Local Rockstars: Nuno Dos Santos lets his inner Aries out

Local Rockstars: Nuno Dos Santos lets his inner Aries out

Mar 29, 2013 |  by  |  Music
About the author
Born and raised in Amsterdam, lives to dance and dances to live on electronic music, has a small vinyl addiction, appreciates a little sarcasm now and then, thinks musicals are annoying and loves those moments where you lose track of time completely.

Whether you went out last weekend to check out an uber-geeky beat magician or a depressingly awesome indie rock band, we all know there’s always some serious musical talents rocking around the Dam. You might not recognize them all yet, but don’t worry, you will soon. In this series of interviews we talk to remarkable artists about their music and their inspirations.

I’m seriously doubting whether Nuno Dos Santos even needs an introduction. One thing’s for sure, Nuno is local rockstar royalty. You can find him residentin’ it out in Trouw and at the finest parties in town. I got to chat with him about his Portugese nationality, his new label, the electronic scene, and we even found out that we share the same zodiac sign.

Producing or performing?
“I feel more like a DJ at the moment. That’s because I’m still learning a lot about producing. If you ask me again in three years I might say something different.”

Do you attach value to your Portuguese nationality?
“Not really. I was born there but I feel pretty Dutch. I don’t look really Portuguese because my mom is as Dutch as someone can be, her name is Anita, haha. People ask me about my ‘artist name’ a lot but it’s actually my real name.”

On your Facebook page it says that “You can feel that Nuno is utterly in love with what he does.” Do you have other loves besides music?
“I also love art and graphic design. That’s what I studied in art school. I used to do some graphic design jobs on the side but I made the decision to focus completely on music 4 years ago.”

Favourite festival?
“Lowlands because of the atmosphere and diversity in music. The line-up the last two years however wasn’t that great.”

What music do you listen to apart from electronic music?
“Everything! From classical to singer-songwriters, hip-hop and rock ‘n roll. I don’t like parochialism. I could never just listen to one genre. I really like Allah-Las and Balthazar at the moment.”

Alcohol, soft drugs or hard drugs?
“None. I like them all but I feel clearer when I’m sober.”

Techno and house, and everything in between is growing more popular every day. Is our precious scene going to die because of its success? How do you think the scene will be in, let’s say, 10 years?
“I think that somewhere it’s a good thing that it’s getting a bit mainstream. Anti-movements will always exist anyway. I think that the commercial dance is a good entry model for other electronic music. Things like these move in waves, dance is hyped right now but it’ll wear off and wear on again after time.”

Illegal rave or club?
“Club. Funny actually because my first gig was at an illegal party.”

You’re starting your own label, Something Happening Somewhere, soon. Tell me more.
“I used to work for the Trouw label but because of internal changes the club en restaurant got more attention, which is very logical. I get a lot of great demos so I decided to do it myself. It’ll be distributed by Kompakt. Our first release will appear at the end of May. I’m extremely excited!”

Favourite club in Amsterdam?
“Trouw, obviously. Not just in Amsterdam, but in the entire country.”

I can imagine that playing gives an incredible high. How do you land back on earth?
“Definitely. I just stay awake a little longer, it’s not like I need to smoke or drink or anything.”

You’re playing at Noah’s Ark the 6th of April where the theme is to feel, dance and look like wild animals. What’s your inner beast?
“My zodiac sign, aries! If I have an idea in my head it won’t go away and I make the most of it!”

Favourite drink?
“Vodka.”
Pure, without ice?
“Yep. And pear juice.”
Mixed together?
“Yeah, that too!”

See Nuno next week back-to-back with Some Chemistry:

Next Mondays Hangover – Noah’s Ark

When: 6th of April, 15:00 – 01:30
Where: Jaap Eden Ijsbanen
Tickets: Early bird: €15 (sold-out) | Quick rabbit: €20 (sold-out) | Slow hippo: €25
More info: Facebook Event

Featured image by Catharina Gerritsen.

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