Luciano Scheffer [Interview]

With a career that spans the better part of a decade, the Brazilian artist Luciano Scheffer has earned support of Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren, while showcasing his music on Antrim's Or Two Strangers, Droid9, Hope Recordings, onedotsixtwo, Transensations, amongst others. This week finds Luciano returning to DJ Ryan's La Cura de la Semana with a new single 'J's Odyssey'.

Progressive Astronaut caught up with Luciano to learn more about the release of 'J's Odyssey’, nightlife in Brazil , DJing and more. Enjoy.

Hi Luciano, thanks for talking to us today. How has your start to the year been so far and please tell us something interesting about your day today?

Hi my friends, how are you? It’s a pleasure talking to you! My year started with a super party in Florianópolis, during New Year's Eve. After that, at the Carnival, I had the pleasure to share the dj cabin with super Sasha, at the D.EDGE club!

Looking back on 2023 what gigs of yours have stood out and why?

I would definitely highlight my visit to the city of Palmas at the Room Club party, organized by the super talent dj Tonaco and his partners Hassan and Franco and the Brotas Sunset party. What incredible days!

What’s a piece of music (not your own) from 2023 that had the biggest impact on you, and what makes it outstanding for you?

Benja Molina - Erganery, super track!!

Brazil is known for a wealth of electronic music talent. Tell us how living there has impacted the music you make, and your career path into the industry.

Yes, our country is incredibly rich musically. The progressive house scene is becoming more mature every day and with great DJs and producers consolidating themselves in the world, I highlight some names such as Tonaco, Rigooni, André Moret, Gui Milani, Gorkiz, Bianco Vargas, Goraieb, BVision, Yudi Watanabe, Ca Cimino, Isa among many others!

Who were some of the local Brazilian artists and DJs you looked up to early on? And why were you inspired by them?

Certainly Alec Araújo and Goraieb. They are from the first wave of progressive house djs/producers supported by big names. I still admire them today for the great talent and musical knowledge they both have.

If you were a tour-guide for nightlife in Brazil, what would be the clubs you’d take the people to see and what local DJs do they need to hear?

Hre in Brazil I highlight the dance floors of D.EDGE, Surreal, Warung Club, Lake Club and the new parties Aura and Terrace.

You have a new single out on La Cura De La Semana entitled ‘J's Odyssey’, tell us about the release and what sort of vibe you were going for on this track.It’s an interesting track title, is there a story behind it?

Yes, there is a story behind it. I produced this song as a gift for my nephew. His name is João and he is 8 years old. So I named J's Odyssey.

There are also excellent remixes from Weird Sounding Dude and Leo Perez & Dhany G. How much were you involved in the remixer selection and why do you think they were a good fit to re-interpret these tracks?

When Ryan told me that this would be the team of producers that would remix my track, I was very excited, as I'm a big fan of both and I was sure they would make great versions!

Staying briefly on the subject of remixes, when you are offered a remix, what do you look for in a particular project which makes you want to do it?

I listen to the original song several times, trying to understand its essence. I try to feel if I can add something. When the answer is positive, I agree to join the team.

La Cura De La Semana is a label you’ve not released on before, what was it about the label which made you want to release ‘J’s Odyssey’ there?

In fact, I've already released an EP that I did with my friend Goraieb, in "La Cura De La Semana". I know they do a great job with all the artists that release music with them.

As one of Brazil’s most well known progressive house artists and DJs, you’ve had quite a lot of high profile gigs this past couple of years, playing at Cercle Brazil, D.Edge and much more. Please tell us your approach to DJing, and how do you go about programming a set.

It's been a really exciting journey being able to play and meet so many interesting people! I usually study which DJs will play before and after my schedule, to create a flow during all time changes. It is also important to select music according to the time of day. After all, playing at 4pm is different from playing at 3am.

Now that you’ve been on the circuit for a while, how has DJing to larger crowds influence your view of music as a producer?

It's the quest to always deliver something different from what people are used to, something with my DNA.

I always say that having your own style really helps you be seen.

Where do you source the majority of music for your gigs? Is it primarily from producer friends or promo mailouts at this point?

Both. As in Brazil we have many artists consolidating themselves and others emerging, I always try to play some Brazilian songs in my sets, names like Rivvo, Campaner, Matt Oliver, Venão, Mind Echoes and others. And of course, adding to that, the promos that the labels kindly send me. Without them it would be very difficult! Thank you everyone for your trust! 😜

How much prep do you put into the sets you play, or are they spontaneous for the most part? And how does feeling the crowd's energy affect your selections?

As I said, I prepare according to the schedule to know how much energy the songs will need. And I try to read the dance floor, but always following my style, within what I can offer.

If you could set up an event with a line-up of five artists of your choice, who would you book and what set times would you ascribe to the artists?

Hard question, lol. I wouldn't put it in order, but the 5 artists would be Hernan Cattaneo, Guy J, Cid Inc, Nick Warren and Henry Saiz.

Current top five tracks in your sets?

Campaner (BR) - Lucid (Original Mix)

Benja Molina - Erganery

Fran Garay - Mind Behind the Ordeal (Original Mix)

Luciano Scheffer - Sleeping Gods

M.E.T.A.N.O.I.A., QUAZZAR - Atlantic City (Anton Borin Remix)

If you were not a DJ/Producer what do you think you’d be doing with your life? (Something not music related.)

In parallel to being a DJ/producer, I am an interface and website designer. It's something I really enjoy doing because it also involves creativity. And when I was young, I tried to be a football player, I was a goalkeeper.

What’s something we do not know about you?

That I am a fan of São Paulo Futebol Clube. Vamooos São Paulo! 🇾🇪🇾🇪🇾🇪🇾🇪🇾🇪🇾🇪

If you are not DJing, in the studio or socializing at clubs, where do we find you? And doing what?

Whenever possible, I like to go to parties and clubs. I love listening to good music and being on the dance floor listening to good DJs!

What are some of your favorite TV series? Both all time and recently, what have you been enjoying lately?

Lost for sure, Fringe, Better Call Saul, 3 body Problem, Dark, Bodies . I really like science fiction series and time travel.

Apart from music, what makes you happiest?

Play boardgames! My beautiful wife Érica (I love you ❤️) and I have a collection of more than 40 games. It's a new hobby that we discovered during the pandemic.

What does 2024 hold for you? Anything you can share with us?

First, I hope I stay healthy! I have a few more ep's scheduled for the middle of the year. One with the Brazilian label Transensations and the other an ep on the Onedotsixtwo label. In addition to these, I have 2 partnerships with friends Nufffects and Ca Cimino!

I appreciate this space so I can talk a little about myself. I wish everyone good health and be nice to each other.

See you on the dance floor! 😜

'J's Odyssey' is available now via La Cura de la Semana: https://tinyurl.com/3mdennvt