Brazilian powerhouse DJ Illusionize is blowing up all over the world right now, performing sets at Tomorrowland Brazil, Ultra, and Lollapalooza. His specialty seems to be long sets, as he feels an hour just isn’t enough for the crowd, and we can’t help but agree.
Pedro Mendes, the man behind Illusionize, grew up in the countryside but now is based in Goiana. Over his career, he has become one of the best known Brazilian DJs. He’s got support of Carl Cox, Green Velvet, Claude VonStroke, and even Tale of Us, among others.
His most recent single is a track entitled “House,” which was released shortly after signing to the label Armada Music, and its beat is irresistible. Illusionize spoke to us a little bit about the inspiration behind his newest track and what his day to day life is like.
Congrats on your latest track “House”! Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind it?
“House” was the first track I did in my new studio. It was a very happy day for me, I was really excited to be starting a new journey. That’s how it all came to life and it’s a track that I really like.
You grew up for a large part in the countryside and got your first computer at 18. Would you say that has shaped your sound and the way you approach producing?
In a few senses, yes it did, no doubt there. As it all started for me as a DJ, I developed a good feeling for the dance floor, so this is why all my tracks are much more dance floor oriented.
Can you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind the name “Illusionize”? How did you come up with it?
Actually, it doesn’t have a meaning. It’s a name of a pressed I found in nexus that called my attention. Today, I see there’s a big meaning behind everything I’ve been doing. Something far beyond when I chose the name.
Can you tell us what your day-to-day life is like when you aren’t making music? Do you have any favorite spots in your neighborhood?
I don’t have any specific favorite sorts [laughs], I really like to cook myself and when I got some spare time I play PS4.
You’ve played huge events such as Tomorrowland Brazil, Ultra, and Lollapalooza. Do you have a favorite? Or a crazy festival story?
I love them all. There’s always something crazy that happens in the middle of your set. Hard to point one now, but what frequently happens is someone jumps into the stage and starts running. Also, once I bumped into a couple getting a little too frisky right next to the DJ booth!
Do you have a favorite place to play?
My favorite events tend to be the ones where I get to play the longest sets. The more time I have, the more opportunities I have to take the crowd on a journey. One hour is never enough!
Who are your biggest influences as an artist? Do you have a dream collaboration?
Flume, Chet Faker, Two Feet, Kyle Watson, among others. There’s a lot of collabs I’d like to do, but I do believe I’ll make them happen one day. One by one.
Is there any smaller artists you can’t stop listening to right now? How do you discover new music?
I usually discover them via music portals and my own label. There are so many influences it’s hard to choose one.
What’s in store for 2018?
A lot of things. My new album, a few singles, not to mention my own label Elevation that I can say it’s my masterpiece. 2018 is going to be an amazing year with my first single coming out in December!
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