We catch up with Antonio Eudi about his recent shift in sound, São Paulo nightlife and new talent coming out of Brazil.

1. Hi Antonio, thanks for joining us here, tell us a bit about yourself, how old are you, where are you living and how long have you been producing music and DJing?

Eudi: Hi guys! Thank you so much for inviting me. I’m EUDI, a 31 year-old electronic music artist living in São Paulo, Brazil – the biggest, craziest and most vivid metropole in South America. My history with music started at a very early age, when I started playing the piano at only 4. The interest in music production came naturally, not too long afterwards, when I started working as a studio musician still in my early teens. Electronic music has been my passion and the focus of my dedication since I moved to São Paulo from my hometown Pouso Alegre, 15 years ago.

2. How did you discover electronic music and what led you down the path of wanting to be a DJ and producer?

Eudi: It seems like yesterday… I was at a friend’s studio and he was listening to a Derrick Carter’s vinyl record. I remember, as a musician, asking myself: what’s behind this repetitive sound? That thing REALLY moved me. From then on, my love for this loop-based music language only grew.

3. For most of your career you were known as Antonio Eudi but recently you’ve dropped your first name and just gone with Eudi. Listening to your recent productions there seems to be a shift in sound as well, tell us about that, what have you been exploring in the studio recently?

Eudi: As an artist, I didn’t feel completely fulfilled by the music I had been doing in previous years. I wanted to explore new territories, take more risks, push the envelope of my music and dedicate myself to developing my very own style. With that in mind, I felt that my identity had to reflect this new level of maturity, thus the shift.

4. You’ve got an excellent new release out on False Face Music, it marks a further shift towards techno for you. Tell us about the inspiration behind it and how it ended up on the label?

Eudi: I’ve created the groove for Apex without any idea of what it would become. Drawing influences from sources as diverse as 70’s psychedelic / progressive rock and the modern, deeper sounds of techno, the melody of the track emerged as a way to counter-balance that strong, heavy bass groove. I thought the result was powerful, uplifting, so I called it Apex. Around the time I had finished the track, Santini got in touch with me and said that he was keen on my productions. We discovered that we had a lot in common when it came to our music taste, and when I listened to the other releases on False Face I knew I had a home for Apex.

5. The remix by False Face Music bosses SpeakOf and Santini turned out wonderfully, was there any discussion on remixer selection or was it a natural thing to have the guys do it?

Eudi: It was very natural, and I’m both glad and honored that they did it.

6. Some of the scenes biggest artists come from Brazil, Gui Boratto, Victor Ruiz, Wehbba all come to mind. You’ve actually collaborated with Wehbba some years ago for a Toolroom release.  It’s still a top selling package, what was it like working with him and are still in touch today?

Eudi: Wehbba is a great friend, a very talented artist and one of the most skilled producers in the game. We always find the time to meet when he comes to Brazil to play or visit his family. Working with him is always a pleasure and a challenge, as well as an invaluable learning experience. Few people know this, but it was him that gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever had in mixing and sound creation. Still to this day, he drops me some of his wisdom every now and then. 🙂

7. How does your evolving production sound affect what you’re playing in your DJ sets? What kind of stuff have you been playing recently? And who are some of your go to artists?

Eudi: I always try to play as much of my original material as possible in my DJ sets. It’s a reflection of my soul, my vision, travelling from house to techno and back. As for my go-to artists, they are all of those who are remembered and respected for their authenticity. It’s difficult to select just a few, as the list is extensive, but if I had to point out just one I’d say Laurent Garnier. He’s from a special breed, a real outlier that has been a reference and an inspiration for me since the beginning.

8. What new talent are you loving at the moment?

Eudi: There are some fellow Brazilians which have been dropping some serious bombs lately: Vinicius Honorio, Gabriel Moraes and André Salata are definitely among the names to look out for.

9. There are a lot of funk elements in your earlier productions in particular, what were some of your music inspirations growing up? And what influences you today?

Eudi: My music background is deeply rooted in jazz, bossa nova and funk music from the USA. Those references still play a big role in what I enjoy listening to and what I do today, while merged with influences from contemporary techno by the likes of Joris Voorn, Stephan Bodzin, Paul Kalkbrenner and Olivier Giacomotto.

10. How is the nightlife in Sao Paulo? and do you get a chance to play much in your home city?

Eudi: Nightlife in São Paulo is one of the best in the world – if not the best. From underground (and sometimes illegal) parties to the big festivals, one can find mostly everything, every day, anytime. From my part, I’m a pretty laid-back guy, married to the love of my life, and we both love to have our closest friends at our house for a glass of wine or a traditional Brazilian churrasco (barbecue). Lately I’ve had the opportunity to play some pretty amazing gigs, like the stage hosted by Awakenings at Electric Zoo or more recently at D Edge club.

11. What’s coming later this year from you? Anything you can tell us about?

Eudi: I still have a bunch of unreleased tracks under my sleeve. I’m experimenting with vocals and different levels of energy, so I can’t really fit those in a particular style. All in all, you can expect good music – in all of their flavors 🙂

12. What’s been your biggest achievement to date and what are your goals for the future?

Eudi: Earning a living from music brings an enormous sense of accomplishment to my life already. Next, my goal is to break through internationally and produce my first full album.

13.  What five tracks are you currently loving the most at the moment?

Welcome To The Jungle (Andrea Oliva Extended Remix) by Thick Dick

1-4 Doctor C’est Chouette (Original Mix) by Laurent Garnier

DJ Hell – Car Car Car (Fango needs a new car remix )

Glutes – Patrice Baumel

Bob Moses – Like it or Not  (Joris Voorn remix)

‘Apex’ is out now via False Face Music, you can purchase the release: here