’s a track with a lot of tribal influences, it has my style all over it, a combination of my groove, my synths, all breathes my style. So this is why there are so many high expectations about it.
Q2. How do you get the inspiration from when producing music?
People, places, other musicians and other tracks inspire me, and also my life experiences. When I’m travelling I record and gather ideas on my iPhone and when I get home I try to compile everything with what I’m feeling in that moment to be able to get something fresh and unique. I focus also on something that works on the dancefloor and that will please both people and the other DJs.
Q3. You have been traveling all over the world for your gigs. What is the biggest change in dance music for you?
Globalization of dance music is the biggest change. Something that some years ago was almost only an European scene has now spread its wings to a planetary scene, it’s uniting and ever present, and it took over mainstream radio and TV. Not only that but it has also taken over pop music, all pop is electronic nowadays, and it’s really interesting to see how big artists like Lady Gaga or Rihanna draw inspiration from what electronic music producers are doing.
Q4. What do you personally consider to be the most important moments in your artistic career?
My collaboration with Hardwell on “Calavera“, my confirmation at Tomorrowland Belgium, as Well Ultra Festival in Croatia.
Q5. What was your first impression of Japan? What was the most surprising or impressive experience? Something within your expectation?
The first time I came to Japan I was really impressed! Everything is so new, evolved, and fresh, I’m in love with Japan. I’m really happy to come back and I’m always excited to play, to walk around, I’m in love with your culture, and with the fans, they’re so dedicated! I feel welcome here, and I’m really thankful to all my Japanese fans and to the promoters that invite me to come back. Thank you.
Q6. What do you have coming up next tour, new track… etc?
I’ll keep touring the world, adding new places to the map of shows, I have a lot of new music to release. I have a new collaboration with Hardwell coming up also, and I’m also going to do an approach to some more radio friendly music, so you can expect new things in the near future!
Q7. What is DJ Mag to you as a DJ and producer?
DJ Mag is a very important vehicle to promote dance music all over the world. It’s very important, credible and reliable information that the electronic music scene couldn’t do without!
Q8. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan.
Thank you for all the support, you have been amazing every time I play and it’s for fans like you that I work: people who truly love the music!
Not only is KURA seen in Europe or America but he also does Asia tours and goes to places like China, Vietnam, Singapore, India, Thailand, Japan and many more and keeps to share his music and vibe to everyone. He’s done a show at V2 Tokyo on 4th of November and shared his love for Japan with his fans especially, Japanese food. He loves sushi and that’s a must every time he stops by at Japan for a show. Let’s hope to see more from KURA and hopefully see him do a show in Japan as well.