With tracks released on ‘D-EDGE Records’, ‘Warung Recordings’, his own ‘Nin92wo Records’ and an upcoming EP on ‘Steyoyoke Recordings’, Alex Justino is definitely a name to watch out for and one of the main exponents of Techno in Brazil right now. When We Dip got to sit and talk to him about his music, plans and career so far, as well as the chance to exclusively premiere his next release, coming out October the 10th on his own imprint ‘Nin92wo Records’.

WWD: Can you tell us a little bit about this new studio work?

Alex Justino: ”Crotalus” was a song that did flow very well in the studio. It was made in partnership with Monobloq, during a gig we played together in Goiânia, Brazil. We took the day off to create the main idea of ​​the song and develop its structure. The next day we evolved with details, effects and fine-tuning. The creative process was very interesting because, as nothing was pre-established, the idea appeared and developed naturally. After we finished the job, we sent parts to some producer friends for remixing and the final result was amazing. We will have remixes by Touchtalk, Shake Sofa, Rods Novaes and Wender A.

WWD: You grew up in Goiânia, in the interior of Brazil. How’s the electronic scene there? It is a place that stimulates the development of artists? Does the public appreciate more underground sonorities?

Alex Justino: Yes, I was born and raised in Goiânia. The scene is evolving and public is actually enjoying underground music, becoming more mature and helping develop artists and their proposals. When we talk about House, Techno and its variations locally, I feel completely free to experiment new ideas. In open parties and clubs I can always play anything I like and stuff that I’ve created in studio. It’s just a matter of knowing the right time to drop it.

WWD: What are your earliest musical memories?

Alex Justino: Disco Music, no doubt. At home, my parents have always been very eclectic, but Disco Music has a special place in my memory. I remember parties at home, me in the car with my mom… There was always Disco Music playing. On the other hand, my father’s family is from the northeast of the country and my grandfather always listened to typical music from there, a regional style called ‘Forró’. He always played it at maximum volume as we traveled somewhere or took a walk around. Those were two extremes to which I was exposed in my early life, and I remember it well.

WWD: Which artists would you say have influenced you as a producer?

Alex Justino: It’s always difficult to choose artists, but I really like Depeche Mode. I appreciate everything they’ve done, each song is better than the other, no matter if it’s recorded, played live or in the studio. In the electronic side, I’ve always liked the sound of Oliver Huntemann, and here in Brazil, Gui Boratto has and still greatly influences me.

WWD: You are the creator of ‘Nin92wo’, a label that’s out of the curve in Brazil’s national scene, with a very characteristic identity. Can you tell a bit about this identity and the philosophy of the label?

Alex Justino: In Nin92wo I usually work with artists that share my way of feeling music. We’re not trying to make hits, but create EPs and albums that you listen and see great value in its musical content. That is our main idea. I don’t intend to release tons of artists and music every week, just a few good artists with good music and soul.

WWD: For the new talents of the scene, what does it take to have a track released by Nin92wo? What do you expect when you’re doing A&R?

Alex Justino: Having an identity is critical. We don’t want artists doing more of the same. I want people who translate their feelings through its musical productions. We get a lot of demos that are copies of other works. Authenticity is key. You can create a simple song, but as long as you believe it, it’ll work. If the artist understands this idea, we embrace him/her.

WWD: As a DJ, when you’re preparing for your GIGs… Is there a favorite label, somewhere you like to look for tracks to play, besides of course ‘Nin92wo’?

Alex Justino: ‘Kompakt’ never disappoints! The label releases very good tracks. Most of them are focused on the dancefloor, while others are just very good to listen to and enjoy. There’s always a lot of quality involved.

WWD: What have you been up to lately? Label management, GIGs, productions… What’s taking more of your time?

Alex Justino: I’ve been working hard in the studio, producing new stuff, remixing, and preparing my Live Shows. I try to keep it all connected, making the whole process enjoyable.

WWD: About your leisure time… When you’re not playing or producing, what do you like the most to do? What do you usually do in order to relax?

Alex Justino: When I’m relaxing, I like to try out some adventures in the kitchen… I think there’s an interesting connection between cooking and making music. I also like watching movies and series, gathering some friends to listen to different music. All of these things are always very inspiring. Traveling and experiencing new cultures is also something that I really like!

WWD: What eles have you got on the horizon? What are your next plans?

I’ve some important releases coming up, like an EP on Warung Recordings with two original tracks, and an EP on the German imprint ‘Steyoyoke’.

Follow Alex Justino: facebook.com/alexjustinomusic

Words by Gabriel Gonzalez